Farah J. Eats

Foods of my culture, experiences and cravings.

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipes
    • Search By Ingredients
      • Beef
      • Poultry
      • Egg
      • Noodles & Pasta
      • Rice
      • Seafood
      • Veggie
    • Dinner
    • Popular Recipes
    • Quick Meals
  • Contact

Explore

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipes
    • Search By Ingredients
      • Beef
      • Poultry
      • Egg
      • Noodles & Pasta
      • Rice
      • Seafood
      • Veggie
    • Dinner
    • Popular Recipes
    • Quick Meals
  • Contact

Connect

· March 20, 2023

Soy Sauce Chicken (Ayam Masak Kicap)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This Soy Sauce Chicken, or Ayam Masak Kicap, is delicious on its own, but tastes even better when paired with rice. Fried chicken simmered in a perfectly balanced sweet, savory, and spicy sauce.

*This post may contain affiliate links which helps bring you delicious recipes for free.

easy malaysian recipe ayam masak kicap soy sauce chicken air fryer fried chicken

The month of Ramadan is fast approaching. Just like last year, I’ll be sharing a list of recipes for dishes that I always associate with the month.

From my family’s favorite main course meals for iftar or buka puasa (that is, the meal when you break your fast), to simple and quick sahur or suhoor (the morning meal before dawn and fasting for the day) recipes. Stay tuned for the Ramadan 2023 series.

To kick things off, here’s a recipe for one of my favorite chicken dishes–ayam masak kicap.

Sweet Soy Sauce Chicken (Ayam Masak Kicap) Recipe

“Ayam masak kicap” literally translates to “soy sauce cooked chicken”. It’s a simple yet hearty dish of fried chicken simmered in a savory and slightly sweet sauce.

The name of the dish itself highlights the star ingredient, which is (that’s right) soy sauce! Or more specifically, sweet soy sauce (aka kicap manis/kecap manis).

It’s a popular dish that can be found in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, though it can be prepared in a myriad of ways according to regional tastes or one’s own preferences. For instance, some might prefer a more watery sauce consistency, while others would favor a thicker option.

However, after years of making this comfort food at home, I’ve perfected a simplified version of the dish without the need for certain pastes such as tamarind (asam jawa). But even with minimal ingredients in the sauce, you’ll still get to enjoy a wonderful meal that’s packed with flavor.

easy malaysian recipe ayam masak kicap soy sauce chicken air fryer fried chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need

(For full ingredient measurements, please proceed to the recipe card below.)

  • Chicken: Cut into smaller pieces. I just used chicken wings.
  • Salt
  • Turmeric powder
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Chili pepper (optional)

Sauce

  • Sweet soy sauce
  • Light soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Water
  • Curry powder (optional)
  • Rice vinegar

how to make soy sauce chicken (ayam masak kicap)

  1. In a bowl, season the chicken with turmeric powder and salt. Air fry the chicken by batches for 375 F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  2. Mix all the ingredients for the sauce.
  3. Over medium high heat, sauté sliced onions in a bit of oil until translucent. Add chili pepper and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds before pouring the sauce.
  4. Once the sauce starts simmering, add the chicken and let it continue cooking for a few more minutes then turn off heat.
  5. Serve while hot with white rice. Enjoy!
easy malaysian recipe ayam masak kicap soy sauce chicken air fryer fried chicken

notes for soy sauce chicken (ayam masak kicap)

Deep fry or air fry chicken?

Traditionally, the chicken is deep fried but air frying is my choice for this because it gets you the same results and is healthier.

Sauce consistency

If you don’t like as much sauce, feel free to let it simmer for longer so the sauce reduces in volume and becomes slightly thicker.

How to add potatoes?

