Indonesian cuisine is renowned for its bold flavours, aromatic spices, and vibrant culinary traditions. Among the myriad of dishes that grace the archipelago’s dining tables, Indonesian Crazy Chili Chicken stands out as a tantalizing favourite that captures the essence of Indonesia’s rich gastronomic heritage. This dish, known locally as “Ayam Rica-Rica,” is a fiery and flavourful chicken dish that showcases the vibrant flavours of chili peppers, aromatic herbs, and zesty lime.
At the heart of Crazy Chili Chicken is the marriage of succulent chicken pieces with a spicy, fragrant chili paste. The chicken is typically marinated in a mixture of ground spices, such as shallots, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and turmeric. Finally adding a fiery red chilies for an extra kick makes this an amazing marinade. This marinade infuses the chicken with depths of flavour, resulting in tender juicy meat bursting with aromatic spices and heat.
Once marinated, the chicken is then pan-fried or grilled until golden brown and cooked through, allowing the flavours to meld and intensify. As the chicken sizzles in the pan, the tantalizing aroma of chili peppers, garlic, and herbs fills the air, whetting appetites and igniting the senses.
What sets Crazy Chili Chicken apart is its signature chili paste, known as “rica-rica.” It’s made by blending together red chili peppers, shallots, garlic, ginger, and lime leaves. This fiery paste adds depth and complexity, infusing it with a spicy, tangy flavour that lingers on the palate.
Indonesian Crazy Chili Chicken is often served with steamed rice or alongside traditional side dishes such as “sambal,” a spicy chili condiment, and “kerupuk,” crispy prawn crackers. Accordingly, the combination of tender chicken, spicy chili paste, and aromatic spices creates a harmonious symphony of flavours that delights the taste buds and transports diners to the bustling streets of Indonesia.
Beyond its delicious taste, Indonesian Chili Chicken also offers a host of health benefits. Chili peppers are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and capsaicin, which is known for its metabolism-boosting properties and potential health benefits. Additionally, the lean protein from the chicken provides essential nutrients for muscle growth and repair.
Indonesian Crazy Chili Chicken is a culinary masterpiece that embodies the bold flavours and vibrant spices of Indonesian cuisine. Serve as a hearty spicy meal with family and friends or on your own. Whichever, this fiery dish invites diners on a culinary adventure through the exotic flavours of the Indonesian archipelago.
Basically Crazy Chili Chicken is one word – amazing. The flavour is strong without melting your tongue with moist tender chicken in a crunchy coating. This Indonesian main dish or side dish is easy to make and ready within 20 minutes. Served on a bed of rice for a filling quick main meal. There are a few cheats, I have used sweet chilli sauce or Siracha if I don’t have chillies. Also, I have used precooked rice to save time.
Crazy Chili Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts skinless and boneless
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 medium red pepper cored and sliced
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper cored and sliced
- 4 large scallions chopped
- 1 large eggs free range
- 100 g flour
- 200 g cooked rice
For the Sauce
- 1 large red chilli deseeded/finely slice
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato puree paste
- 100 ml water
- 3 cloves garlic peel/crush
Instructions
- Cut the boneless, skinless chicken into strips and season with salt and pepper.2 large chicken breasts, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper
- Break the egg into a small dish and gently whisk. Add the flour into a second dish.1 large eggs, 100 g flour
- Place a pan over a high heat and add the oil.
- Coat the chicken strips in the egg wash and then into the flour and carefully lower into the hot pan.
- Do this in batches to prevent sticking and splashes.
- Shallow fry for a few minutes on each side until lovely and golden brown.
- Add the red and green peppers and continue to fry for a few minutes until they start to soften.1 medium red pepper, 1 medium yellow bell pepper
- Remove the chicken and peppers and put to one side for now.
- Using the same pan, add the soy sauce, chili, garlic, tomato paste/puree and the water.1 large red chilli, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp tomato puree, 100 ml water, 3 cloves garlic
- Reduce the heat to a simmer stirring constantly until the sauce is reduces in volume and thickens. It should be ;ovely and thick.
- Add the chicken and peppers back to the pan and combine well.
- Sprinkle with the chopped scallions for that extra bit of colour and texture.4 large scallions
- Serve you Crazy Chili Chicken with rice for a superb main course.200 g cooked rice
60 comments
It had a delightful crunch that paired wonderfully with steamed rice
Crazy chili chicken is full of flavour and textures its hard to resist.
Deep flavors that warmed me up on a chilly evening
Perfectly balanced and full of flavour.
Made it for a small dinner party, and everyone asked for seconds.
Quick, easy, and delicious — exactly what I needed on a busy night.
The first time I made this, I was shocked at how restaurant-like it tasted.
Absolutely delicious with a bold spicy kick and tender chicken that melts in your mouth
The chili marinade really infused the chicken with a punch of flavor
The scallions on top add a nice crunch and freshness.
It struck a great balance between spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes
I can’t get enough of this crazy chilli sauce!
My husband said it’s the best stir-fry I’ve ever made.
One of the best chili chicken variations I’ve tried with unforgettable flavor
My go-to spicy chicken recipe now, everyone loves it.
Perfect amount of heat to impress spice lovers without being overwhelming
This dish blew me away — spicy, saucy, and utterly addictive.
The crispy chicken strips were golden perfection, so satisfying.
Crispy chicken, soft peppers, and a sauce that hits all the right notes.
Crazy Chili Chicken is now officially my signature stir-fry.
A restaurant-style dish made right at home with fantastic results
The texture was incredible crisp on the outside but soft and succulent inside
Easy to make yet tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen
The sauce is rich, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy.
I added a few extra chillies for more heat, turned out perfect.
Bold and fiery but balanced with just the right amount of sweetness
The spicy sauce clung beautifully to every piece of chicken
My family couldn’t stop praising the juicy chicken and smoky chili sauce
Just enough spice to make it exciting, not overwhelming.
Loved how quick it was to cook, and cleanup was easy too.
Loved the mix of aromatic spices that elevated the whole dish
Each bite packed juicy chicken coated in a vibrant chili glaze
Made this on a whim, and it turned into one of the best meals I’ve cooked this month!
Such a satisfying meal with layers of taste and texture
The sauce was rich and complex with a satisfying spicy finish
So easy to make, yet the flavours are restaurant-quality.
Perfect balance of garlic, chilli, and soy — so moreish!
So flavoursome, I’ll definitely be making this again soon.
Every bite bursts with flavour — definitely living up to its name.
My kids usually avoid spicy food, but they devoured this.
The chili intensity was addictive and kept me going back for bite after bite
Made it for dinner and my friends couldn’t stop complimenting it.
A fun twist on classic chili chicken that brought real depth and richness to the dish
This dish delivered serious flavor and a warmth that lingered in the best way
The perfect weeknight meal that feels special without too much effort.
The heat level was perfect and the balance of chili and savory flavors kept me coming back for more
Crispy, saucy, colourful — every bite is a treat.
Love the balance of heat and sweetness — really tasty!
I’ll definitely make this again for friends and family gatherings
A crowd-pleaser that disappeared within minutes of serving
The red and yellow peppers really brighten the dish.
Served with rice it became an instant weeknight favorite
Simple ingredients, bold flavours — this is a winner.
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside — love the texture.
Simple but exciting — a rare combination.
The aroma alone was enough to make everyone hungry before it even hit the table
Could easily be adapted with different vegetables, very versatile.
Loved how colourful it looked on the plate, almost too pretty to eat!
Perfect over rice, and it makes enough to have leftovers.
I loved how the spices danced on my palate without overpowering the natural chicken taste