You will absolutely love this very simple yet delicious Nyonya/Peranakan chicken dish known as ayam tempra. The chicken is cooked in lots of onion, and soy sauce-based sauce. It has that sweet, savory, slightly tangy, and spicy (if you add chili) taste that you will really enjoy
If using boneless chicken, cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. If using drumstick, leave them whole. If using leg quarters, you can cut into smaller chunks. Preheat oil on a large skillet. Add onion slices, garlic, and ginger. Saute until the onion is soft and slightly caramelized, about 3-4 minutes
If cooking on the stove:
Add the chicken pieces and chili (if using) and saute until they turn opaque but are not cooked through yet. Add the rest of the ingredients. The chicken will slowly ooze out some liquid. Let it simmer over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through. The time varies depending on the size of the chicken you use and whether bone-in or boneless. Have a taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference. It should be savory, sweet, tangy, and a hint of spiciness if you use chili
If cooking with Instant Pot pressure cooker:
Press "saute" mode. When it says "hot". Add cooking oil and onion and cook until the onion slices are soft and slightly caramelized, about 3-4 minutes. Add the chicken pieces and chili (if using) and saute until they turn opaque but are not cooked through yet. Add the rest of the ingredients. Stir to combine. Make sure you scrape the bottom of the pot to make sure nothing gets stuck there. Turn off saute mode
Close the lid and turn the pressure vent to "sealing". Set to "pressure cooker" and on high pressure. Set the timer to 3 minutes for boneless bite-size pieces. Set the timer to 5 minutes for bone-in small pieces. Set the timer to 10 minutes for drumstick. Release the pressure immediately after that. Have a taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference