Opor Ayam Chicken in White Coconut Curry

Name: Opor Ayam Chicken in White Coconut Curry
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indonesian
Ingredients: 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks; 2 cans full-fat coconut milk (13.5 oz); 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 6 shallots, roughly chopped; 6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped; 4 candlenuts or macadamia nuts; 2 inch fresh galangal or ginger, sliced; 2 lemongrass stalks, bruised; 6 kaffir lime leaves; 1.5 tsp ground coriander; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp ground turmeric; 1/2 tsp ground white pepper; 1.5 tsp salt; 1 cup gluten-free chicken stock; 1/4 cup fried shallots (store-bought or homemade)

A gentle Indonesian curry in which bone-in chicken pieces are simmered in a creamy, mildly spiced coconut milk broth perfumed with lemongrass, galangal, and candlenuts. Rich yet delicately flavored, this classic is a centerpiece of Indonesian celebration meals.

70 minMediumServes 4490 cal/serving

IndonesianDinnerStovetopStandardHigh ProteinLow CarbDairy-FreeEgg-FreeGluten-FreeLow-Sodium

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Ingredients

3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
2 cans full-fat coconut milk (13.5 oz)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
6 shallots, roughly chopped
6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
4 candlenuts or macadamia nuts
2 inch fresh galangal or ginger, sliced
2 lemongrass stalks, bruised
6 kaffir lime leaves
1.5 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1/2 tsp ground white pepper
1.5 tsp salt
1 cup gluten-free chicken stock
1/4 cup fried shallots (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

1

Blend the 6 roughly chopped shallots, 6 roughly chopped garlic cloves, and 4 candlenuts or macadamia nuts in a small food processor or pound in a mortar until a smooth paste forms.
2

Heat the 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Add the paste and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and slightly golden, about 4 minutes. Add the 1.5 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, and 1/2 tsp ground white pepper and cook for 1 more minute.
3

Add the 2 bruised lemongrass stalks, 2 inch sliced fresh galangal or ginger, and 6 kaffir lime leaves to the pot. Stir to combine with the spice paste.
4

Add the 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks to the pot and turn to coat in the paste. Pour in the 1 cup gluten-free chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes.
5

Pour in the 2 cans full-fat coconut milk (13.5 oz) and stir well. Season with 1.5 tsp salt. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has thickened.
6

Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove the lemongrass stalks stalks and fresh galangal or ginger slices before serving.
7

Ladle into bowls over steamed rice and top generously with 1/4 cup fried shallots (store-bought or homemade).

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Questions

What internal temperature should Opor Ayam Chicken in White Coconut Curry reach?

For Opor Ayam Chicken in White Coconut Curry, the target internal temperature is 165 F (about 75 C), given in step 5. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Do I need any special equipment for Opor Ayam Chicken in White Coconut Curry?

Beyond a knife and a board, the method uses a food processor (step 1) and a mortar and pestle (step 1). If you do not have one, a sharp knife and patience, or a blender in short pulses, stands in for the food processor.

What can I use instead of candlenuts in Opor Ayam Chicken in White Coconut Curry?

The entry for Opor Ayam Chicken in White Coconut Curry calls for 4 candlenuts or macadamia nuts. In its place: Raw macadamia nuts or cashews, measure for measure.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs in Opor Ayam Chicken in White Coconut Curry?

You can, but it is the weaker choice here. Breasts dry out over a long cook, so add them for the last third of the time and pull them as soon as they reach 165 F. As written, the entry for Opor Ayam Chicken in White Coconut Curry uses 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks.

Is Opor Ayam Chicken in White Coconut Curry gluten-free?

Yes. As written, nothing in the ingredient list for Opor Ayam Chicken in White Coconut Curry is wheat, barley or rye. Gluten hides in packaged goods, so read the label on the stock.

Does Opor Ayam Chicken in White Coconut Curry contain tree nuts?

Yes: 4 candlenuts or macadamia nuts. The full allergen list for this entry is tree nuts. Where the nuts are a garnish or a texture, toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds stand in. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Serve it with

Tumis Kangkung side
Asinan Bogor salad
Sambal Terasi sauce
Es Teler Mixed Fruit Coconut Cooler drink

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