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Indonesian Yellow Grilled Chicken Legs

Turmeric, chiles and ginger are used to make this fragrant, bright yellow curry paste for grilled chicken. They are popular flavours in Indonesian cooking.
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 30 min

Ingredients

4 cloves garlic
¼ cup shallots, chopped
¼ cup red hot chili peppers, chopped
2 tbsp ginger, fresh
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp lime zest
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp turmeric, ground
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
4 skinless chicken legs and back, (about 250 g each)

Food Safety

Before you start, wash all surfaces and your hands with soap and warm water, and remember to wash your hands, utensils and cutting boards after they touch raw meat or eggs. Avoid cross-contamination by using a different cutting board for your meat and other ingredients. Make sure you’re cooking to safe temperatures and chilling any leftovers within two hours. For more food safety tips, visit our Food Safety at Home Section.

Steps

  1. Peel the garlic and shallots. Chop shallots to measure and add both to the bowl of a food processor.

  2. Cut the chili peppers in half. Chop to measure and add to the bowl of the food processor. Scoop out the seeds if you don't like too much heat.

  3. Next add fresh ginger followed by the oil, fresh lime peel (zest), lime juice, turmeric, salt and freshly ground black pepper. Process to a fine paste. Add a bit more oil if it is too thick to help process down to a smooth texture.

  4. Add paste to a small skillet and sauté over medium heat. Stir and sauté until fragrant and lightly browned. Turn off heat and allow to cool.

  5. Use a sharp knife to separate legs into thigh and drumstick portions by cutting through at the joint. Add chicken pieces to a re-sealable plastic bag. Use hands to massage the yellow curry paste into the chicken. Place in refrigerator and chill for at least four hours and preferably overnight.

  6. Preheat grill over medium-high setting. Remove chicken from bag and place on top shelf and close. Use a brush to coat chicken with some of the remaining paste in the bag. Grill chicken over medium-high heat for 15 minutes per side and until cooked through and a thermometer registers 165°F (74°C).

Helpful Tip

Serve with fragrant jasmine rice.

Nutrition Info

Per 290 g serving Amount
Calories400
Protein48 g
Fat20 g
Saturated Fat4 g
Carbohydrate5 g
Fibre1 g
Sugar1 g
Cholesterol200 mg
Sodium370 mg
Per 290 g serving % Daily Value
Potassium21
Calcium4
Iron15
Vitamin A8
Vitamin C45
Vitamin B654
Vitamin B1245
Folate15
Zinc57