Some recipes add potatoes but I like to keep it simple. If you want to add it, cut it into wedges or your desired shape and season it like the chicken and air fry/fry. Add it to the sauce together with the chicken or once you turn off the heat if you don’t like soggy potatoes. 

easy malaysian recipe ayam masak kicap soy sauce chicken air fryer fried chicken

More Chicken Recipes

  • Malaysian Chicken Chop
  • Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
  • Malaysian Chicken Curry (Kari Ayam)
  • Ayam Geprek (Smashed Fried Chicken)
  • Chinese Crispy Lemon Chicken

Follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest for more updates!

easy malaysian recipe ayam masak kicap soy sauce chicken air fryer fried chicken

Soy Sauce Chicken (Ayam Masak Kicap)

No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian, Malaysian
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 – 2 lbs chicken cut into smaller pieces, I just used chicken wings
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 onion sliced
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 chili pepper sliced – optional

Sauce

  • 1/4 cup sweet soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tsp curry powder optional
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, season the chicken with turmeric powder and salt. Air fry the chicken by batches for 375 F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Mix all the ingredients for the sauce.
  • Over medium high heat, sauté sliced onions in a bit of oil until translucent. Add chili pepper and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds before pouring the sauce.
  • Once the sauce starts simmering, add the chicken and let it continue cooking for a few more minutes then turn off heat.
  • Serve while hot with white rice. Enjoy!

Notes

*There are so many versions of ayam masak kicap. This version is an easy and child friendly version that I often make.
*Traditionally, the chicken is deep fried but air frying is my choice for this because it gets you the same results and is healthier.
*If you don’t like as much sauce, feel free to let it simmer for longer so the sauce reduces in volume and becomes slightly thicker.
*Some recipes add potatoes but I like to keep it simple. If you want to add it, cut it into wedges or your desired shape and season it like the chicken and air fry/fry. Add it to the sauce together with the chicken or once you turn off the heat if you don’t like soggy potatoes.
Keyword air fryer chicken, chicken, easy, easy asian recipe, kicap, Malaysian, simple, simple recipe, soy sauce
Did you try this recipe?I would love to know how it went! Please leave a rating, comment down below, or tag me on Instagram @FarahJEats.

Other recipes you'll like:

Malaysian-Style Soy Sauce Eggs (Telur Masak Kicap) easy malaysian chicken curry kari ayamMalaysian Chicken Curry (Kari Ayam) ayam geprek air fryer malaysia indonesia easyAyam Geprek (Smashed Fried Chicken)
Fried King Oyster Mushroom Bites (Vegan)
Cookie Dough Baked Oats

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




About Photo
A 20-something year old dreamer sharing foods of her culture, experiences and cravings.

