How to Make Homemade Arepas

User Reviews

5

12 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    1 hr

  • Cook Time

    15 mins

  • Total Time

    1 hr 15 mins

  • Servings

    5 servings

  • Calories

    589 kcal

  • Course

    Appetizer

  • Cuisine

    South American

How to Make Homemade Arepas

This recipe explains how to make traditional homemade arepas from pre-cooked white corn flour, forming them into patties, frying to brown, then baking for finished texture. A marinated shredded chicken filling enhanced with mustard dressing, onion, garlic, and cilantro is added to the split arepas. The result is a satisfying, handheld cornmeal sandwich with flavorful, tender chicken.

Description

Homemade Arepas are prepared by mixing pre-cooked arepa flour with kosher salt and water, then resting the dough. The dough is shaped into round patties about 4 inches in diameter and ½ inch thick for easy splitting. These patties cook on a hot oiled pan until browned on both sides, then finish baking in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to fully cook and develop a crisp exterior.

The chicken filling is made by marinating whole chicken breasts in mustard salad dressing and salt, then cooking covered in oil until done. The chicken is shredded and combined with onion, garlic, cilantro, and additional mustard dressing. This savory mixture is stuffed inside the split arepas to create a warm and flavorful meal or snack featuring a soft, sweet cornmeal bread with a tangy, aromatic chicken filling.

Arepas are versatile and can be served as a breakfast, lunch, or casual dinner option. The mustard-based dressing in the filling provides a distinctive tang and moisture, complementing the neutral corn base. The recipe outlines precise steps for both the dough and filling preparation to achieve authentic texture and flavor.

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Ingredients

Servings

Arepas

  • 2 cups Arepa flour white masarepa pre-cooked
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil

Chicken Filling

  • 1 ¼ lb chicken breast
  • ¾ cup mustard salad dressing Mixes and Medleys brand
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • cup onion chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 4 Tbsp cilantro chopped
  • 1 Tbsp mustard salad dressing to add at the end, Mixes and Medleys brand
  • 2 ½ Tbsp queso fresco crumbled

Instructions

To Make Arepas:

  1. In a large bowl mix together arepa flour, and Kosher salt.
  2. Slowly add in the water, mixing with a wooden spoon.
  3. Cover, and let it rest for about 25 minutes.
  4. Start making patties that are about 4" in diameter by ½" thick. You need this thickness so you can split them.
  5. Heat oil in pan (I use a cast iron skillet) to medium heat, and cook until the arepas are brown on both sides. 
  6. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes.

To make chicken:

  1. Poke holes in chicken breast with a fork then place dressing in a large sealable bag, and put the chicken inside. Allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for about one hour
  2. Heat olive oil in non-stick pan on medium, and cook chicken covered, for about 5 minutes on each side. If chicken breasts are thick, you might need to cook longer.
  3. Place chicken on a cutting board, and shred using two forks.
  4. Place shredded chicken back in the same skillet, sprinkle in salt, and stir.
  5. Add onion, garlic, and cilantro and stir to combine. Cook for about 10 minutes on medium, stirring often.
  6. Add dressing and stir.

To assemble:

  1. Slice arepa in half lengthwise. Fill with about 4 oz. of chicken each. Sprinkle with queso fresco and cilantro. Top with other arepa slice, like a sandwich.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 589kcal (29%) Carbohydrates 53g (18%) Protein 32g (64%) Fat 26g (40%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Cholesterol 91mg (30%) Sodium 1374mg (57%) Potassium 745mg (16%) Fiber 6g (24%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 180IU (4%) Vitamin C 2.3mg (3%) Calcium 64mg (6%) Iron 2.9mg (16%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 5servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 589 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 589kcal 29%
Carbohydrates 53g 18%
Protein 32g 64%
Fat 26g 40%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 91mg 30%
Sodium 1374mg 57%
Potassium 745mg 16%
Fiber 6g 24%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 180IU 4%
Vitamin C 2.3mg 3%
Calcium 64mg 6%
Iron 2.9mg 16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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