Description
This Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice is a flavorful Southeast Asian-inspired dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in sweet kecap manis, cooked to a golden brown, and served in a fragrant garlic and ginger broth. Accompanied by steamed rice and fresh cucumber, garnished with wilted spring onions and a touch of sesame, this meal balances sweet, savory, and aromatic elements for a comforting and satisfying experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons kecap manis
- Salt, to taste
- White pepper, to taste
Broth
- 700 ml chicken stock
- 10 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
- 10 slices fresh ginger
Rice and Garnishes
- 500 g cooked rice
- Spring onions (green parts only), sliced
- Cucumber, sliced for garnish
- Sesame oil, for dressing spring onions
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Oil, for sautéing
- Sambal, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: In a saucepan, combine chicken stock, crushed garlic cloves, and fresh ginger slices. Bring to a simmer and let it cook gently to infuse the broth with the aromatic flavors of garlic and ginger.
- Marinate the chicken: Season the boneless chicken thighs with salt and white pepper, then marinate them thoroughly in kecap manis for optimal flavor penetration.
- Sauté spring onions: Heat a small amount of oil in a pan and wilt the green parts of the spring onions until tender. Remove from heat and toss with a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added aroma and texture.
- Cook the chicken: In a frying pan over medium heat, cook the marinated chicken thighs until they develop a golden brown caramelized exterior. Add a small amount of water from the marinade to the pan and allow the sauce to reduce and thicken, coating the chicken beautifully.
- Assemble and serve: Place cooked rice in serving bowls, arrange the caramelised chicken on top, and ladle some garlic ginger broth over it. Garnish with fresh cucumber slices, the prepared spring onion mixture, and a spoonful of sambal if desired for heat.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sambal to control the spiciness level.
- Kecap manis is a sweet soy sauce crucial for authentic flavor; substitute with a mix of soy sauce and brown sugar if needed.
- For a healthier option, use skinless, boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs.
- Make sure to cook the garlic and ginger in the broth gently to avoid bitterness.
- Leftover broth can be used as a light soup or base for other recipes.
