Indulge your senses with the exotic flavors of Indonesia by diving into the rich and creamy world of Opor Ayam Coconut Chicken Curry! This delightful dish combines tender chicken pieces simmered in a luscious coconut milk sauce, infused with aromatic spices that will transport your taste buds straight to a bustling Balinese kitchen. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe promises to impress even the most discerning palates. Get ready to elevate your culinary game and discover the secrets to making this mouthwatering curry that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Indonesian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by washing and patting dry with paper towels. Cut into serving-sized pieces if not already done, and season with salt.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until they develop a golden color, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle curry powder over the onion mixture, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to allow the spices to release their aromatic oils.
- Slowly pour in the coconut milk, stirring to combine with the spices and create a smooth sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the coconut milk sauce. Reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer the chicken for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. The sauce should be creamy and have a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving. Best enjoyed hot with steamed white rice.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for a whole chicken for the best flavor, but if you're short on time, pre-cut pieces work well too. Just ensure they’re skin-on for added richness.
- Brown the Chicken Well: Don’t rush the browning process! A good sear not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful color to the dish.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the amount of curry powder to suit your taste. If you like it spicy, consider adding some chili peppers to the onion mixture.
- Let It Simmer: Patience is key! Allow the chicken to simmer gently in the coconut milk for the full 30-35 minutes to ensure it becomes tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- Garnish for Freshness: Don’t skip the fresh cilantro garnish—it adds a vibrant touch and balances the richness of the curry beautifully.
- Serve It Right: This curry pairs perfectly with steamed white rice or even fragrant jasmine rice to soak up all that creamy sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 530kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 33g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 60mg
