Bring a twist to the usual fried chicken and treat your taste buds with Ayam Goreng Lengkuas. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, this Indonesian galangal fried chicken will leave you wanting more!

If you’re bored of the same old fried chicken, get ready for a flavor-packed twist from Indonesia. Say hello to Ayam Goreng Lengkuas – crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with warm, fragrant spices. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a treat.

This isn’t your typical fried chicken. Instead of dunking raw chicken into oil, you simmer it first in a delicious mix of galangal, lemongrass, garlic, shallots, and other magical spices. Then, after all the flavor has soaked in, it gets fried to crispy perfection. The result? Golden-brown chicken with a crunchy crust that actually tastes like something special.

My family can’t get enough of this dish – and honestly, I don’t blame them. That mix of aromatic galangal and the citrusy pop from lemongrass makes each bite feel like a tiny celebration. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make with ingredients you probably already have at home.

Wanna try it? I will share Ayam Goreng Lengkuas recipe with you so you can make it at home perfectly.

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Why You Need to Try Ayam Goreng Lengkuas

This dish combines a burst of aromatic flavor to your plate – galangal, lemongrass, garlic, and shallots for an enjoyable dining experience.
If you’re tired of the same old spices, galangal adds an exotic twist to your fried chicken. Galangal gives it a slightly earthy, spicy twist you won’t find in regular fried chicken
The crispy, golden-brown chicken – who can resist it?
You don’t need fancy ingredients – just real, honest spices
It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a party dish
You can make it healthier with a few simple swaps!

Ayam Goreng Ingredients

Chicken drumsticks. 12 pieces
Galangal (Lengkuas). Galangal is the ingredient that makes Ayam Goreng Lengkuas unique from regular fried chicken
Lemongrass. Adds a citrusy, aromatic flavor
Shallots. It brings a sweet and mild onion taste
Garlic, Ginger, White Pepper, and Coriander Powder for enhanced flavor
Turmeric Powder for a warm, golden color
Salt and Sugar to taste (you can skip sugar if you don’t want sweet notes)
Bay leaves and Lime Kaffir leaves. You can use Salam leaves instead of Bay leaves
Oil for deep frying.

How to Cook Ayam Goreng Lengkuas

Saute shallots, garlic, galangal, turmeric, lemongrass, bay leaves, and brown sugar until fragrant.
Add the chicken and let it cook until it changes color.
Pour in the water, tamarind juice, and remaining seasonings. Cover the pot with a lid and let the chicken simmer for about 15 minutes. Then flip the chicken so that all sides get flavored, and cover it with the lid. Let it simmer until most of the water disappears and the chicken is soft – about ten more minutes.
Turn off the heat and set aside.
Take another pot and heat enough cooking oil for deep fry. Once the oil is hot, lay in marinated chicken pieces and fry until golden brown. Flip the chicken halfway through for an even texture. (You can also cook in the air fryer for about 15-20 minutes at 350° F)
Once the chicken is fried, let it chill on a cooling rack to remove excess oil. And you’re done!
Serve with warm rice. Enjoy!

Air fryer crispy chicken

You can cook ayam lengkuas in an air fryer, and they still taste good but are not greasy. Cook for 15-20 minutes at 350° F or until they turn brown and are completely cooked.

Want a Healthier, High-Protein Version?

Skip deep frying – try air-frying or oven-baking the marinated chicken after simmering
Use skinless chicken breast instead of drumsticks for leaner protein
Go light on the oil
Serve with steamed veggies or a side salad for a balanced meal

What to serve with crispy galangal chicken

This crispy chicken is probably one of my favorites because it is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Here are some recipes to pair with this chicken:

Coconut rice. Fragrant nasi lemak for a delicious taste of Indonesia
Garlic fried ric e. A simple but flavorful dish that you’ll want to make every day
Plecing kangkung. Add this salad to add some color and deliciousness
Sambal te rasi. A perfect addition for spicy food lovers!

Storing

This crispy chicken can be prepared in advance and kept in a refrigerator for a few days after the simmering process. I recommend deep-frying the whole (drained) spices/grated galangal and keeping it in an airtight container when ready to eat.

Whether you stick to the classic or go for a lighter twist, Ayam Goreng Lengkuas is seriously worth trying. That crispy edge and deep, comforting flavor? Totally addictive. Fry it, bake it, air-fry it—just don’t skip the galangal. 😋

Ready to spice up your dinner plans? Let’s get cooking!