🏠 Home > 🗺️ Recipes > 🍝 Main Dishes > 🇲🇾 Malaysia Main Dishes > 🍝 1.One-Pan Malaysian Spiced Chicken & Vegetables , 2.One-Pan Malaysian Coconut Rice with Savory Toppings , 3.One-Pan Malaysian Soy-Ginger Braised Vegetables & Protein

🍝 Easy One-Pan Malaysian Holiday Dinners Everyone Will Love

🧑‍🍳 Introduction – Why One-Pan Malaysian Dinners Are Perfect for Holidays 🇲🇾

When the holiday season arrives, cooking for a large group can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. You want food that feels special, comforting, and full of culture—but you don’t want to spend the entire day washing dishes or juggling too many pots. That’s exactly why one-pan Malaysian dinners have become increasingly popular around the world.

Malaysian home cooking is known for its bold flavors, generous portions, and family-style sharing. Many traditional dishes are designed to be cooked in one large pan or tray, making them naturally perfect for gatherings, celebrations, and holiday meals. In recent years, home cooks in Western countries and Asia alike have embraced these recipes because they are practical, flexible, and incredibly satisfying.

This article brings together three popular Malaysian-inspired one-pan recipes that are ideal for large groups. Each recipe focuses on:

• Simple preparation

• Easy-to-find ingredients

• Big flavors without complicated techniques

• Minimal cleanup

Whether you’re hosting extended family, cooking for friends, or planning a festive potluck-style dinner, these recipes are designed to help you cook confidently and enjoy the moment. Let’s dive into the first dish.

🍗 Recipe 1 – One-Pan Malaysian Spiced Chicken & Vegetables

🌶️ About This Recipe

This one-pan spiced chicken dish is inspired by classic Malaysian home-style flavors—warm spices, gentle heat, and comforting aromas. It’s a favorite for large gatherings because it cooks evenly in one tray and tastes even better when shared. The vegetables soak up the spices, creating a complete meal in a single pan.

It’s perfect for holiday dinners when you want something hearty but not overly complicated.

🧂 Ingredients & Measurements

• 2 kg chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on preferred)

• 4 large potatoes, cut into chunks

• 3 carrots, sliced thick

• 2 onions, sliced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons ground coriander

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon mild chili powder (adjust to taste)

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 4 tablespoons cooking oil

• 200 ml water

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

1.Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).

2.In a large bowl, mix garlic, coriander, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, salt, pepper, and oil.

3.Add the chicken pieces and coat thoroughly.

4.Arrange chicken in a large baking pan. Scatter potatoes, carrots, and onions around the chicken.

5.Pour water gently into the pan to keep everything moist.

6.Cover loosely with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

7.Remove foil and bake for another 25–30 minutes until golden and tender.

8.Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

⚠️ Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t overcrowd the pan; use two pans if needed.

• Cut vegetables evenly to ensure uniform cooking.

• Avoid adding too much water—it should steam, not boil.

❓ FAQ

Q1.Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes. You can marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.

Q2.Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, but reduce cooking time by about 15 minutes.

📝 Summary

This dish is warm, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort. One pan, bold flavors, and happy guests—exactly what a holiday dinner should be.

🍚 Recipe 2 – One-Pan Malaysian Coconut Rice with Savory Toppings

🥥 About This Recipe

Coconut rice is a beloved staple across Malaysia, often served during special occasions and family gatherings. This one-pan version simplifies the process while keeping the rich aroma and comforting taste. It’s filling, fragrant, and ideal as a main dish for large groups.

🧾 Ingredients & Measurements

• 4 cups jasmine rice, rinsed

• 600 ml coconut milk

• 600 ml water

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 2 pandan leaves (optional, tied into knots)

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken or mushrooms

• 1 cup roasted peanuts

• 1 large cucumber, sliced

• 3 tablespoons cooking oil

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 180°C (355°F).

2.In a deep baking dish, combine rice, coconut milk, water, salt, and pandan leaves.

3.Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes.

4.Remove from oven and fluff rice gently with a fork.

5.Top with shredded chicken or mushrooms, peanuts, and cucumber.

6.Return to oven uncovered for 10 minutes.

⚠️ Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

• Always rinse rice to avoid stickiness.

• Seal foil tightly to trap steam.

• Let rice rest before fluffing to prevent mushy texture.

❓ FAQ

Q1.Can this be served at room temperature?

Yes, it’s excellent warm or at room temperature.

Q2.Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just use a larger pan.

📝 Summary

This one-pan coconut rice is comforting, flexible, and perfect for holidays when you want something familiar yet special.

🍛 Recipe 3 – One-Pan Malaysian Soy-Ginger Braised Vegetables & Protein

🌱 About This Recipe

This dish focuses on balance—savory, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying. Inspired by Malaysian soy-based braises, it works beautifully with mixed vegetables and your choice of protein. It’s a great option for mixed-diet gatherings.

🧺 Ingredients & Measurements

• 800 g firm tofu or sliced chicken

• 2 cups cabbage, chopped

• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced

• 1 cup green beans

• 4 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon grated ginger

• 2 teaspoons sugar

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

• 250 ml water

🍲 Step-by-Step Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 185°C (365°F).

2.Mix soy sauces, ginger, sugar, oil, and water in a bowl.

3.Arrange tofu or chicken and vegetables in a baking dish.

4.Pour sauce evenly over everything.

5.Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.

6.Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until glossy and tender.

⚠️ Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

• Stir gently halfway for even coating.

• Use firm tofu to prevent breaking.

• Taste sauce before baking and adjust seasoning.

❓ FAQ

Q1.Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, this recipe is very flexible.

Q2.Is this freezer-friendly?

It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for 2 days.

📝 Summary

A comforting, savory dish that balances flavors beautifully and feeds a crowd without stress.

🎉 Final Thoughts

Cooking for a large group doesn’t have to be complicated or exhausting. These one-pan Malaysian holiday dinners prove that with the right recipes, you can create flavorful, meaningful meals while keeping things simple.

Each dish in this guide is designed to be:

• Easy to prepare

• Friendly for large groups

• Rooted in Malaysian home-cooking traditions

Try one recipe at a time or combine them into a complete holiday spread. Most importantly, enjoy the process, share the food, and create memories around the table. If you try any of these dishes, feel free to share your experience and make them your own. Happy cooking! 😊🍽️

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