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Indonesian Chicken Stew

Serves 4 to 6 Entree chicken, Poultry

Indonesian Chicken Stew

Indonesian Chicken Stew, a beloved staple often found on home tables, captures the essence of Indonesian comfort cooking. This version, passed down and perfected in family kitchens, is not bound to a specific occasion but is an everyday dish, prepared with care and shared with loved ones. It's the kind of meal that finds its way to the table when the weather cools or when a simple, hearty dish is desired.

The stew is a symphony of tender chicken thighs, softened onions, and a generous touch of olive oil, all harmonized with just the right sprinkle of fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. The result is a rich, savory broth that envelops the chicken, creating a dish that feels both familiar and deeply satisfying. It invites you to savor each bite, reflecting the warmth and generosity of Indonesian home cooking.

Ingredients

  • 800 gchicken thighs
  • 1onion
  • 2 tbspolive oil
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Pat the 800 g chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season them generously with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pot. Brown them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they develop a deep golden color and the skin is crispy. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  2. Peel and finely chop 1 onion. In the same pot, add the chopped onion to the remaining oil and chicken drippings. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and tender, about 5 minutes. The onion should be soft and fragrant, with a slight golden hue.
  3. Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them among the onions. If there is any chicken juice on the plate, pour it back into the pot. Cover the pot partially with a lid, allowing some steam to escape, and reduce the heat to low. Let the chicken stew gently, absorbing the flavors, for about 20-25 minutes. The chicken should be tender and cooked through, with juices running clear when pierced.
  4. If the sauce seems too thin, increase the heat slightly and let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed. The sauce should be rich and flavorful, coating the back of a spoon.
  5. Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, over the stew just before serving. Serve the Indonesian Chicken Stew hot, accompanied by steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce. Enjoy the meal family-style, sharing the warmth and flavors of Indonesian home cooking.
Cover of Authentic Indonesian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Indonesian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Indonesian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Indonesian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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