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Sweet and Spicy Chicken Recipe
Ben Carraoli

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Recipe

When I first made this Sweet & Spicy Chicken, I couldn't believe how quickly it turned into one of my favorite dishes. The combination of sweet soy sauce, tangy lime, and spicy sambal is nothing short of magical. It’s a simple recipe, but the flavor it brings to the table is impressive!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Dinner
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 500 gr. Ayam Chicken: Fresh chicken works best, cut into pieces for easy grilling and marinating.
  • 5 bh. Bawang putih Garlic, haluskan (crushed): Garlic adds a rich depth of flavor that complements the sweetness and spiciness.
  • 1 bh. Jeruk nipis Lime: Fresh lime juice helps tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy, refreshing flavor.
  • Marinade Sauce:
  • 3 sdm. Kecap manis Sweet Soy Sauce: Adds sweetness and depth to the chicken, making it caramelize beautifully when cooked.
  • 1 sdm. Kecap inggris Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory umami taste to balance the sweetness.
  • 1-2 sdm. Saos sambal Chili Sauce, sesuai selera (to taste): For a spicy kick, adjust the amount of sambal based on your heat preference.
  • 1/2 sdt. Merica Pepper: Adds a subtle heat to the marinade, balancing the flavors.
  • 1 sdm. Minyak wijen Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and richness to the marinade.
  • 1 sdm. Gula Sugar: Balances out the saltiness and enhances the caramelization during grilling.
  • Garam & kaldu bubuk Salt & broth powder secukupnya (to taste): Season to your preference for the perfect flavor balance.

Method
 

  1. Start by washing the chicken thoroughly. You want to make sure it’s clean and free from any impurities. After washing, rub the chicken pieces with fresh lime juice and crushed garlic. The lime will help tenderize the meat, while the garlic will infuse a strong flavor. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes to marinate before applying the sauce.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine the kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), kecap inggris (Worcestershire sauce), sambal (chili sauce), merica (pepper), minyak wijen (sesame oil), and gula (sugar). Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated, ensuring the sugar dissolves. Season with salt and broth powder to taste. This marinade is both sweet and savory, with a spicy kick depending on how much sambal you add.
  3. Pour the marinade over the prepared chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to soak in. You can also marinate the chicken for a longer time if you want a deeper flavor profile, ideally in the fridge.
  4. Heat your grill or grilling pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken pieces onto the grill. Grill the chicken for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking on all sides. The chicken should be golden brown and fully cooked, with a slightly crispy exterior from the caramelized marinade.