This super seasoned fried turmeric chicken/ayam goreng kunyit recipe is so damn flavorful and so easy to make. Now you won’t have to move to Southeast Asia to get your fix, but it might dye your finger yellow.

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Fried Turmeric Chicken Recipe (Ayam Goreng Kunyit)

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WTF is Fried Turmeric Chicken/Ayam Goreng Kunyit

Ayam goreng kunyit is an Indonesian and Malaysian dish that translates to “Fried Turmeric Chicken”. It’s a popular and flavorful Southeast Asian chicken dish made by marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of turmeric and various other spices, then deep fried until crispy and golden brown. The bold, earthy, peppery turmeric adds a ton of flavor and gives the chicken dish a vibrant yellow color

For our take on the popular dish, we marinate our ayam goreng kunyit with turmeric powder, ground coriander, curry powder, salt, garlic powder, fresh ginger, fresh turmeric, lime juice, sesame oil, and cornstarch. These seasonings create a complex and aromatic flavor profile that makes this dish scream with flavor.

Ayam goreng kunyit is often served with rice and veggies such as carrots and long beans. For our version we use onions, carrots, and red bell pepper. Traditionally, fried turmeric chicken or ayam goreng kunyit is commonly found at family gatherings, street vendors, and restaurants. It’s a beloved dish that showcases the bold and aromatic flavors of Indonesian cuisine. We hope you enjoy our take on this beloved dish.

Fried Turmeric Chicken/Ayam Goreng Kunyit Ingredients

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this Fried Turmeric Chicken (Ayam Goreng Kunyit) Recipe. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding these ingredients at your local supermarket. The hardest ingredient to find may be fresh turmeric, which would be a bummer, but you could substitute for ground turmeric. We like to use both.

• Chicken: For this fried turmeric chicken recipe, we’re dicing the chicken into large cubes to serve in a rice bowl, so boneless chicken breast work best. However, this recipe will work great for whatever piece of chicken you’re frying.
• Turmeric: The name says it all, we like to use fresh and Ground Turmeric Powder for this recipe.
• Fresh Ginger: Grate some fresh ginger for the marinade.
• Oil: Use a neutral oil like Canola to deep fry your fried turmeric chicken.
• Lime Juice: Preferably fresh squeezed, for the marinade.
• Spices: I suppose technically all the spice you need to make fried turmeric chicken is turmeric, but nah; we spice it up with ground coriander, garlic powder, curry powder, salt, and of course ground turmeric.
• Cornstarch: Helps crisp up the Fried Turmeric Chicken (Ayam Goreng Kunyit).
• Sesame Oil: Just a tablespoon or two for the marinade.
• Veggies: Use what you like; carrot, onions, bell peppers, long beans, broccolini.

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Fried Turmeric Chicken/Ayam Goreng Kunyit Equipment

You probally have everything you need to make this recipe, but just in case, here’s a list of all the equipment you need to prepare Fried Turmeric Chicken (Ayam Goreng Kunyit).

• Large Mixing Bowl: For marinating the chicken and mixing the spice blend.
• Plastic Cutting Board and Knife: To cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Don”t use a wooden cutting board to cut raw meat.
• Plastic Wrap or airtight container: To cover and refrigerate the marinating chicken.
• Deep Frying Pan or Wok: For frying the chicken. Make sure it’s deep enough to submerge the chicken pieces in oil.
• Slotted Spoon or Tongs: To safely remove the ayam goreng kunyit from the hot oil.
• Thermometer: To monitor the oil temperature, ensuring it reaches and maintains the ideal frying temperature of 350°F.
• Metal Rack & Paper Towels: To drain excess oil from the fried turmeric chicken/ayam goreng kunyit after removing it from the hot oil.

