Name: Reina Pepiada Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Venezuelan
Ingredients: 2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal (Harina P.A.N.); 2 ½ cups warm water; 1 tsp salt; 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking); 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken; 1 large ripe avocado, mashed; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp lime juice; ¼ cup finely chopped onion; 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro; ½ tsp salt (or to taste); ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)

Description

Reina Pepiada is a Venezuelan arepa filled with a creamy and flavorful chicken and avocado salad. This popular dish combines shredded chicken, mashed avocado, mayonnaise, and lime juice, creating a rich and satisfying filling. It is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner. The name “Reina Pepiada” was inspired by a Venezuelan beauty queen, making it one of the most beloved arepa varieties.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Arepas:

2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal (Harina P.A.N.)
2 ½ cups warm water
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)

For the Filling:

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 large ripe avocado, mashed
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp lime juice
¼ cup finely chopped onion
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Arepas: In a large bowl, mix the pre-cooked cornmeal, warm water, and salt. Knead the dough until smooth and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Shape and Cook the Arepas: Divide the dough into equal portions and form them into round discs about ½ inch thick. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat, lightly grease it with oil, and cook the arepas for about 5–7 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mashed avocado, mayonnaise, lime juice, onion, and cilantro. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Arepas: Once the arepas are cooked, slice them open and generously fill them with the Reina Pepiada mixture.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with extra lime wedges or hot sauce on the side.

Notes

For a lighter version, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

You can add a touch of mustard for extra depth of flavor.

If the arepa dough is too dry, add a little more warm water until the consistency is smooth.

This filling also works great in sandwiches or wraps.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Venezuelan

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stuffed arepa
Calories: 320
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 380mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: arepa, reina pepiada, Venezuelan arepa, chicken avocado arepa, gluten-free, Latin American food