Still Got Chicken Opor Left After Eid? Here’s How to Make It Last for Weeks!

Jakarta, VIVA – As Muslims across Indonesia celebrate Eid al-Adha, many families prepare and enjoy a variety of traditional dishes, with chicken opor being one of the most beloved.

This coconut milk-based chicken curry, rich in spices and flavor, is a staple on the dining table during religious festivities.

Chicken opor is often served alongside ketupat, spicy liver stew, and beef rendang, creating a complete and indulgent feast after the Eid al-Adha prayers and sacrificial meat distribution.

However, because chicken opor contains coconut milk—a highly perishable ingredient—it is prone to spoiling quickly if not handled and stored properly.

Given the abundance of food shared and cooked during the holidays, families are always looking for ways to make their dishes, especially opor, last longer.

To avoid food waste and preserve the rich flavors of this festive favorite, here are five proven tips to keep your chicken opor fresh and safe to eat for weeks:

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Opor Ayam Bumbu Kuning

Photo :

• Cookpad @asriwida_204

After cooking, let the opor cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator or freezer.

However, avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours, as this can allow bacteria to grow. Rapid cooling prevents condensation, which can speed up spoilage.

Store opor in clean, airtight containers to prevent exposure to air and contamination. If possible, divide it into smaller portions.

This way, you only need to reheat what you will eat, reducing repeated exposure to room temperatures.

If you plan to keep the opor in the refrigerator (not freezer), it’s crucial to reheat it to boiling once a day to kill off any developing bacteria.

This traditional method, often used in Indonesian households, can keep coconut milk-based dishes like opor safe for several days.

For storage beyond a few days, freezing is the best option. Frozen opor can last up to 2–3 weeks, even a month if stored properly.

Let it cool completely before freezing, and always thaw in the fridge—not at room temperature—before reheating.

Ketupat or other sides separately. Mixing them can cause opor to spoil faster because each item may have different moisture levels and bacterial risks.

With these simple yet effective storage strategies, your opor can stay delicious and safe to eat well beyond the holiday.

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1. Cool It Properly Before Storing