Ayam Percik
Global • Eggetarian
About Ayam Percik
Grilled chicken with spiced coconut sauce
How to Make Ayam Percik (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Ayam Percik is a beloved Malaysian grilled chicken dish renowned for its tantalizing aroma and signature creamy, spicy coconut sauce. Hailing from the east coast, especially Kelantan and Terengganu, this dish beautifully showcases Malaysia’s multicultural heritage, blending Malay spices, Indian-influenced aromatics, and Chinese culinary techniques. The name 'percik' means 'to splash', referring to the way the chicken is repeatedly basted with santan (coconut milk) sauce as it grills, creating deep, layered flavors. Perfect for iftar during Ramadan or festive family gatherings, Ayam Percik is celebrated for its rich, smoky taste balanced with lemongrass, ginger, and a gentle heat from chilies. The use of fresh, local ingredients like serai (lemongrass), daun pandan (pandan leaf), and kunyit (turmeric) makes this dish uniquely Malaysian. While traditionally indulgent, this recipe offers a healthier twist, keeping all the bold flavors while being mindful of calories and fat content—making it a delicious, guilt-free addition to your Malaysian culinary repertoire.
Ingredients(for 1 grilled chicken thigh with sauce (approx. 180g))
- 2 pieces Chicken thighs (skinless, bone-in) (ayam)
- 1/2 cup Coconut milk (santan)
- 3 Shallots (bawang merah)
- 2 cloves Garlic (bawang putih)
- 2 Fresh red chilies (cili merah)
- 1 stalk Lemongrass (serai, white part only, sliced)
- 1-inch piece Ginger (halia, sliced)
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder (serbuk kunyit)
- 1 Pandan leaf (daun pandan, knotted) - optional
- 1 tsp Palm sugar (gula Melaka, grated)
- 1 tbsp Tamarind juice (air asam jawa)
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Cooking oil (canola or sunflower)
Instructions
- 1
Blend shallots, garlic, red chilies, lemongrass, and ginger into a smooth paste using a little water.
5 minutes
Use a mortar and pestle for a more traditional texture and flavor.
- 2
Marinate chicken thighs with half of the spice paste, turmeric powder, and salt. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
10 minutes
Longer marination (up to 2 hours) enhances flavor penetration.
- 3
In a non-stick pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add remaining spice paste and sauté until fragrant.
3 minutes
Stir continuously to avoid burning the spices.
- 4
Add coconut milk, pandan leaf, palm sugar, and tamarind juice. Simmer gently until sauce thickens slightly. Remove pandan leaf.
5 minutes
Keep heat low to prevent santan from splitting.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This healthy version of Ayam Percik minimizes saturated fats by using skinless chicken and a measured amount of santan. The use of fresh herbs and spices adds flavor without excess oil or sugar, making it ideal for calorie tracking. Grilling instead of deep-frying further reduces unhealthy fats, and the inclusion of natural ingredients helps maintain optimal nutrition, supporting heart and metabolic health.
Ayam Percik is a nutritious dish rich in protein from chicken, beneficial for muscle maintenance. Using skinless chicken and limiting coconut milk reduces saturated fat, while spices like ginger, turmeric, and lemongrass provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Serving with fresh vegetables boosts fiber and micronutrients such as vitamin C and potassium. This health-conscious adaptation is lower in calories and fat, making it suitable for balanced diets.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: For authentic smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill.
- 💡Tip 2: Knotted pandan leaf adds extra aroma—don’t skip it if available.
- 💡Tip 3: Marinate chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
Storage & Serving
Store leftover Ayam Percik in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to prevent drying out.
Best served: Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Sugars | 2.1 g |
| Sodium | 410.0 mg |
| Potassium | 230.0 mg |
| Cholesterol | 38.0 mg |
| Vitamin A | 120.0 IU |
| Vitamin C | 6.0 mg |
| Calcium | 28.0 mg |
| Iron | 0.9 mg |
| Magnesium | 22.0 mg |
| Zinc | 0.7 mg |
| Phosphorus | 95.0 mg |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 IU |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 3.1 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.2 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.2 µg |
| Folate | 9.0 µg |
| Energy | 320.0 kcal |
| Protein | 28.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8.0 g |
| Total Fat | 19.0 g |
| Fiber | 1.0 g |
