One-Pot Chicken and Pumpkin Semur with Indonesian Spices
A fragrant one-pot chicken stew with tender pumpkin chunks simmered in a rich Indonesian-inspired spiced soy sauce, perfect for cozy dinners. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs cut into chunks skinless chicken thighs, peeled and cubed pumpkin, finely sliced shallots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, cut into chunks skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cups peeled and cubed pumpkin
- 3 finely sliced shallots
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 stick cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- 4 tbsp sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 1.5 cups water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped for garnish fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 3 finely sliced shallots, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger; sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and golden.
- Step 2: Add 1 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 cinnamon stick, and 3 whole cloves; stir for 1 minute to release aromas.
- Step 3: Add 1.5 lbs chicken thigh chunks, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and brown the chicken for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 cups peeled, cubed pumpkin and 4 tbsp sweet soy sauce, then pour in 1.5 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 25-30 minutes until chicken is tender and pumpkin is soft.
- Step 5: Remove the cinnamon stick and cloves, garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and serve hot with steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Chicken and Pumpkin Semur with Indonesian Spices take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Chicken and Pumpkin Semur with Indonesian Spices?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep peeled and cubed pumpkin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Chicken and Pumpkin Semur with Indonesian Spices?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Chicken and Pumpkin Semur with Indonesian Spices for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Chicken and Pumpkin Semur with Indonesian Spices?
Asian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
