Ayam Penyet

Indulge in the bold flavors of Ayam Penyet, a beloved Indonesian dish featuring tender, smashed fried chicken marinated in soy sauce and spiced with fiery bird's eye chilies. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that warms the soul.

• 1 kg whole chicken
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 5 pieces bird's eye chili
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Method

1. 1

   In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the chicken pieces and boil for about 20 minutes until cooked through.

2. 2

   Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool, then marinate the chicken with soy sauce, lime juice, and salt for about 15 minutes.

3. 3

   In a frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 10 minutes.

4. 4

   While the chicken is frying, prepare the sambal by blending the bird's eye chili and garlic together until smooth. Add salt to taste.

5. 5

   Once the chicken is done, place it on a serving plate and use the back of a spoon to gently smash the chicken, this is how it gets its name 'penyet'.

6. 6

   Serve the smashed chicken with sambal on the side and enjoy it with steamed rice or fried tofu.