Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can , but thighs (or drumsticks) stay juicier and handle roasting/grilling better. If you use breasts, keep a close eye so they don’t dry out.

Can I make Ina Garten Indonesian Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Marinate the chicken the night before, then cook the next day. It’s one of those meals that makes you feel wildly organized.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days . The flavors get even better the next day—like a delicious encore.

You can freeze the chicken in the marinade (uncooked) in a freezer bag for up to 2–3 months . Thaw in the fridge overnight, then cook as directed.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

You can use a mild vinegar (like apple cider vinegar) in a pinch. The flavor will shift slightly, but it’ll still be tasty.

Ina Garten Indonesian Chicken: Irresistible 30-Minute Magic

Description

Ina Garten Indonesian Chicken is a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy chicken dish made with a rich soy-honey peanut marinade. The chicken is marinated for deep flavor, then grilled or roasted until caramelized and juicy. Finished with fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds, this easy recipe delivers bold Indonesian-inspired flavor with simple pantry ingredients—perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons peanut butter
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, peanut butter, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and lime juice until smooth.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Grilling Method:
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, until fully cooked and lightly charred.

Roasting Method:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange chicken on a baking sheet and roast for 35–40 minutes, basting occasionally with marinade, until golden and cooked through.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Transfer chicken to a serving plate and sprinkle with fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Marinating overnight gives the chicken deeper flavor and tenderness.

If grilling, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Serve with steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or roasted vegetables.

Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilling / Roasting
Cuisine: Indonesian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
Calories: 380 kcal
Sugar: 11 g
Sodium: 980 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 135 mg