Nasi Kuning Ayam Bakar Kecap [ Yellow Rice and Sweet Grilled Chicken ]

When I was a child, I rarely have birthday cake on my birthday but I always had a good plate of Nasi Kuning served with variety of my prefered side dish; such as Ayam Bakar Jawa. My mom only cook this dish on special events and that made this very memorable. I thought it takes a lot to make this dish but it is actually surprisingly easy!!



The Rice:
2 Cups (500 ml) of rice
3 Cups 750 ml) of water
1½ Tbsp (22.5 ml) Chicken Broth powder
1 Tsp (5 ml) Turmeric powder
2 Bay leaves
2 Lemongrass (bruised)
2 Kaffir Lime Leaves (remove the middle rib)

Put all the ingredients in and start the rice cooker. Just like cooking normal rice, but you need to stir the rice once in awhile to make sure everything is mixed properly.

The Chicken: 
1 kg Chicken (± 4 pieces of complete thighs)
3 Tbsp (45 ml) Lime Juice

Paste:
3 Shallots
2 garlic
2 candle nut
¼ Tsp Turmeric
¼ Tsp Salt
1 Tsp (5ml) Galangal
1 Lemongrass (bruised)
2 Kaffir Lime Leaves (remove the middle rib)
1 Tsp (5 ml)Ginger
2 Tbsp (30 ml)Kecap Manis
3 Tbsp  (45 ml) Oil
2 cups (500 ml) water

Sauce to brush the chicken:
2 Tbsp (30 ml)melted butter
4 Tbsp (60 ml) Kecap manis

1. Marinate the chicken in lime juice for about 30 minutes.
2. Saute the pasted ingredients until fragrant.
3. Rinse chicken and put it in the paste previously made
4. Add water
5. Let it cook until the chicken is well done, around 30 minutes
6. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the butter sauce
7. Once the chicken is ready, drain it and put aside
8. Brush the chicken with the sauce evenly and put it on the grill
9. Turn the chicken and brush it again with the sauce. Since the chicken is already cooked inside, you don't need to grill it too long, just to give it nice golden crisp on the outside.

PS: Take your time and explore your imagination in serving the plate. Slice some tomatoes and cucumber to put on the plate. Sambal Oelek as condiment will perfect the dish.

Happy cooking!