Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but bone-in will enhance the flavor.

How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Yes, reduce the number of chili peppers or remove the seeds for a milder version.

Can sweet potatoes be substituted with regular potatoes?

Yes, regular potatoes can be used for a less sweet and more savory mash.

How do I reheat the leftovers?

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out the chicken.

Spicy Balinese Sambal Ayam with Sweet Potato Mash

Name: Spicy Balinese Sambal Ayam with Sweet Potato Mash
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Chicken Thighs; Red Chili Peppers; Shrimp Paste; Shallots; Garlic; Tamarind Paste; Brown Sugar; Salt; Vegetable Oil; Sweet Potatoes; Coconut Milk; Unsalted Butter; Salt and Pepper

A Fiery Indonesian Chicken Delight with a Creamy Twist

Savor the bold and aromatic flavors of Bali with this spicy sambal chicken paired perfectly with a velvety sweet potato mash.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Sambal Ayam

Chicken Thighs

1.5 lbs, bone-in and skin-on

Red Chili Peppers

4, chopped

Shrimp Paste

2 teaspoons

Shallots

2, finely sliced

Garlic

3 cloves, minced

Tamarind Paste

1 tablespoon

Brown Sugar

1 tablespoon

Salt

to taste

Vegetable Oil

3 tablespoons

For the Sweet Potato Mash

Sweet Potatoes

2 large, peeled and cubed

Coconut Milk

1/4 cup

Unsalted Butter

2 tablespoons

Salt and Pepper

to taste

Preparation

Marinating the Chicken

Combine Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with salt and set aside.

Blend Sambal Paste

In a blender, blend the red chili peppers, shrimp paste, shallots, and garlic into a smooth paste.

Ensure the shrimp paste is fully dissolved in the sambal to avoid clumps. If you prefer milder heat, remove the seeds from the chili peppers before blending.

Marinate Chicken

Marinate the chicken with the sambal paste for at least 30 minutes.

Preparing the Sweet Potato Mash

Boil Sweet Potatoes

Boil the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 20 minutes.

Drain and Mash

Drain and mash the sweet potatoes.

Finish Mash

Stir in the coconut milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Cooking Process

Sautéing the Sambal

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat and add the sambal paste. Cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Cooking the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and skin is crisp, about 25 minutes.

Finishing the Mash

Return the mashed sweet potatoes to low heat and stir continuously for a further 5 minutes to heat through.

Plating & Serving