In this post, we’re diving headfirst into some of my absolute favourite Singaporean and Malaysian chicken recipes that deserve a place in your weeknight rotation and your weekend showstoppers. From spicy sambal vibes to velvety soy-rich stews, braise yourself! See what I did there?
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Weeknight Spicy Chicken
When the day’s been long and your patience is hanging by a thread, this dish is your lifesaver. It’s spicy, speedy, and doesn’t require a whole spice cabinet. Think juicy chicken thighs coated in a fiery, aromatic sambal-style sauce that comes together quicker than you can scroll through Deliveroo.
Incidentally, this is one of my most popular recipes on Instagram.
I love it for so many reasons:
- Quick enough for a Tuesday (and Wednesday, Thursday… )
- Big flavour with minimal fuss
- Goes beautifully with rice, roti, or straight from the pan, if we’re honest
Chicken Rendang
The Queen of Malaysian curries (because beef rendang is the King). Rich, luxurious and deeply spiced, chicken rendang is the kind of dish that says, “I can cook, thank you very much.” It’s slow-cooked to tender, caramelised perfection, with coconut milk, toasted spices, and lemongrass doing the heavy lifting.
Top tip: Make extra. It tastes even better the next day. And the one after that.
Perfect for:
- Dinner parties
- Comfort food cravings
- Showing off just a little
Ayam Masak Kicap (Soy Sauce Chicken)
Sweet, salty and absolutely moreish, ayam masak kicap is what you make when you want something warming but not wild. The chicken is simmered in a dark soy sauce gravy infused with onions, ginger and the perfect hint of spice.
Why you’ll love it:
- Because the kids will absolutely love it
- Pairs like a dream with plain old steamed jasmine rice
- A local classic that never goes out of style
Ayam Buah Keluak
Right, this one’s for the flavour chasers. Ayam buah keluak is a deep, earthy Peranakan masterpiece featuring the unique buah keluak nut, which brings an umami-rich, almost truffle-like depth to the dish. It’s bold, complex and unforgettable.
Heads up: The buah keluak needs a bit of prep, but the result? So worth it.
Best for:
- Weekend feasts
- Impressing foodie mates
- Those who like their food with a side of mystery
Ayam Masak Merah
Back to something easy, with no pesky ingredients! A true Malay crowd-pleaser, ayam masak merah (literally “red-cooked chicken”) is chicken simmered in a rich, spicy tomato-based sauce.
It may be red but it’s not spicy at all, with just the right amount of tangy thanks to the blend of tomatoes and aromatics. The chicken is usually fried first for that gorgeous golden crust before it’s braised to perfection in the sauce.
You want to try this because:
- The sauce is pure flavour magic and addictive
- Works just as well with nasi lemak or plain white rice
- A festive favourite that’s just as good for weeknights
In a (Coconut) Shell…
If you’ve never cooked Malaysian chicken before, start now. These five dishes show off the dazzling diversity of the cuisine—from speedy midweek saviours to slow-simmered feasts. So whether you’re here for heat, heart or heritage, there’s something on this list that’s ready to become your new go-to.
And let’s be real, once you try one, you’ll want them all. Go on, give the takeaway a night off.
Let me know what you think when you make them.
Lin xx
ps: if you need a photo for Pinterest:
