High Protein Family Friendly

Healthy Ayam Penyet

A lighter take on Ayam Penyet made with baked or air-fried chicken, fresh sambal, vegetables and a sensible portion of white rice for a more balanced meal.

Written by KnowvaLife June 8, 2026 8 min read
Share:
Healthy Ayam Penyet with chicken, sambal, rice and vegetables
i

Medical Disclaimer: This recipe and its nutrition information are provided for general educational purposes only. Individual nutritional needs can differ. If you have a medical condition, food allergy or specific dietary requirement, seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.

👥 Servings 2 servings
Prep Time 15 mins
🍳 Cook Time 25 mins
🕒 Total Time 40 mins
Difficulty Easy
📖

About This Recipe

Ayam Penyet is known for its bold sambal, tender chicken and simple vegetable sides. This lighter version keeps the familiar flavours while reducing the amount of oil used in preparation and pairing the dish with vegetables and a sensible portion of rice.

🧺

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 2 skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

For the Sambal

  • 5 red chillies, adjusted to taste
  • 1 small tomato
  • 1 garlic clove
  • ½ teaspoon shrimp paste, optional
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt

To Serve

  • White rice
  • Cucumber slices
  • Tomato slices
  • Steamed or blanched vegetables

🌿 Healthy Tip

Baking, grilling or air-frying the chicken can reduce the amount of oil needed compared with traditional deep-frying while still keeping the chicken flavourful.

🍳

Method

1
Marinate the Chicken

Mix the soy sauce, garlic, turmeric, lime juice, black pepper and olive oil. Coat the chicken evenly and allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes.

2
Cook the Chicken

Bake, grill or air-fry the chicken until completely cooked through and lightly browned.

3
Prepare the Sambal

Cook or lightly soften the chillies, tomato and garlic. Blend or crush them with lime juice, salt and optional shrimp paste until a chunky sambal forms.

4
Assemble and Serve

Serve the chicken with sambal, rice, cucumber, tomato and vegetables. Gently press the chicken before serving if you prefer the traditional penyet-style presentation.

Nutrition at a Glance
Calories 370 kcal
Protein 32 g
Carbohydrates 42 g
Fat 10 g
Fibre 5 g
Sodium 420 mg

Values are estimates and can vary depending on ingredients, brands and portion sizes used.

🌿 Why This Version Is Lighter

  • Uses less oil than deep-frying.
  • Includes extra vegetables.
  • Keeps the rice portion balanced.
  • Uses skinless chicken.

🔄 Swaps & Variations

  • Use chicken breast for a leaner option.
  • Use tofu or tempeh for a meat-free variation.
  • Adjust the sambal to your preferred spice level.
  • Add extra leafy vegetables or long beans.

♨ Storage & Reheating

  • Store chicken and sambal separately where possible.
  • Refrigerate cooked food in a clean airtight container.
  • Consume refrigerated leftovers within about 3 days.
  • Reheat thoroughly until steaming hot.
!

Important Note

Adjust portions, spice level and ingredients according to your personal needs. If you have a medical condition, allergy or specific dietary requirement, seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.

Healthy chicken vegetable soup with carrots, cauliflower, fresh herbs and tender chicken in a light, nutritious broth.

Chicken Vegetable Soup

30 mins

210 kcal

Easy

Immune Support

A light and comforting chicken vegetable soup made with tender chicken, carrots, cauliflower and fresh herbs in a flavourful broth. An easy, nourishing meal for the whole family.
Healthy Mee Rebus prepared with lean protein, vegetables, boiled eggs and wholegrain noodles.

Healthy Mee Rebus

25 mins

320 kcal

Easy

Weight Management

A lighter take on mee rebus with yellow noodles, vegetables, egg and a flavourful sweet potato-based gravy. Comforting, satisfying and easy to enjoy as part of a balanced meal.