YT Recipe

The BEST Indonesian Chicken Rendang (Rendang Ayam Resep)

The BEST Indonesian Chicken Rendang (Rendang Ayam Resep) is a medium Indonesian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Yum Lounge on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min

Cost: $12.60 total, $3.15 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 5 Green Chilies (stem removed, roughly chopped)
  • 4 Shallots (peeled)
  • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 1 tsp Coriander Powder
  • 4 cloves Garlic (peeled)
  • 2 tbsp Ginger (peeled and grated)
  • 2 tbsp Galangal (peeled and grated)
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • 1 cup Water (for blending the paste)
  • 0.25 cup Water (for cooking the paste)
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 2 Lemongrass Stalks (bruised and cut into 2‑inch pieces)
  • 400 ml Coconut Milk (full‑fat can)
  • 1 tbsp Palm Sugar (shredded or grated)
  • 1 tsp Salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rendang Paste

    Add green chilies, shallots, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garlic, ginger, galangal and 1 cup of water into a blender. Blend until smooth.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Cook the Paste

    Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the blended paste and 0.25 cup water. Stir and cook for 2‑3 minutes until fragrant.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Add Aromatics

    Add bay leaves to the pot, stir, and cook for another 2‑3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  4. Introduce Lemongrass and Chicken

    Add bruised lemongrass stalks, then add the chicken pieces. Mix well so every piece is coated with the paste.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  5. Partial Cook the Chicken

    Cover the pot and let the chicken cook on low to medium heat until it is about half done, about 10‑12 minutes. Stir occasionally.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: Low to medium heat

  6. Add Coconut Milk, Sugar and Salt

    Stir in the coconut milk, palm sugar, and salt. Mix thoroughly.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Low to medium heat

  7. Simmer Until Thickened

    Reduce heat to low, keep the pot uncovered, and let the sauce simmer until it reduces and thickens, about 15‑20 minutes. Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: Low heat

  8. Finish and Serve

    Remove the lemongrass stalks and bay leaves. Serve the chicken rendang hot over steamed rice.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
12g
Fat
22g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free

Allergens: Coconut

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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The BEST Indonesian Chicken Rendang (Rendang Ayam Resep)

Recipe by Yum Lounge

A fragrant, spicy, and tender Indonesian chicken rendang made with a homemade spice paste, coconut milk, and palm sugar. Perfect served over steamed rice.

MediumIndonesianServes 4

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

Source Video
14m
Prep
40m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 4m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.60
Total cost
$3.15
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Blending a smooth rendang paste
  • • Cooking the paste without burning
  • • Ensuring chicken is fully coated before simmering
  • • Simmering until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken

Safety Warnings

  • • Handle hot oil and boiling coconut milk with care to avoid burns.
  • • Use a sharp knife on a stable cutting board to prevent slips.
  • • Beware of steam when lifting the pot lid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Chicken Rendang originates from West Sumatra and is traditionally a celebratory dish served at festivals and family gatherings. It showcases the Indonesian love for slow‑cooked, richly spiced dishes that preserve meat for long periods.

cultural
Q

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

A

In Padang (West Sumatra) beef is used and the dish is cooked until almost dry. In other regions, chicken or lamb may be used, and the sauce can be left slightly saucy. Some islands add tamarind or kaffir lime leaves for extra tang.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Indonesian Chicken Rendang traditionally served in Indonesia?

A

It is typically served with steamed white rice or coconut rice, accompanied by fresh cucumber slices and sometimes a side of sambal. In ceremonial settings it may be placed on a banana leaf for presentation.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Rendang traditionally associated with in Indonesian culture?

A

Rendang is a staple at wedding feasts, Eid celebrations, and harvest festivals. Its long cooking time symbolizes patience and devotion, making it a dish of honor.

cultural
Q

How does Chicken Rendang fit into the broader Indonesian cuisine tradition?

A

Rendang exemplifies the Indonesian technique of simmering meat in coconut milk and a complex spice blend, a method also seen in dishes like opor and gulai. It reflects the archipelago’s abundant coconut and spice resources.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Indonesian Chicken Rendang versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and palm sugar. Substitutes can be ginger for galangal, lemon zest for lemongrass, and brown sugar for palm sugar without drastically changing the flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What other Indonesian dishes pair well with Chicken Rendang?

A

Serve it alongside nasi uduk (coconut rice), sambal terasi, and a simple urap (vegetable salad with grated coconut). A side of fresh cucumber salad balances the richness.

cultural
Q

What makes Chicken Rendang special or unique in Indonesian cuisine?

A

Its deep, layered flavor comes from the slow reduction of coconut milk with a fragrant spice paste, creating a tender meat that absorbs every spice. The caramelization of palm sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances heat.

cultural
Q

How has Indonesian Chicken Rendang evolved over time in modern Indonesian cooking?

A

Modern cooks often shorten the cooking time by using pressure cookers or pre‑made spice pastes, and some add vegetables like potatoes. However, the core technique of simmering in coconut milk remains unchanged.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include burning the spice paste, over‑cooking the chicken, and not allowing the sauce to reduce enough. Keep the heat moderate, stir frequently, and watch for a thick, glossy sauce.

technical
Q

Why does this Chicken Rendang recipe use palm sugar instead of regular brown sugar?

A

Palm sugar provides a caramel‑like depth and a subtle earthy sweetness that brown sugar cannot fully replicate, preserving the authentic flavor profile of traditional rendang.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes, the dish improves after resting. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk if needed.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Yum Lounge specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Yum Lounge focuses on easy‑to‑follow Asian home‑cooking tutorials, highlighting authentic flavors with simple techniques for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Yum Lounge's approach to Indonesian cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Yum Lounge emphasizes quick, ingredient‑light versions of classic Indonesian dishes, using readily available grocery items while still preserving traditional taste, unlike channels that rely on hard‑to‑find specialty ingredients.

channel
More like this:Indonesian RecipesMain Course RecipesMore by Yum Lounge

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