Colombian Style Shredded Chicken Arepa

A quick lunch inspired by Colombian ingredients.

3-4 servings
45 minutes
Ethan Chlebowski

Ingredients

Chicken

  • Chicken Breasts
    21 lb / 450 g
  • Salt
    a sprinkle
  • Cooking oil
    as needed

Corn salsa

  • Corn
    1-2 cobs
  • Garlic, minced
    1-2 cloves
  • Cilantro, minced
    a handful
  • Mayonnaise
    a spoonful
  • Lime juice
    a squeeze
  • Hot Sauce
    to taste
  • Salt
    to taste

Arepa & remaining toppings

  • Arepa choclo
    3-4
  • Quesito, thinly sliced
    to taste
  • Hot Sauce
    to taste

Method

Step 1: Prep & sear the chicken

Use a knife to butterfly or thin out the chicken breast into an even width. Sprinkle an even coating of salt on all sides.

Preheat a pan over medium high heat. Once hot, add a layer of oil to cover the pan. Lay the chicken into the hot pan to on one side.

  • When the bottom has released from the pan and developed some , flip the chicken. Continue searing on the other side until it cooks through and reaches an internal temperature of 155°F/68°C.

Set the chicken aside to rest.

Step 2: Make the corn salsa

Meanwhile, prep the corn salsa. Cut off the kernels from the corn cob. Add to a bowl and mix with the minced cilantro, garlic, and mayo. Add the lime juice, hot sauce, and salt to taste, adjusting as necessary. Set aside.

Step 3: Shred the chicken & toast the arepa

Shred the cooked chicken to your desired consistence with a fork.

Toast the arepa in a pan on medium heat until warmed through and crispy on the exterior.

Step 4: Assemble & serve

Layer a few slices of the quesito cheese on the warm arepa. Top with a serving of shredded chicken, hot sauce, and a few spoonfuls of the corn salsa. Enjoy.

“I made this recipe while traveling in Medellin, Colombia to try out some of the local groceries. These are made with the sweeter arepa choclo, a favorite version that resembles a tender cornbread pancake. Any kind of arepa or starch base (like a gordita, tostada, or even slice of bread) could work here.”

Ethan Chlebowski
Creator

Watch & Cook

Nutritional Information

PER AREPA
Calories351
39g
12g
27g

Show macros split into…

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Recommended: 1 servings

FAQ

What kind of cheese is quesito?

Colombian quesito is a fresh milk cheese very similar to queso fresco, which makes for a perfect substitute.

What if I can’t find arepas? What else would work in this dish?

While international supermarkets sell arepas, you could try recreating the arepa choclo with sweet corn bread mix or arepa corn flour. Think of this recipe as a framework: use any starch base (like a gordita, tostada, or even slice of bread) and top with cheese, a protein of choice, fresh vegetables, and hot sauce.