Venezuelan Arepa Reina Pepiada with Avocado Chicken Filling

Name: Venezuelan Arepa Reina Pepiada with Avocado Chicken Filling
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal (Harina P.A.N. recommended); 2 1/2 cups warm water; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 lime, juiced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/4 cup white onion, finely chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

A delightful Venezuelan specialty featuring creamy avocado and savory chicken.

Discover the rich flavors of this traditional Venezuelan dish, balancing the creamy texture of avocado with perfectly seasoned chicken nestled in a warm corn arepa.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Arepas

2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal (Harina P.A.N. recommended)

2 1/2 cups warm water

1 teaspoon salt

For the Chicken Filling

2 chicken breasts

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Avocado Mixture

2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 lime, juiced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For Assembling

1/4 cup white onion, finely chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Preparing the Arepas

Mix Dough

In a large bowl, mix together the cornmeal, warm water, and salt until a dough forms.

Rest Dough

Let the dough rest for 5 minutes to absorb the water.

Shape Patties

Divide and shape the dough into 8 equal patties.

Cooking the Chicken

Heat Oil

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Season Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with oregano, salt, and pepper.

Cook Chicken

Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and golden brown.

Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Rest and Shred

Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before shredding to retain juices.

Resting helps retain juices.

Cooking Process

Cooking the Arepas

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cook patties on a hot griddle for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown, then bake for 10 minutes.

Preparing the Filling

Shred the cooled chicken and mix with avocado, mayonnaise, lime juice, cilantro, and onion. Season to taste.

Assembling Arepas

Slice each arepa in half, and generously fill with the avocado chicken mixture.

Plating & Serving