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Sweet Soy Garlic Chicken (Kecap Manis Glaze)

Kecap manis is one of those ingredients that makes everything better. This thick, palm sugar-sweetened soy is the backbone of Indonesian cooking — and when you reduce it down with garlic and a little heat, it becomes one of the most addictive glazes you'll ever put on chicken.

Keep it simple. Let the sauce do the talking.

Servings
2-3
Prep Time
10
mins
Cook Time
20
mins
Ingredients
9
Total Time
30
mins

Pantry bits

  • Kecap manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce)
  • Soy sauce
  • Rice vinegar

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
  • 3 tbsp kecap manis
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 2 spring onions (sliced)
  • 1 red chilli (sliced, optional)
  • Salt and white pepper

Instructions

  1. Score and season
  2. Lightly score the chicken thighs and season with salt and white pepper.
  3. Sear the chicken
  4. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high. Sear chicken skin-side down for 6–7 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 4 minutes.
  5. Make the glaze
  6. Mix kecap manis, soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar together in a small bowl.
  7. Glaze and reduce
  8. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Reduce heat to medium and let it bubble, turning the chicken every 30 seconds to coat. Cook for 3–4 minutes until thick, sticky, and glossy.
  9. Serve
  10. Scatter spring onion and sliced chilli over the top. Serve with steamed rice.

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Notes:

‍

  • Kecap manis (ABC or Bango are solid brands) is the hero — don't sub it with regular soy
  • The sauce reduces fast at the end — don't walk away from the pan
  • Add 1 tsp sambal for extra heat

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Other recipes

Japanese Butter Shoyu Rice
Oyakodon (Japanese Chicken & Egg Rice Bowl)
Mapo Tofu-recipe
Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐)

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