Semur Chicken Braised in Indonesian-Spiced Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken slowly braised in a fragrant Indonesian-inspired soy and spice sauce, offering a depth of sweet and savory flavors popular in Australian kitchens. This australian-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes blends bone-in, skin on chicken thighs, vegetable oil, thinly sliced shallots 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 350 calories and feeds 4, 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: 50 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season 6 chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Brown chicken, skin side down, for 5 minutes until golden, then flip and brown the other side for 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium. Add 3 thinly sliced shallots, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cinnamon stick, 2 whole star anise, and 4 whole cloves, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to pot. Add 1/4 cup sweet soy sauce, 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low.
  5. Step 5: Braise chicken gently for 35-40 minutes until tender and sauce has thickened slightly.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves before serving with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Semur Chicken Braised in Indonesian-Spiced Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Semur Chicken Braised in Indonesian-Spiced 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 Semur Chicken Braised in Indonesian-Spiced 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 Semur Chicken Braised in Indonesian-Spiced Sauce 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 Semur Chicken Braised in Indonesian-Spiced 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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