Soy-Free Sambal Chicken
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this flavor-packed Soy-Free Sambal Chicken, a healthier twist on a classic Southeast Asian favorite. This dish combines the bold, spicy kick of sambal oelek with the natural sweetness of brown sugar, brightened by a tangy splash of lime juice for a perfectly balanced sauce. Juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are pan-seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a rich, aromatic base of garlic and ginger to lock in all the delicious flavors. Made without soy, this recipe is perfect for those with dietary restrictions who still want to enjoy the bold, fiery taste of sambal. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a citrusy pop—ideal for pairing with steamed rice or fresh veggies. Ready in just 45 minutes, this dish is a quick yet satisfying option for spice lovers!
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Ingredients
- 8 pieces Chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Coconut oil
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice
- 2 tablespoons Sambal oelek (chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon Brown sugar
- 0.25 cup Water
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 4 wedges Lime wedges
Directions
Step 1
Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Step 2
Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 3
Place the chicken thighs, skin side down, into the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes.
Step 4
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Pour out some of the rendered fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet.
Step 5
Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 6
Stir in lime juice, sambal oelek, brown sugar, and water. Mix well to combine the ingredients into a sauce.
Step 7
Return the chicken to the skillet, skin side up, and spoon the sauce over the chicken. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 8
Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 9
Uncover the skillet, increase the heat slightly, and let the sauce reduce and thicken for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Step 10
Sprinkle the chicken with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1447.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3102.6 |
| Total Fat 215.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 74.9g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g | |
| Cholesterol 1128mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3754.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 26.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 2.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 12.3g | |
| Protein 268.8g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 196.7mg | 0% |
| Iron 11.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3151.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories