How to Make Homemade Arepas
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
1 hr
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
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Servings
5 servings
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Calories
589 kcal
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Course
Appetizer
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Cuisine
South American
How to Make Homemade Arepas
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.
Ingredients
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
- ⅓ 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:
- In a large bowl mix together arepa flour, and Kosher salt.
- Slowly add in the water, mixing with a wooden spoon.
- Cover, and let it rest for about 25 minutes.
- Start making patties that are about 4" in diameter by ½" thick. You need this thickness so you can split them.
- Heat oil in pan (I use a cast iron skillet) to medium heat, and cook until the arepas are brown on both sides.
- Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes.
To make chicken:
- 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
- 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.
- Place chicken on a cutting board, and shred using two forks.
- Place shredded chicken back in the same skillet, sprinkle in salt, and stir.
- Add onion, garlic, and cilantro and stir to combine. Cook for about 10 minutes on medium, stirring often.
- Add dressing and stir.
To assemble:
- 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 DetailsNutrition 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.