Healthy Twist on Venezuelan Reina Pepiada Arepas | Creamy Chicken & Avocado with Multigrain Arepas

arepa flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: cornmeal

Whole wheat flour adds fiber, while cornmeal is often more economical.

mayonnaise

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

chicken

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: canned tuna

Tofu provides a plant-based option, while tuna is often less expensive.

cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast is lower in fat and adds a cheesy flavor.

Bring 2 liters of water to a boil in a medium pot with the garlic clove, bay leaf, and a teaspoon of salt. Once boiling, add the chopped chicken breast and simmer for 12 minutes. Once cooked, shred the chicken in a medium bowl using a hand mixer, forks, or your hands.

On a cutting board, use the spine of the knife to smash the remaining garlic clove and create a garlic paste. Set it aside.

Using a fork, smash half of the avocado as if you were making guacamole. Once done, add the smashed garlic, mayonnaise, cilantro, salt, and pepper to taste. Add the shredded chicken and mix well until all the ingredients are combined.

Preheat your 'budare' (pan or griddle) over medium heat.

In a medium/large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the water and mix them well.

Pour the water into the mixture and start kneading gently but firmly until the dough becomes smooth and malleable.

Let the dough rest for 3 minutes.

Check the dough; if it cracks or feels hard, add more water gradually until the desired consistency is achieved.

Flatten the dough and divide it into 4 equal parts. Shape each portion into a ball and flatten it into round patties, about half an inch thick.

Spray oil on the 'budare' and spread it evenly. Place your arepas in the pan and cook each side for 6 minutes, flipping them in the pan every 5 minutes or using an Air Fryer at 350F for 7 to 10 minutes, or in the oven at 400F for 15 minutes until they sound hollow when tapped.

Let the arepas rest for a couple of minutes, then use a knife to open them and create a pocket for the chicken salad.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens