Sambal Olek on chicken is not a marinade. It is a statement. Three tablespoons mixed with soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, vegetable oil, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Rubbed over one and a half pounds of boneless chicken thighs and marinated for at least fifteen minutes. Grilled six to seven minutes per side until charred and cooked through. These are the grilled chicken thighs I keep coming back to all summer long.
The sambal does not hide behind the other ingredients. It is the first thing you taste, hot and bright with chili. The soy sauce and brown sugar balance the heat without dulling it. The lime juice cuts in at the end. These are chicken thighs that announce themselves, and they taste better the longer you let them marinate.
Tips for Making Spicy Grilled Sambal Chicken
Marinate for at least fifteen minutes, longer is better
Combine the sambal, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, oil, garlic powder, and ginger powder in a bowl. Coat the chicken thighs and refrigerate. 
Fifteen minutes is the minimum. An hour is better. Overnight is best. The chicken absorbs more flavour as it sits.
Grill over medium-high heat and do not move too soon
Place the chicken on a preheated grill and leave it alone for six to seven minutes before flipping. Moving it too early tears the surface and you lose the char.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. The juices redistribute and the meat stays tender.
Spicy Grilled Sambal Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
This Indonesian-style, Spicy Grilled Sambal Chicken is juicy and tender, full of great flavor, and can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons Sambal Olek
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix Sambal Olek, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, vegetable oil, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
- Add chicken thighs to the marinade and coat well. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Remove from grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Indonesian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 25
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sambal Olek?
An Indonesian chili paste made from ground red chili peppers, vinegar, and salt. It is widely available in the Asian foods section. Huy Fong makes a common version.
How spicy is this?
Three tablespoons of sambal for one and a half pounds of chicken is medium-hot. Reduce to two tablespoons for milder heat or increase to four for a serious kick.
Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, but thighs are juicier and more forgiving on the grill. Breasts dry out faster and need closer attention. Pound them to even thickness for consistent cooking.
