Ina Garten Indonesian Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Indonesian Chicken recipe from Ina Garten combines bold flavors like soy, honey, peanut butter, and fragrant spices to create a deliciously rich marinade. Whether grilled or roasted, the chicken turns out tender and flavorful, perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (garnish)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the marinade by whisking together soy sauce, honey, peanut butter, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, red pepper flakes (if using), sesame oil, and lime juice until smooth.
- Step 2: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
- Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grill the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or roast in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, basting occasionally with leftover marinade for extra moisture and flavor.
- Step 4: Once cooked through and nicely browned, transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a creamier texture, add a tablespoon of coconut milk to the marinade.
- If you prefer a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken drumsticks or boneless thighs if desired.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the meat. The marinade can also be refrigerated separately for up to 3 days but should be discarded if it has come into contact with raw chicken juices.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without peanut butter?
Yes, you can omit the peanut butter for a nut-free version. The marinade will still be flavorful, though it may lose a bit of its creamy texture and nutty depth.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
While marinating overnight allows the flavors to fully penetrate the chicken, a minimum of 2 hours will still give you a tasty result if you’re short on time.
Print
Ina Garten Indonesian Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Ina Garten’s Indonesian Chicken recipe features juicy, marinated bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs infused with a flavorful blend of soy sauce, honey, peanut butter, and aromatic spices. The chicken is either grilled or roasted to perfection, resulting in a deliciously savory and slightly sweet dish perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Marinade
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Garnish
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, peanut butter, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, red pepper flakes (if using), sesame oil, and lime juice until fully combined and smooth.
- Marinate chicken: Place the bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs into a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Grill or roast: If grilling, preheat grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken thighs for 6 to 8 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred. If roasting, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, basting occasionally with leftover marinade to keep the chicken moist and flavorful. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving platter and sprinkle generously with chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, Indonesian-inspired flavors.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the depth of flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Red pepper flakes can be adjusted or omitted based on your preferred spice level.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Roasting is a convenient alternative if grilling is not possible, yielding similarly flavorful results.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Indonesian
Keywords: Ina Garten, Indonesian chicken, grilled chicken, chicken thighs, peanut sauce chicken, honey soy chicken, easy dinner recipe

