Spicy Chicken Rendang recipe
Spicy Chicken Rendang recipe is a medium Malay recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Nomadette Eats on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 50 min | Total: 1 hr 35 min
Cost: $26.86 total, $6.72 per serving
Ingredients
- 5 pieces Fresh Red Chilies (seeded and roughly chopped)
- 5 pieces Dried Red Chilies (soaked in boiling water for 10 minutes, then drained)
- 4 pieces Shallots (peeled and roughly chopped)
- 4 pieces Garlic Cloves (peeled)
- 2 stalks Lemongrass Stalks (white part only, finely sliced)
- 1 inch Ginger (peeled and chopped)
- 1 inch Galangal (Blue Ginger) (peeled and chopped; can substitute equal amount ginger)
- 1 tsp Garam Masala (store‑bought blend; replaces fennel, cumin, coriander)
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder (ground; fresh turmeric can be used)
- 0.5 cup Water (for blending) (helps create a smooth paste)
- 1 kg Chicken Thighs (bone‑in, skinless) (cut into bite‑size pieces)
- 2 tbsp Coconut Butter (Karisik) (solid coconut butter, adds nutty texture)
- 200 g Coconut Cream (can substitute with full‑fat coconut milk)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for sautéing)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Sugar (balances heat)
- 0.5 cup Water (additional) (added at the end for a slightly saucy finish)
Instructions
Prepare Dried Chilies
Place dried chilies in a bowl, pour boiling water over them, and let soak for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Time: PT10M
Make Spice Paste
Combine fresh chilies, soaked dried chilies, shallots, garlic, sliced lemongrass, chopped ginger, chopped galangal, garam masala, turmeric powder, and 0.5 cup water in a blender. Blend until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Spice Base
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over low heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté, stirring frequently, until most of the added water evaporates and the paste looks dry (about 5 minutes).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Low heat
Add Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the pan, stirring to coat them evenly with the spice paste. Cook for 5 minutes until the chicken starts to turn opaque.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Incorporate Coconut Cream
Pour in the coconut cream (or coconut milk) and stir. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium‑high heat
Simmer
Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let the rendang simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Halfway through, check the liquid level; if it looks too dry, add 1 cup of water.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: Low heat
Finish with Coconut Butter and Seasonings
Stir in the coconut butter, salt, sugar, and an additional 0.5 cup water for a slightly saucy finish. Cook for another 5 minutes until the butter melts and the sauce coats the chicken.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Low heat
Rest and Serve
Remove the pan from heat and let the rendang rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot over steamed rice or with flatbread.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 10 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑free, Dairy‑free, Paleo-friendly, Keto-friendly
Allergens: Coconut
Last updated: April 20, 2026






