Arepa de pollo is a delicious option from Venezuelan and Colombian cuisine that combines the softness of arepas (a kind of cornbread) with a juicy and flavorful shredded chicken filling.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of pre-cooked corn flour
  • 2 1/2 cups of warm water
  • Cooked and shredded chicken breast
  • 1 finely chopped onion
  • 1 finely chopped red bell pepper
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1 cup of chicken broth
  • Ground cumin
  • Paprika (to taste)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Vegetable oil for cooking

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, mix the corn flour with salt. Add the warm water and oil, and mix until you get a smooth and homogeneous dough.
  2. Let the dough rest for a few minutes to absorb the water.
  3. Divide the dough into portions and form balls. Flatten each ball with your hands to make disks about 1 cm thick.
  4. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook the arepas on both sides until golden brown and a crust forms. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 10-15 minutes until they are completely cooked inside.
  5. For the chicken filling:
  6. In a skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until golden brown.
  7. Add the red bell pepper and tomato, and cook until the vegetables are tender.
  8. Add the shredded chicken breast, chicken broth, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat until the mixture reduces and has a juicy consistency.
  9. Open the arepas in half and fill them with the chicken mixture.
  10. Serve the hot chicken arepas and enjoy this delicious traditional dish! You can accompany them with your favorite sauces or side dishes.

This delightful arepa de pollo is a perfect choice for a comforting meal, filled with the flavors of Venezuela and Colombia. Don’t miss out on this culinary delight!

Bonus Recipe: Delightful Banana Cream Cheesecake

If you’re in the mood for a scrumptious homemade dessert, look no further than our Banana Cream Cheesecake recipe. This delightful treat combines the rich flavors of cream cheese and the sweetness of ripe bananas, creating a dessert that’s sure to please your taste buds. Plus, it’s easy to make! Let’s dive into the simple steps to create this heavenly dessert.

Ingredients:

  • 20 Nilla Wafers
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • 24 oz softened cream cheese
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 3 eggs
  • ¾ cup mashed bananas (approximately 2 bananas)
  • ½ cup whipping cream
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preparation:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  • Crush the Nilla Wafers in a blender or food processor until finely crushed.
  • Add melted butter and blend until well combined. Press this crumb mixture onto the bottom of a 10-inch pan and refrigerate.
  1. Cheesecake Filling:
  • In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese at medium speed until creamy.
  • Add sugar and cornstarch, continuing to beat until well blended.
  • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Beat in mashed bananas, whipping cream, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
  1. Baking:
  • Pour the cream cheese mixture into the prepared pan.
  • Place the pan on a cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
  • Reduce the oven temperature to 200°F and continue baking for an additional 75 minutes.
  1. Cooling and Serving:
  • Cool the cheesecake completely on a wire rack before removing the rim of the pan.
  • Refrigerate the cheesecake, uncovered, for at least 6 hours or overnight.
  • Allow the cheesecake to stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Conclusion:
This Banana Cream Cheesecake is a labor of love that results in a velvety, banana-infused dessert that will impress your friends and family. So, roll up your sleeves, gather these simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a slice of pure bliss. Enjoy!