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Looking for a delicious and authentic Indonesian dish? Learn how to cook Chicken Opor (Opor Ayam) from scratch with rich coconut milk and aromatic spices. Perfect for family meals or festive occasions!
Introduction
Chicken Opor, or Opor Ayam, is a classic Indonesian dish often served during Eid or special family gatherings. It features tender chicken simmered in rich coconut milk and fragrant spices, resulting in a creamy, savory dish that’s perfect with rice, ketupat, or lontong. In this article, you’ll learn how to cook Chicken Opor from scratch—simple enough for beginners and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients for Chicken Opor
Main Ingredients:
.1 whole chicken (kampung or regular), cut into serving pieces
.1 liter thick coconut milk
.500 ml water
.2 bay leaves
.3 kaffir lime leaves
.2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
.2 cm galangal, bruised
Cooking oil for sautéing
Ground Spices:
.8 shallots
.5 garlic cloves
.3 candlenuts, toasted
.2 cm turmeric, grilled
.2 cm ginger
.1 tsp ground coriander
Salt and sugar to taste
Pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Rinse the chicken thoroughly. Boil it briefly to remove impurities, then discard the water and set the chicken aside.
2. Sauté the Spices
Grind all the spices into a fine paste. Heat oil in a wok or pan, then sauté the spice paste together with bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and galangal until aromatic and fully cooked.
3. Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces into the sautéed spices. Stir well and cook until the chicken changes color and is well coated with the spices.
4. Add Coconut Milk
Gradually pour in water and coconut milk while stirring gently. Keep the heat on medium to prevent the coconut milk from breaking.
5. Simmer Until Tender
Simmer the chicken for 30–45 minutes or until tender and the flavors have fully developed. Taste and adjust salt or sugar as needed.
Tips for a Tastier Chicken Opor
Use free-range (kampung) chicken for richer taste and firmer texture.
Freshly squeezed coconut milk adds better aroma and creaminess than canned or instant.
Stir the coconut milk gently to avoid separation or curdling.
Conclusion
Now you know how to make delicious Chicken Opor from scratch! It’s creamy, flavorful, and ideal for festive meals or weekend family dinners. Serve it with warm rice or traditional Indonesian rice cakes. Enjoy and happy cooking!
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