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Venezuelan Inspired Chicken Arepas with Avocado Salsa

This recipe offers a flavorful and easy-to-follow Venezuelan-inspired Chicken Arepas dish with a zesty avocado salsa. Perfect for an intermediate cook looking to add some Latin American flair to their meal repertoire, this recipe is gluten-free and serves 4. The mouthwatering images capture the dish from both top and bottom views, highlighting its delicious textures and colors.

🕒 Prep: 20 minutes - Cook: 20 minutes - Total: 40 minutes
🍽 Servings: 4
🔥 Difficulty: Intermediate
🌎 Cuisine: Venezuelan

Allergens

Gluten, Soy

Ingredients

  • 2 cups arepa flour
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite
  • sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeno, seeds removed and minced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the avocado salsa by combining avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  2. In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add arepa flour gradually while stirring constantly until the dough comes together.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes or until smooth. Divide into 8 equal portions.
  4. Flatten each portion between your hands to form 4 inch diameter circles.
  5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. In the same skillet, add arepas and cook for about 3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
  7. Assemble the dish by placing one arepa on a plate, topping it with a portion of cooked chicken, and drizzling avocado salsa over the top. Repeat for all servings.

Chef’s Insight

The key to perfect arepas is kneading the dough until it's smooth and pliable. This will ensure a delicious, tender texture when cooked.

Notes

For added heat, include the jalapeno seeds in the salsa.

Cultural or Historical Background

Arepas are a staple in Venezuelan cuisine, typically served as a side dish or sandwich bread.