What Are Arepas?
Arepas are crispy cornmeal cakes from Venezuela and Colombia that are absolutely delicious! Made from pre-cooked cornmeal, these little patties get cooked until they’re golden and crispy on the outside, while staying soft and tender inside. You can stuff them with all sorts of tasty fillings. In this recipe, we’re filling them with Reina Pepiada, a creamy, zesty mix of shredded chicken and avocado. Trust me, they’re a flavor explosion!
Cooked Chicken: You can cook your own chicken but to make this easy, I love to use a rotisserie chicken. Ripe Avocado: You’ll need a ripe avocado to add lots of creaminess to our chicken salad. Mayonnaise, Onion, Cilantro, Jalapeño, Lime Juice, and Salt and Pepper: These ingredients combine to create a creamy, zesty mixture that binds the chicken and avocado together, adding flavor and texture to the filling. Adjust the jalapeño for desired heat and lime juice for acidity.
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of pre-cooked white cornmeal, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Gradually add 2½ cups of warm water (100°F to 110°F), stirring until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes. Tip: Resting the dough allows the cornmeal to fully hydrate, making it easier to shape. Divide the dough into six portions. Shape each portion into a ball, then flatten into a disc about 4-5 inches wide and ½-inch thick. Tip: Shaping the arepas evenly helps them cook uniformly. I also found it easier to shape them if I oil my hands a bit first. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brush with vegetable oil. Cook the arepas for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden and crispy. Tip: Cooking on medium heat allows the arepas to develop a crispy exterior without burning. For extra crispiness, finish by baking the arepas in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. In a bowl, mix 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 1 finely chopped small onion, ¼ cup of finely chopped cilantro, and 1 finely chopped, seeded jalapeño (optional). Tip: Rotisserie chicken works great here for convenience and flavor. In a separate bowl, mash 1 ripe avocado with ¼ cup of mayonnaise and the juice of 1 lime until smooth. Combine the avocado blend with the chicken mixture, mixing until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Tip: Adjust the lime juice and jalapeño to your taste preference for the perfect balance of flavors. Slice an opening on one side of each arepa to create a pocket. Generously fill each arepa with the Reina Pepiada mixture. Tip: Be generous with the filling to make every bite flavorful. Serve the arepas immediately, or keep them covered to stay warm until ready to serve.
Try Different Fillings
While the Reina Pepiada filling is absolutely delicious, arepas are incredibly versatile and can be filled with all sorts of tasty ingredients. One of the most popular and simplest alternatives is cheese. You can stuff your arepas with a variety of cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or a soft cheese like queso fresco.
Related Recipes To Try
Beef Empanadas Black Bean Soup Easy Guacamole Avocado Chicken Salad Cilantro Lime Rice Cilantro Lime Chicken
