Name: Ina Garten Indonesian Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: Indonesian
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; ½ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup honey; 2 tbsp peanut butter; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp grated ginger; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp ground coriander; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tbsp sesame oil; 2 tbsp lime juice; ¼ cup chopped cilantro; 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Indonesian Chicken recipe by Ina Garten offers a flavorful blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes with a hint of spice. Perfectly marinated and grilled or roasted, the chicken is tender and richly coated in a delicious peanut and soy sauce mixture. It’s a simple yet impressive dish for any weeknight or gathering.

The image shows a white plate with four thick, shiny pieces of grilled chicken thighs that are deep golden brown with char marks and a glossy glaze. The chicken is sprinkled with white sesame seeds and chopped green herbs, placed close together in the center of the plate with some sauce pooling underneath. Behind it, there are three white bowls: one filled with fluffy white rice, another with bright green cooked bok choy and cucumber slices, and the last one holding light brown crispy noodles. There are also two lime wedges placed near the plate. The setting includes a wooden table surface and a blue cloth napkin next to a silver spoon. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
½ cup soy sauce
¼ cup honey
2 tbsp peanut butter
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp grated ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground coriander
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp lime juice
¼ cup chopped cilantro (garnish)
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, peanut butter, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, red pepper flakes (if using), sesame oil, and lime juice until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the chicken is well coated, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
Step 3: To cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the chicken thighs for 6 to 8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is crispy. Alternatively, roast the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F for 35 to 40 minutes, basting occasionally with the leftover marinade.
Step 4: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving plate and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy the bold flavors.

Tips & Variations

If you prefer a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.
Use natural creamy peanut butter for a smoother marinade texture.
For more depth, add a splash of coconut milk to the marinade.
If grilling, keep the lid closed to retain moisture and speed cooking.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain the chicken’s tenderness and prevent drying out. The marinade can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 2 days but avoid using marinade that touched raw chicken for dipping or serving.

How to Serve

The image shows several pieces of cooked chicken thighs placed closely together on a white plate, each with a shiny, golden-brown glaze that looks sticky and caramelized. The chicken skin has a slightly crispy texture with some darker char marks adding depth. Each piece is topped with small green parsley leaves and sprinkled with white sesame seeds, giving a fresh contrast to the rich color of the chicken. The white plate sits on a white marbled textured surface, enhancing the warm tones of the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well. Adjust cooking time to about 5–6 minutes per side on the grill or 25–30 minutes in the oven until fully cooked.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?

While marinating overnight intensifies the flavor, a minimum of 2 hours will still result in a tasty dish.