Ina Garten Indonesian Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Indonesian Chicken recipe by Ina Garten delivers bold flavors with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. Juicy, marinated chicken thighs are grilled or roasted to tender perfection, then garnished with fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds. It’s an easy and impressive dish for any weeknight or gathering.

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 (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: 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 to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the chicken is well coated. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Step 3: To cook, choose one of two methods: Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes per side until cooked through, or roast in a preheated 400°F oven for 35–40 minutes, basting occasionally with remaining marinade.
- Step 4: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds for a fresh and nutty garnish. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Use boneless chicken thighs for quicker cooking but adjust time accordingly.
- Swap peanut butter for almond butter if you prefer a different nutty taste or have allergies.
- Add a drizzle of extra lime juice just before serving for a brighter finish.
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 maintain juiciness. The marinade can be saved separately but should not be reheated unless boiled first for safety.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use skinless chicken thighs?
Yes, skinless thighs work well if you prefer less fat, though the skin adds extra flavor and crispiness when cooked.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
While marinating for at least 2 hours is sufficient, soaking overnight enhances the flavors and tenderness further.
PrintIna Garten Indonesian Chicken Recipe
Ina Garten’s Indonesian Chicken recipe features tender, juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, honey, peanut butter, and aromatic spices. The chicken is either grilled or roasted to perfection, then garnished with fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds, delivering a deliciously balanced dish inspired by Indonesian flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Indonesian
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 well combined and smooth.
- Marinate chicken: Place the bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are fully coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Grill or roast: To grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken thighs for 6 to 8 minutes per side, basting occasionally with leftover marinade, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. Alternatively, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast the chicken thighs in a baking dish for 35 to 40 minutes, basting occasionally, until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature 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 immediately and enjoy the vibrant Indonesian-inspired flavors.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Leftover marinade can be boiled and used as a sauce to serve alongside the chicken.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
Keywords: Indonesian chicken, grilled chicken thighs, Ina Garten recipe, peanut butter marinade, soy sauce chicken, easy dinner, Indonesian cuisine

