Chef Mitchell preparing Creamy Avocado Chicken Arepas
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

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

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the joy of arepas while traveling through Colombia, where I fell in love with the endless filling possibilities. Over the years, I've perfected this Creamy Avocado Chicken Arepas recipe, blending savory chicken with a luscious avocado sauce. It has become a go-to dish during family gatherings, bringing smiles and satisfaction every time. Each bite is a reminder of my culinary journey and the vibrant flavors of Latin America."

With over a decade of experience in Latin American cuisine, I have dedicated my culinary career to exploring diverse flavors and recipes. Specializing in lunch dishes, I love to create meals that are not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare. My passion for food comes from my heritage, and I strive to share that love with others through my recipes.

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

Why This Creamy Avocado Chicken Arepas Recipe Works

This recipe combines the rich creaminess of avocado with perfectly seasoned shredded chicken, all encased in a golden, crispy arepa. The balance of flavors and textures creates a delightful experience that is both satisfying and nutritious. Each bite is a celebration of Latin American cuisine, highlighting fresh ingredients and authentic cooking methods.

The technique of simmering the chicken ensures that it remains tender and juicy, while the quick cooking of the arepas gives them a crispy exterior. The creamy avocado sauce ties all the elements together, making this dish a standout choice for lunch or dinner.

💡 Professional Tip

Always use ripe avocados for the best flavor and creaminess in your sauce. Additionally, allow the arepas to cool slightly after cooking before slicing them; this will help maintain their structure and prevent them from becoming too soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and the avocado sauce in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, warm the arepas and assemble with the prepped ingredients.

If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with black beans or grilled vegetables. This will provide a hearty filling that complements the creamy avocado sauce beautifully.

The arepas are done when they are golden brown on both sides and have a slightly crispy exterior. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shredded. Always check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

Yes, you can freeze the cooked arepas and the shredded chicken separately. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop when ready to enjoy.

These arepas pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or coleslaw for a light and refreshing meal. You can also serve them with salsa or a side of beans for an extra kick of flavor.

In the refrigerator, the assembled Creamy Avocado Chicken Arepas will last for about 2 days. However, it's best to store the filling and the arepas separately to maintain their texture.

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the chicken and make the avocado sauce, then store them in the fridge. Assemble the arepas just before serving to ensure they remain crispy.

The best way to reheat the arepas is on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side. This will help regain their crispiness. Alternatively, you can use an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the chicken or arepas are dry, the dish will lack flavor and texture.

Solution: Ensure that you do not overcook the chicken and consider adding a bit more avocado sauce when assembling the arepas to add moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: Arepas that are not crispy can feel bland and uninviting.

Solution: Cook the arepas for a few extra minutes on each side and ensure your skillet is hot enough before placing the arepas in to fry.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked chicken can become tough and dry.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) but no higher. Always monitor cooking times closely.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: An undercooked center in arepas can be concerning and unappetizing.

Recovery: If you find that the center is undercooked, return the arepas to the skillet over low heat and cook them for a few extra minutes, flipping them as needed.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the outside of the arepas is burnt, the inside may remain undercooked.

Prevention: Lower the heat on your skillet and ensure to keep an eye on them while they cook. You may also try flipping them more frequently.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, add a squeeze of lime juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If the dish is too salty, serve it with fresh avocado slices to help mellow the saltiness.

Bland: If the flavors are too bland, try adding more spices or herbs to the filling and sauce to enhance the overall taste.

Fresh ingredients for Creamy Avocado Chicken Arepas

Essential Ingredients for Creamy Avocado Chicken Arepas

The key ingredients in this recipe include tender chicken, creamy avocados, and arepa flour. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. The chicken should be seasoned well to ensure it complements the rich avocado sauce.

Using quality ingredients will make a significant difference in the final dish. Choose ripe, creamy avocados for the sauce and fresh chicken for the filling. This will ensure that every bite is flavorful and satisfying.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for best results. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, while breasts cook up nicely if monitored closely.
  • Avocado: Make sure to select ripe avocados for a creamy sauce. They should yield slightly when pressed. If they are too firm, allow them to ripen at room temperature for a few days.
  • Arepa Flour: Look for pre-cooked arepa flour, also known as masa harina, specifically labeled for arepa making. This will ensure the right texture and flavor in your arepas.
Cooking process for Creamy Avocado Chicken Arepas

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Creamy Avocado Chicken Arepas is straightforward and rewarding. Start by preparing the chicken to infuse it with flavor, then move on to making the arepas. The combination of simmering and frying ensures that the arepas are both fluffy and crispy.

Achieving perfect results involves monitoring the cooking times closely and ensuring that the chicken is shredded evenly. This allows for the best distribution of flavors in each bite, making the dish truly delightful.

Key Technique for Perfect Creamy Avocado Chicken Arepas

The key technique for perfect Creamy Avocado Chicken Arepas lies in the cooking and seasoning of the chicken. Allowing it to simmer slowly with spices will ensure it absorbs maximum flavor, resulting in a tender and juicy filling that pairs beautifully with the creamy avocado sauce.

Creamy Avocado Chicken Arepas

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 ripe avocado
    Mashed
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
    For creaminess
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
    For tanginess
  • Salt to taste
    For seasoning

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 1 cup water
    For cooking chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    For sautéing
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    For flavor
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    For flavor
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
    For flavor
  • Salt and pepper to taste
    For seasoning
  • 2 cups arepa flour
    For making arepas
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    For fluffiness
  • 1 cup warm water
    For dough

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken

    In a pot, combine the chicken, water, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Shred the chicken and set aside.

  2. Prepare the Arepas Dough

    In a large bowl, combine the arepa flour and baking powder. Gradually add the warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Let it rest for 10 minutes.

  3. Shape the Arepas

    Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and shape each into a disc about 1/2 inch thick.

  4. Cook the Arepas

    Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the arepas for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and let cool slightly.

  5. Make the Creamy Sauce

    In a bowl, combine the mashed avocado, sour cream, lime juice, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.

  6. Assemble the Arepas

    Slice the cooked arepas in half and fill them with shredded chicken and a generous amount of the creamy avocado sauce.

  7. Garnish and Serve

    Top the arepas with fresh cilantro and cherry tomatoes. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store any leftover arepas and filling separately in airtight containers. The arepas can last in the fridge for up to 2 days, but it's best to consume them fresh for optimal texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Creamy Avocado Chicken Arepas warm, accompanied by a side of fresh salsa, salad, or pickled vegetables for added flavor and texture. They are also delicious with a dollop of extra avocado sauce on top.

Recipe Variations

Consider adding different toppings such as cheese or pico de gallo. You can also experiment with the filling by including grilled vegetables or swapping the chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.