Get on the List

CATEGORIES

  • Popular Recipes
  • Malaysian Recipes
  • Quick Meals
  • Ramadan 2022 Series
  • Ramadan 2023 Series
The best pizza in the city where pizza was invente The best pizza in the city where pizza was invented @farahjeats 🍕 
📍Pizzeria Da Michele, Naples, Italy 
📍 Pizzeria D’angeli, Naples, Italy
We got pizza from one of the oldest pizzerias in Naples, Italy and it didn’t disappoint. We got there right when it opened and there was already a line. We ended up getting the pizzas to-go and ate it on the hood of our rental car. Each box of pizza was only €5 and we got every item on the menu (it was only a 4 item menu anyway 😂). While waiting in line, the smell of the wood fired pizza was sooo good we were so hungry by the time we got our orders. We got pizzas from across the street too just to compare. There was no line at that restaurant and you could easily get a table. It was a little bit more expensive per pizza but still affordable. Both pizzas were delicious! Still dreaming about it till this day 🥲
Fun fact: Eat, Pray, Love was filmed at Pizzeria Da Michele!
#pizza #italy #travel #foodie #foodblogger
Mee Goreng (stir fried noodles) @farahjeats Mee Mee Goreng (stir fried noodles) @farahjeats 
Mee (mie) goreng, a quick and easy stir fried noodles recipe that’s great for lunch or dinner. Popular in Malaysia and neighboring countries like Indonesia and Singapore— with each country having their own version of it. Chewy noodles infused with spicy, tangy and savory flavors, and ready within 30 minutes!
This is definitely not an authentic recipe but a simplified version that my mother-in-law makes often and now a recipe that I make quite a lot for a quick breakfast using ingredients easily accessible to us here. It definitely hits the spot! Feel free to add protein of your choice to this dish or just add a fried egg on top! 
I’ll work on an authentic Malaysian mee goreng recipe and share soon ☺️
#easyrecipes #noodle #noodlerecipe #easynoodles #easybreakfast #asianfood #foodie #foodblogger
Easy Crispy Coconut Shrimp @farahjeats The etern Easy Crispy Coconut Shrimp @farahjeats 
The eternal crowd-pleaser! Battered shrimp topped with coconut panko mixture that’s fried until golden brown. Serve with a side of sweet chili sauce.
I like making this myself at home so I can eat as many of it as I can 😂 it’s so easy to make too! You have to try it.
#easyrecipes #shrimp #seafood #crispy #foodie #foodblogger #appetizers #simplerecipes
Spicy Cheesy Udon @farahjeats Enjoy this creamy Spicy Cheesy Udon @farahjeats 
Enjoy this creamy Spicy Cheesy Udon Noodles. An easy 10-minute recipe that’s perfect for any meal!
Google “cheesy udon farahjeats” for the recipe or head to my website 💛
#easyrecipes #quickmeals #noodlerecipe #cheese #foodie #foodblogger
Crispy Crab Sticks (Air Fried) @farahjeats Repos Crispy Crab Sticks (Air Fried) @farahjeats 
Repost because some people said there was no audio yesterday 🥲
Try these Crispy Air Fried Crab Stick Crackers for size. A classic snack that could almost always be seen during Chinese New Year festivities in Malaysia. All you need are some crab sticks, a bit of seasoning, and a few tablespoons of oil!
This is such an easy and addictive snack. I always have to make a lot if I’m sharing because I tend to finish the first batch all by myself 😂
#easyrecipes #easysnack #simplerecipes #airfryer #crabstick #foodie #foodblogger #snackideas
Steamed Egg with Soy Garlic Sauce @farahjeats A Steamed Egg with Soy Garlic Sauce @farahjeats 
A quick and easy Steamed Eggs with Soy Garlic Sauce recipe for a hearty, comforting meal. Especially when paired with hot white rice. Soft and silken eggs drizzled with a savory soy garlic sauce.
Inspired by the classic Chinese steamed egg.
For the full recipe just google “steamed egg farahjeats” or head to my bl0g.
#easyrecipes #asianrecipes #eggrecipes #simplerecipes #foodie #foodblogger
10-Minutes Chili Oil Instant Noodles @farahjeats 10-Minutes Chili Oil Instant Noodles @farahjeats 
Save and share this! If you’re big fans of garlic and spice, try upgrading your instant ramen with this 10-minute recipe! 
This is my take on the once viral food trend and it is so good. If you ever feel like having broth-less instant ramen or just a different way of eating it, give this a try! 
I used Shin Ramyun but Mama instant noodles are so good for this too!
#easyrecipes #noodles #foodhacks #foodtrend #quickrecipes #simplerecipes #foodie #foodblogger
Ramadan recipe #21 Rendang Ayam (Dry Chicken Cocon Ramadan recipe #21 Rendang Ayam (Dry Chicken Coconut Curry) @farahjeats 
Save and share this flavorful and delicious recipe!
Ending my Ramadan series with one of the best dishes. This is a dish that’s traditionally served during Eid/Raya in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. Every family usually has their own version of this. It’s usually served with nasi impit (cubed rice), lemang or pulut kuning (turmeric glutinous rice) but also just as good with white rice. 
Making this is a truly a labor of love especially when you make big batches. It can take hours! Families will cook this the night before Eid so the dish will be ready in time for the big celebration. The whole house will usually smell like rendang when this is made and honestly, one of the best smells that reminds me of such great and fond memories. 
This month just flew by— thanks so much for tuning in. I’ll be back with my usual twice a week recipes starting next week 💛
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipes
  • Ingredients
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 Farah J. Eats · Developed by RDK