Reina Pepiada (Venezuelan Chicken and Avocado Arepa Filling)
In short: Warm arepas stuffed with shredded poached chicken, mashed avocado, mayonnaise and cilantro, a classic Venezuelan filling. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 620 kcal
Reina pepiada is the most famous arepa filling in Venezuela: cooked chicken shredded and mixed with ripe avocado, mayonnaise, cilantro and a squeeze of lime. It is green, creamy and fresh, and it is spooned into a hot, split arepa so the filling warms slightly. Arepa shops serve it all day. It works well for a party because the filling is quick to mix.
Instructions
- Put the chicken in a saucepan with the onion, garlic, salt and water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, cover and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, until the chicken is white throughout and reaches 74°C (165°F).
- Lift out the chicken and let it cool for 10 minutes. Shred it finely with two forks into thin strands.
- In a large bowl, mash the avocados with the lime juice, mayonnaise, cilantro, scallion, salt and pepper into a creamy mixture with a few small chunks.
- Fold in the shredded chicken until coated. Taste and adjust the salt and lime.
- Spoon about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the filling into each hot split arepa and serve at once.
Tips
- Shred the chicken while it is still warm for soft, thin strands that blend into the avocado. The poaching liquid makes a good base for soup.
- To make arepas, mix 300 g (2 1/2 cups) precooked white cornmeal with 600 ml (2 1/2 cups) warm water and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, shape into discs, griddle and bake. In a pinch, use warm corn tortillas or toasted bread.
Questions and answers
Can I make reina pepiada filling ahead of time?
Mix it up to 2 hours ahead and press plastic wrap onto the surface with a little extra lime juice. Avocado browns, so keep the wait short.
What does reina pepiada mean?
It translates roughly as curvy queen, a playful name for the filling. The dish itself is simply chicken, avocado and mayonnaise.
What else can I do with reina pepiada filling?
It works in sandwiches, tacos and lettuce wraps, stuffed into tomatoes, or as a topping for crackers and tostadas.
How long does it take to make Reina Pepiada (Venezuelan Chicken and Avocado Arepa Filling)?
About 45 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Reina Pepiada (Venezuelan Chicken and Avocado Arepa Filling)?
About 620 kcal per serving, with 33 g of protein, 58 g of carbohydrates and 29 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 620 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 33 g |
| Carbohydrates | 58 g |
| Fat | 29 g |
| Fiber | 9 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 1350 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
