Ayam Bakar Kecap (Javanese Grilled Chicken with Sweet Soy)

Ingredients

• 450 g chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 120 ml sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 small shallot
• 1 tbsp brown sugar(optional)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp neutral oil
• 0.25 tsp salt(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep (15 minutes): Pat chicken dry. Mince garlic and shallot. In a bowl, mix kecap manis, lime juice, minced garlic, minced shallot, black pepper, and (if using) brown sugar and salt. Add chicken and coat well.

2. 2

   Cook (20 minutes): Heat oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken in the pan and cook 8–10 minutes per side (or until cooked through), brushing with the remaining marinade as it reduces and turns sticky.

3. 3

   Finish: Reduce heat to medium and cook 1–2 more minutes, turning once, until the glaze is thick and clings to the chicken. Rest 3 minutes before serving.