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How to Make Fried Turmeric Chicken/Ayam Goreng Kunyit

Follow these step by step instructions to make this Fried Turmeric Chicken/Ayam Goreng Kunyit Recipe. It should only take you a few minutes to make the marinade, and 20 minutes or so to fry everything up. Just account for the marinade waiting time, give it at least an hour and up to overnight for optimal flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cleaning and dicing your chicken breasts. Remove any excess fat or undesirable connective tissue. Then tenderize your breasts by stabbing them all over on both sides with a fork. Then dice the chicken breasts into 1 inch cubes. Toss the chicken bites into a large mixing bowl.

Next, prepare the marinade. In the same mixing bowl holding the chicken, directly combine the turmeric powder, ground coriander, curry powder, garlic powder, salt, grated fresh ginger, lime juice, sesame oil, cornstarch, and the grated fresh turmeric. Mix everything together with a spatula to coat the chicken evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or for the best results, marinate overnight. This dish is all about potent flavors and the longer you marinate the better the ayam goreng kunyit!

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat neutral oil, such as canola oil, in a deep frying pan or a wok to 350°F. Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches in order to maintain a consistent oil temperature.

Fry the chicken until it achieves a beautiful golden brown color and a crispy texture. Pieces this size usually only take around 4-5 minutes. Ensure that the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F, or cut one of them in half and check.

Once fried to perfection, use a slotted spoon or tongs to carefully remove the chicken from the oil. Place the ayam goreng kunyit on a plate lined with paper towels to allow excess oil to drain.

Step 3: Sauté Veggies

Use a ladle to scoop a few tablespoons of hot oil into a medium skillet that is being heated on a stovetop over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red bell pepper, carrots, and onions. Sauté until slight charred and tender, 5-7 minutes.

Add the fried chicken (ayam goreng kunyit) into the veggies and stir to incorporate. Sauté everything together for a minute or so.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

Serve the sautéed veggies and fried turmeric chicken/ayam goreng kunyit in a bowl onto of a bed of jasmine rice. Garnish with stemmed cilantro, fried shallots, and a spicy sambal. Enjoy!

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Fried Turmeric Chicken/Ayam Goreng Kunyit & Sambal

Ayam Goreng Kunyit (Fried Turmeric Chicken) pairs wonderfully with sambal, a popular Indonesian chili sauce. There are all kinds of sambal, and the choice depends on your preference for spiciness and flavor. Here are a few common sambal options that would complement the dish:

• Sambal Oelek: This is probably the most common sambal. It’s super versatile, has a spicy tangy flavor, and is an excellent choice to slap on just about everything from eggs to this ayam goreng kunyit. We made our own, check out the recipe here.
• Sambal Terasi: This is another popular Indonesian sambal. This one incorporates terasi or shrimp paste into the chili mixture, adding depth and umami flavor to the spice. Slap it on this ayam goreng kunyit for a sort of surft and turf vibe.
• Sambal Kecap: This sambal combines chili with sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) and often includes seasonings like garlic and lime juice. It a bit sweet and spicy. A solid option to complements ayam goreng kunyit’s.

There are literally hundreds of Sambals out there. Indonesia is made up of over 17 thousand islands, and every region boasts its own distinct flavors. All influenced by factors like local produce, cultural influences, and personal preferences. So try a few and see what you like.

Here’s a fun map of all the different regions of Indonesia and some of its corresponding sambals. Click here.

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Fried Turmeric Chicken/Ayam Goreng Kunyit Leftovers

Leftover Fried Turmeric Chicken can be easily stored, if you actually have any leftover (unlikely). After letting it cool to room temperature, place the remaining chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

You could make a big batch and freeze it. Just store it in a freezer safe container or resealable freezer bags and remove any excess air to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat your Ayam Goreng Kunyit in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F until heated through and crispy.

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More Indonesian Recipes

If you liked this Fried Turmeric Chicken (Ayam Goreng Kunyit) recipe, then check out some more of our Indonesian recipes. Hope you enjoy!

SAVORY Indonesian Chicken & Rice Congee: Bubur Ayam

Sambal Udang: a SPICY Southeast Asian Sensation (Prawn Sambal)

SUCCULENT Beef Brisket & Coconut Milk Soup – Soto Betawi

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