One-Pot Semur Chicken with Indonesian-Spiced Soy Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken slow-simmered in a rich, sweet soy and spice sauce inspired by Indonesian Semur, delivering deep caramelized flavors in one pot. This australian-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes blends (about 1.2 kg) bone-in chicken thighs, thinly sliced shallots, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 Australian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs and brown on both sides for 5-6 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 4 thinly sliced shallots and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/3 cup sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 whole star anise, and 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg. Cook for 2 minutes to combine flavors.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken thighs to the pot and pour in 1 cup water. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 30-35 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce is thickened.
  5. Step 5: Remove star anise, adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Semur Chicken with Indonesian-Spiced Soy Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover One-Pot Semur Chicken with Indonesian-Spiced Soy Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Semur Chicken with Indonesian-Spiced Soy Sauce?

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 Semur Chicken with Indonesian-Spiced Soy Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Semur Chicken with Indonesian-Spiced Soy Sauce?

Australian 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.

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