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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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Spicy Chicken Rendang recipe

Recipe by Nomadette Eats

A rich, spicy Malay chicken rendang made with a fragrant homemade spice paste, coconut butter, and coconut cream. This version is slightly saucier than the traditional dry rendang, perfect for serving over rice or with flatbread.

MediumMalayServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
5m
Prep
1h 5m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 20m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$26.86
Total cost
$6.72
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Soaking dried chilies properly ensures they rehydrate and blend smoothly.
  • Blending all aromatics into a fine paste is essential for the authentic texture.
  • Sautéing the paste until dry prevents a watery sauce later.
  • Simmering long enough allows the chicken to become tender and the sauce to thicken.
  • Adding coconut butter at the end gives the signature nutty flavor and gritty texture.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter; use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Blending hot ingredients can create steam pressure—let the mixture cool slightly before sealing the blender lid.
  • Handle fresh chilies with gloves if you have sensitive skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Rendang in Malay cuisine?

A

Chicken Rendang originates from the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra and spread throughout Malay‑speaking regions. It is traditionally a celebratory dish served at weddings, festivals, and communal gatherings, symbolizing hospitality and abundance.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Rendang in Malay and Indonesian cuisine?

A

In Malaysia, rendang is often made with beef and cooked until completely dry, while Indonesian versions may use chicken, add toasted coconut (kerisik), and retain a bit of sauce. Some regions add tamarind or palm sugar for extra depth.

cultural
Q

How is Chicken Rendang traditionally served in Malay households?

A

It is typically served hot alongside steamed white rice, nasi lemak, or with flatbreads such as roti canai. It may also be accompanied by a simple cucumber salad to balance the richness.

cultural
Q

During which occasions is Chicken Rendang traditionally prepared in Malay culture?

A

Rendang is a staple at Hari Raya (Eid), wedding feasts, and other festive celebrations, where its long cooking time symbolizes patience and devotion.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Malay Chicken Rendang versus common substitutes?

A

Key authentic ingredients include galangal, lemongrass, coconut butter (kerisik), and dried chilies. Substitutes like ginger for galangal or chili paste for dried chilies work, but they slightly alter the classic flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What other Malay dishes pair well with Chicken Rendang?

A

Pair it with nasi lemak, coconut rice, acar (pickled vegetables), or a fresh ulam‑salad of herbs. A side of sambal belacan adds extra heat and contrast.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Rendang?

A

Common errors include burning the spice paste, letting the sauce dry out before the chicken is tender, and skipping the coconut butter which gives the signature nutty texture. Keep the heat low and stir frequently.

technical
Q

Why does this Chicken Rendang recipe use garam masala as a shortcut instead of individual spices?

A

Garam masala provides a balanced blend of cumin, coriander, and fennel, replicating the traditional spice mix while simplifying the ingredient list for home cooks who may not have each spice on hand.

technical
Q

Can I make Chicken Rendang ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, rendang improves in flavor after resting. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Chicken Rendang is done?

A

The sauce should be thick, glossy, and coat each piece of chicken without being overly dry. The coconut butter will give a slightly gritty, nutty sheen, and the chicken should be tender and easily pull apart.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Nomadette Eats specialize in?

A

Nomadette Eats focuses on adventurous, globally‑inspired home cooking, often highlighting Southeast Asian street foods and traditional family recipes with clear step‑by‑step tutorials.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Nomadette Eats' approach to Malay cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Nomadette Eats emphasizes authentic flavor foundations, such as making fresh spice pastes and using traditional ingredients like kerisik, while also offering practical shortcuts for busy home cooks, setting it apart from channels that rely on pre‑made sauces.

channel

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