Elegant Ina Garten Indonesian Chicken Recipe

Savor Ina Garten’s Exotic Indonesian Chicken Recipe Tonight

Sizzling aromas of spices and herbs dance through the kitchen with this incredible Indonesian chicken recipe that promises to transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Jakarta.

Ina Garten’s culinary magic shines through every succulent bite of this delectable dish.

Tender chicken pieces marinate in a symphony of bold flavors, infusing each morsel with depth and complexity.

The blend of traditional Indonesian spices creates a mouthwatering experience that will make your taste buds tingle with excitement.

Rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying, this recipe transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a gourmet adventure.

Gather your ingredients and get ready to embark on a flavor journey that will become an instant favorite at your dinner table.

What You’ll Use for Ina Garten Indonesian Chicken

For Marinade and Flavor Boosters:
  • Ginger Root: Adds a zesty, warming kick that brings authentic Indonesian depth to the chicken.
  • Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic base that intensifies the overall flavor profile.
  • Soy Sauce: Delivers a rich, umami saltiness that tenderizes and seasons the meat.
  • Honey: Creates a glossy, caramelizing glaze that balances the savory elements with subtle sweetness.
For Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Select bone-in, skin-on pieces for maximum moisture and rich flavor development during slow cooking.
For Cooking Preparation:
  • Aluminum Foil: Essential for sealing in moisture and creating an even marinating environment in the refrigerator.

Utensils You’ll Need for Ina Garten Indonesian Chicken

  • Small saucepan: Perfect for melting honey and mixing sauce ingredients gently.
  • Shallow baking pan: Ideal for marinating and cooking chicken evenly.
  • Aluminum foil: Essential for covering the pan during marinating and initial baking.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure soy sauce and honey.
  • Sharp knife: Needed to check chicken doneness and cut ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and coating chicken.
  • Meat thermometer (optional): Confirms chicken is fully cooked.

Cook Through Ina Garten Indonesian Chicken Step-by-Step

Cook Through Ina Garten Indonesian Chicken Step-by-Step
  • Flavor Infusion

Combine ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and honey in a saucepan, gently warming until ingredients meld together into a fragrant marinade.

  • Chicken Preparation

Transfer the silky sauce over chicken pieces, ensuring each morsel is generously coated. Arrange in a single layer within a baking pan, then securely wrap with aluminum foil. Allow flavors to develop overnight in the refrigerator.

  • Oven Transformation

Preheat the oven to a steady 350 degrees. Slide the marinated chicken into the warm environment, letting it slowly cook for half an hour.

  • Final Searing

Uncover the pan, flip chicken pieces so the skin faces upward. Increase oven temperature to 375 degrees, continuing to cook for another 30 minutes. Watch for deep caramelization and tender meat that easily separates when tested with a knife.

  • Serving Moment

Remove from oven and let chicken rest briefly. The result will be a glossy, rich mahogany-colored dish bursting with complex Indonesian-inspired flavors, perfect for a memorable meal.

Ideas to Spice Up Ina Garten Indonesian Chicken

Ideas to Spice Up Ina Garten Indonesian Chicken
  • Let the chicken soak in the flavorful sauce overnight to ensure maximum taste absorption and tenderness throughout every bite.
  • Add red pepper flakes or sambal oelek to the marinade for those who enjoy a spicier kick without overwhelming the delicate Indonesian-inspired flavor profile.
  • Swap chicken with tofu, salmon, or pork to create exciting variations while maintaining the recipe's core marinade and cooking technique.
  • Pat chicken skin completely dry before marinating and ensure the final 30 minutes of uncovered baking creates a gorgeous caramelized exterior with irresistible golden-brown edges.
  • Store any remaining chicken in an airtight container for up to three days, and reheat gently to preserve the sauce's rich, complex flavors and prevent meat from drying out.

Tips for Serving Ina Garten Indonesian Chicken at Dinner

  • Pair with Steamed Rice: Serve the succulent Indonesian chicken over fluffy white rice to soak up the rich, caramelized sauce and create a complete meal.
  • Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions on top to add a bright, fresh contrast to the deep, sweet-savory flavors of the chicken.
  • Create a Colorful Side Salad: Prepare a light cucumber and carrot salad with a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness of the marinated chicken and provide a crisp, refreshing accompaniment.
  • Add Roasted Vegetables: Roast some seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli alongside the chicken to round out the meal with extra nutrition and color.

Refrigerating Ina Garten Indonesian Chicken the Right Way

  • Maximize Freshness: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freeze Smart: Wrap individual chicken portions in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. These sealed packages will maintain quality for 2-3 months.
  • Reheat Safely: Warm refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350°F, covering with foil to retain moisture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
  • Prep Ahead: Marinate chicken the night before cooking to enhance flavor depth. Mix sauce ingredients in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing ingredients to meld together for a more intense taste profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 650 kcal

Servings: 4

Print
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Elegant Ina Garten Indonesian Chicken Recipe

Elegant Ina Garten Indonesian Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Indonesian chicken delivers a symphony of robust spices and tangy marinades from Southeast Asian kitchens. Garlic, ginger, and soy sauce combine to create an irresistible dish that promises rich, complex flavors you won’t forget.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 chickens (3.5 pounds each), quartered, backs removed
  • ½ cup ginger root, peeled and grated
  • ¼ cup garlic (8 to 12 cloves), minced
  • 1 cup honey
  • ¾ cup soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Marinade Preparation: Gently simmer ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and honey in a saucepan until ingredients meld into a harmonious, glossy mixture.
  2. Chicken Coating: Thoroughly massage marinade into chicken pieces, ensuring comprehensive and even coverage across all surfaces.
  3. Marination Process: Layer chicken in a shallow baking pan, skin-side down, then encase tightly with aluminum foil. Refrigerate overnight to allow deep flavor infusion and tenderization.
  4. Temperature Adjustment: Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes prior to cooking, letting it approach room temperature for uniform heat absorption.
  5. Initial Roasting: Position oven rack centrally and preheat to 350°F. Bake covered chicken for 30 minutes, allowing slow, gentle cooking that preserves moisture and develops complex flavors.
  6. Final Caramelization: Uncover the pan, flip chicken skin-side up, and elevate oven temperature to 375°F. Continue roasting for an additional 30 minutes until skin transforms into a rich, burnished brown and meat reaches perfect tenderness, with marinade reducing to an intensely flavored, glossy glaze.

Notes

  • Marinate Overnight: Let chicken soak in marinade for maximum flavor absorption and tenderizing effect.
  • Room Temperature Trick: Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and consistent cooking.
  • Skin Placement Strategy: Start baking with skin-side down, then flip to achieve crispy, caramelized exterior during final cooking stage.
  • Moisture Sealing Technique: Use aluminum foil to trap moisture, creating a steamy environment that keeps chicken juicy and infuses deep flavor throughout cooking process.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Indonesian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 1500 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 90 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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