Chef Mitchell preparing Creamy Chicken Avocado Arepas
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the joy of making arepas while traveling through Colombia. The endless possibilities of fillings blew my mind! After experimenting with different flavors, I perfected this Creamy Chicken Avocado Arepas recipe to share the love of Latin American cuisine with everyone."

With over a decade of experience, Chef Mitchell specializes in Latin American cuisine. His passion for creating vibrant and flavorful dishes shines through in his recipes. He loves to introduce others to the joy of cooking traditional lunch recipes that highlight fresh ingredients.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Creamy Chicken Avocado Arepas served on a plate

Why This Creamy Chicken Avocado Arepas Recipe Works

This Creamy Chicken Avocado Arepas recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The tender, juicy chicken pairs beautifully with the creamy avocado sauce, creating a satisfying meal. The arepas themselves are fluffy and slightly crispy, providing the ideal vessel for the filling.

The technique of simmering the chicken in broth ensures it remains moist and flavorful, while the avocado sauce adds a fresh, rich element. These arepas are versatile and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, allow the arepas to rest for a few minutes before cutting them open. This helps maintain their structure and ensures the fillings don’t spill out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and make the avocado sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Cook the arepas just before serving to keep them warm and fresh.

If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with black beans or grilled vegetables. Tofu can also work well as a protein alternative, just ensure it's well-seasoned.

The arepas are done when they are golden brown on both sides and feel firm to the touch. Cut one open to check the texture; it should be cooked through and fluffy inside.

Yes, you can freeze the cooked arepas. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months.

These arepas pair beautifully with a fresh salad or some sautéed vegetables. You might also serve them with a side of lime wedges and extra avocado sauce for drizzling.

In the refrigerator, Creamy Chicken Avocado Arepas will last for about 3 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Yes, you can prepare the filling and sauce in advance. Just cook the arepas fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.

The best way to reheat arepas is on a skillet over medium heat. This will help retain their crispiness. You can also reheat them in the oven wrapped in foil.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: The filling may be dry, leading to a less enjoyable arepa.

Solution: Ensure you do not overcook the chicken and consider adding extra sauce to keep it moist.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: Arepas may turn out soft rather than crispy.

Solution: Make sure to cook them on a hot griddle and allow them to brown adequately on both sides.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Arepas may become tough and dry if overcooked.

Prevention: Monitor the cooking time closely and use a timer to ensure they are cooked just until golden brown.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: Arepas may have a raw or doughy center.

Recovery: If this happens, lower the heat and continue cooking them for a few more minutes, checking frequently.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: Arepas may burn on the outside but remain raw inside.

Prevention: Cook them on medium heat rather than high to avoid burning the outside before the inside cooks properly.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the flavor is too sweet, add a pinch of salt or lime juice to balance it out.

Too Salty: To fix overly salty arepas, add a bit of sugar or a dollop of sour cream to the filling.

Bland: If the arepas are bland, enhance the flavor with more seasoning or spices in the filling.

Fresh ingredients for Creamy Chicken Avocado Arepas

Essential Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Avocado Arepas

The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients. Fresh avocados and lean chicken are essential for flavor and texture. The arepa flour should be finely ground for the best results, ensuring a light and fluffy end product.

When selecting avocados, look for ripe ones that yield slightly to pressure. Using fresh herbs like cilantro adds a burst of flavor that elevates the dish.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken: Opt for organic chicken for a better flavor and texture. Marinating the chicken beforehand can also enhance its taste.
  • Avocado: Choose firm avocados that are perfectly ripe. This ensures you get the creaminess needed for the sauce without it being too mushy.
  • Arepa Flour: Make sure to buy pre-cooked arepa flour (masarepa) for the best texture. It should be finely ground to form the perfect dough.
Cooking process for Creamy Chicken Avocado Arepas

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Creamy Chicken Avocado Arepas is straightforward and rewarding. Start by cooking the chicken until it's golden brown and tender, allowing it to absorb flavors from the broth. While the chicken simmers, prepare the arepa dough and shape it into discs.

Cooking the arepas requires attention to achieve a perfect crispness. The right heat level is crucial; too high can burn the outside while undercooking the inside. Resting the arepas for a few minutes after cooking enhances their texture.

Key Technique for Perfect Creamy Chicken Avocado Arepas

The technique of simmering the chicken in broth is essential for infusing flavor and keeping the meat tender. Combining this with the right cooking method for the arepas ensures that every bite is a delightful experience.

Creamy Chicken Avocado Arepas

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 2 ripe avocados
    Mashed
  • 1 cup sour cream
    For creaminess
  • 1/2 cup cilantro
    Chopped
  • 1 tsp lime juice
    For flavor

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 1 tsp salt
    For seasoning
  • 1 tsp black pepper
    For seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
    For cooking
  • 1 cup chicken broth
    For cooking chicken
  • 1 cup arepa flour
    Masarepa
  • 1 1/2 cups water
    For dough
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
    For fluffiness

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken

    Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown.

  2. Cook Chicken

    Add chicken broth to the skillet and cover. Simmer for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

  3. Shred Chicken

    Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and shred it using two forks.

  4. Make Arepas Dough

    In a bowl, mix arepa flour, water, and baking powder. Knead until a smooth dough forms.

  5. Shape Arepas

    Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and shape them into discs.

  6. Cook Arepas

    Heat a griddle over medium heat and cook the arepas for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.

  7. Prepare Sauce

    In a blender, combine avocados, sour cream, cilantro, and a pinch of salt to make a creamy sauce.

  8. Assemble Arepas

    Cut the cooked arepas in half and stuff them with shredded chicken and avocado sauce.

  9. Serve

    Garnish with cheese if desired and serve with lime wedges.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store leftover Creamy Chicken Avocado Arepas in an airtight container in the fridge. It's best to keep the filling and arepas separate to maintain texture. Reheat them on a skillet for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Creamy Chicken Avocado Arepas with a fresh salad or some grilled vegetables for a balanced meal. Add extra lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with the fillings! You can use beef, pork, or even a mix of vegetables. For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or a hot sauce to the avocado sauce.