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Simple chicken gulai is more than just a common home-cooked meal; it embodies the rich warmth of Indonesian spices in every spoonful. With readily available ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, this recipe delivers a perfect blend of spicy flavors and creamy coconut milk, ideal for lunch or special occasions.

Simple Chicken Gulai Recipe

Simple chicken gulai is more than just a common home-cooked meal; it embodies the rich warmth of Indonesian spices in every spoonful.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings: 4
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole Olagud free-range chicken cut into 10 pieces
  • 500 ml thick coconut milk
  • 1 liter water
  • 3 kaffir lime leaves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 stalk lemongrass bruised
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal bruised
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil for sautéing
  • Ground Spices:
  • 8 shallots
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 5 large red chilies remove seeds if less heat is desired
  • 3 candlenuts roasted
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric lightly charred
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • Salt and sugar to taste

Equipment

  • big pan / sauce pan

Method
 

  1. Thoroughly wash the chicken pieces, then rub with a little salt and lime juice. Let stand for 15 minutes, then rinse again. This helps reduce any gamey odor.
  2. Heat oil in a large wok or pot. Sauté the ground spices along with the lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and bay leaves until fragrant and the spices are thoroughly cooked.
  3. Add the chicken pieces to the sautéed spices. Stir until the chicken changes color and is evenly coated with the seasoning. Pour in the water and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes, or until the chicken becomes tender.
  4. Once the water has reduced and the chicken is tender, slowly pour in the coconut milk, stirring continuously to prevent it from curdling. Reduce the heat and cook until the sauce thickens and releases its oils. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. The chicken gulai is ready to be served hot with steamed rice, sambal, and simple accompaniments like cucumber slices or basil leaves.

Notes

Chicken Choice: Opt for probiotic broiler chicken or super free-range chicken for faster cooking times and tender meat texture.