How to Cook Chicken to Be Tender and Delicious with Just 1 Magical Ingredient

Kapanlagi.com - Who doesn't know about stewed chicken? This cooking technique has become a favorite throughout Indonesia and is truly unparalleled. By boiling chicken in a rich spice mixture, you'll achieve chicken that is tender, fragrant, and full of flavor. However, we often face issues like tough chicken meat or spices that don't infuse well.

Don't worry! KapanLagi.com has summarized tips from various sources, Tuesday (11/3/2025) on how to make delicious and tender stewed chicken. Before we dive into the steps, it's important to understand several factors that can affect the final result of stewed chicken, such as the quality of the chicken used, cooking duration, and the techniques applied. Let's check out the complete explanation below!

1. Why Can Ungkep Chicken Be Tough? Here Are the Common Causes

Want your ungkep chicken to be tender and juicy? Make sure to choose fresh chicken, as chicken that has been stored in the fridge for too long tends to have a tough texture. Additionally, the duration of the ungkep process is crucial; too short a time means the spices won't penetrate, while too long can dry out the meat. Don't forget, the heat level is also important—too high heat will cook the outer part faster, leaving the inside undercooked. Lastly, don't overlook the acidic component in the ungkep spices, as a lack of this ingredient can result in tough meat. By paying attention to these details, you can create the perfect ungkep chicken!

2. Simple Food Hack: Tamarind Water for Tender Ungkep Chicken

Delicious ungkep chicken can be even more perfect with a touch of tamarind water! Besides providing extra tenderness to the chicken meat by breaking down its fibers, tamarind water is also effective in eliminating the fishy smell that often bothers, making the taste of ungkep chicken fresher and more appetizing. Not only that, the presence of the distinctive sour taste from tamarind water creates a perfect blend between the savory meat and spices, making each bite even more tempting.

3. Recipe for Chicken Ungkep with Tamarind Water, Guaranteed Tasty and Tender!

Here are the steps to make tamarind chicken ungkep:

1. Take a fresh chicken and rub it with lime juice to add freshness.
2. Prepare bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, and finely ground spices.
3. Sauté the spices until fragrant, then add the chicken along with two tablespoons of tamarind water, palm sugar, and salt.
4. Simmer the chicken until the spices are perfectly absorbed.

4. The Right Ungkep Technique: Duration and Ideal Temperature

When cooking chicken ungkep, there are several key tricks to ensure the result is delicious and the meat is tender. Make sure to simmer the chicken for 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. A perfectly cooked chicken is indicated by meat that easily separates from the bone. However, remember not to stir too often, so the texture of the meat remains intact and does not crumble. By paying attention to these details, you will achieve a mouthwatering chicken ungkep!

5. Tips for Frying Ungkep Chicken to Make the Skin Crispy, but Not Dry

To achieve crispy and appetizing ungkep chicken, there are several tricks to keep in mind.

1. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying, so the chicken skin can transform into perfectly crispy.
2. Fry the chicken until it turns golden yellow and ensure it is cooked evenly.
3. Don't forget to let the chicken cool for a moment before putting it into the hot oil; this step will make the skin even crispier and more delicious.

6. Storing Ungkep Chicken: To Keep It Fresh and Delicious

Want to store ungkep chicken to keep it delicious and fresh? Follow these tips:

• Make sure the chicken is completely cool before storing to avoid spoilage.
• Use an airtight container or ziplock bag to maintain its quality. If you plan to consume it soon, store it in the refrigerator, where ungkep chicken can last for 2-3 days. However, if you want it to last longer, store it in the freezer, which can keep it fresh for up to a month—make sure to freeze it in small portions for easy access.
• When you want to reheat it, if from the refrigerator, just steam it briefly or fry it in hot oil to keep it savory. If from the freezer, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before reheating to avoid toughness. Alternatively, use an air fryer or oven at 150°C for 10-15 minutes to get crispy chicken without much oil!

(kpl/lfz)