Nasi Lemak Chicken Recipe | Turmeric Chicken | Ayam Kunyit | Healthier | Oven Baked, Not Fried

Grilled Turmeric Chicken Wings

Turmeric has recently become a super food in the West, as several compounds in turmeric have been found to support our health. The most well-known active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

It has also become a very ‘hipster’ ingredient, with cafes in Melbourne and London adding turmeric powder/root to teas and coffees. However, this spice, which belongs to the ginger family, has been used as a core ingredient in South East Asian and Indian curries, and a medicinal herb for thousands of years. In India, turmeric is used as part of Ayurvedic medicine, a form of traditional healing.

On its own, turmeric doesn’t taste very nice.. but mix it with other spices, and you will get a yummy treat. This recipe I have shared here is best eaten with Nasi Lemak (coconut rice) or on its own (if you are on a low carb diet)!

Typically, nasi lemak is served with a curry or deep fried chicken. However, this is a healthier alternative, which does not require you to stand over a hot stove of boiling oil! Thinking about the clean up 😆 I personally am not a big fan of deep frying unless absolutely necessary!

You just put the marinated chicken in the oven and it will be ready in a jiffy! This is always a hit at parties! The recipe is below:

Nasi lemak chicken recipe Marinate 1kg chicken wings or drummets overnight with the following ingredients:

1 1/2 tbsp curry powder

1 1/2 tbsp turmeric powder (serbuk kunyit)

1 1/2 tbsp lemongrass (serai)

1 tsp ground coriander (ketumbar)

1 tsp chilli powder

1/2 tsp aniseed (jintan manis)

1/2 tsp fennel (or cumin seeds – jintan putih)

1 tbsp minced garlic (optional)

1 1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp of chicken stock powder (for added taste) 3 sprigs curry leaves

*Note: Drizzle 2-3 tbsp of canola or coconut oil over the marinated chicken to make it moist

Cover porcelain bowl and refrigerate overnight

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180c

2. Line with baking paper/foil

3. Put chicken on the tray (If you are using foil, you will need to grease the foil with oil)

4. When the oven is ready, put in the chicken for 15-20 mins

5. Remove tray to turn over the chicken (add more oil if needed)

6. Bake for another 20 mins

7. Let it cool and enjoy with coconut rice or by itself!

* be careful when using hands, as your finger nails will turn yellow 🙂