Grilled

Grilled Chicken Arepas

Name: Grilled Chicken Arepas
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups (250g) cornmeal; 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup (30g) shredded cheese, optional; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

By Theo Calloway · June 19, 2026 · Grilled

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total60 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had arepas at a family gathering. The combination of crispy arepas and juicy grilled chicken was love at first bite. Since then, I've been perfecting my own recipe for Grilled Chicken Arepas, and I'm excited to share it with you.

Arepas are a staple in many Latin American countries, and they're essentially cornmeal flatbreads that can be grilled, baked, or fried. In this recipe, we'll be grilling them to perfection and filling them with tender and flavorful grilled chicken.

This recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, as it's easy to make in large quantities and can be customized to suit everyone's tastes. Plus, it's a great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen, as they can help with assembling the arepas and choosing their favorite fillings.

So, let's get started and make some delicious Grilled Chicken Arepas that your family will love!

One of the best things about this recipe is that it's incredibly versatile. You can use different types of cheese, add some diced veggies, or even use leftover chicken or beef. The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to experiment and find your favorite combinations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The arepas can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
The chicken can be marinated for up to 24 hours, making it perfect for meal prep.
The dish is highly customizable, so you can add your favorite fillings and toppings.
It's a great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen and teach them about different cuisines.
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made for under $10.
It's perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even a quick weeknight meal.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Grilled Chicken Arepas is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the arepas and chicken to perfection. We'll be using a combination of cornmeal, water, and salt to make the arepa dough, and then grilling the arepas until they're crispy and slightly charred.

The chicken will be marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lime juice, and spices, and then grilled until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C). This ensures that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat, while also retaining its juiciness and flavor.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the layering of flavors. We'll be using a combination of garlic, onion, and cumin to add depth and warmth to the dish, and then topping it with some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

By following these steps and using the right ingredients, you'll be able to create a delicious and authentic Grilled Chicken Arepas dish that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including cornmeal, chicken breasts, olive oil, and spices. You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store, and they're relatively inexpensive.

When shopping for cornmeal, make sure to choose a high-quality brand that's fresh and has a good texture. You'll also want to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, as they're easier to grill and more tender.

2 cups (250g) cornmealChoose a high-quality cornmeal that's fresh and has a good texture. You can find cornmeal at most grocery stores or online.
1/2 cup (120ml) warm waterUse warm water to help the cornmeal absorb and create a smooth dough.
1/4 teaspoon saltAdd a pinch of salt to bring out the flavors of the cornmeal and other ingredients.
1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinlessUse boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, as they're easier to grill and more tender.
2 tablespoons olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil to add flavor and moisture to the chicken.
1 tablespoon lime juiceAdd a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the chicken for a burst of citrus flavor.
1 teaspoon ground cuminUse ground cumin to add warmth and depth to the dish.
1/2 teaspoon paprikaAdd a pinch of paprika for a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperUse black pepper to add a touch of heat and flavor to the dish.
2 cloves garlic, mincedMince the garlic to release its natural oils and flavors.
1/4 cup (30g) shredded cheese, optionalUse shredded cheese to add an extra layer of flavor and creaminess to the dish.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnishUse chopped cilantro to add a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskGrill or grill panInstant-read thermometerCutting boardSharp knife

How to Make Grilled Chicken Arepas

1
In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal and salt. Gradually add the warm water, stirring with a whisk until the dough comes together.
2
Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it's smooth and pliable. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3
Divide the dough into 4-6 equal pieces, depending on how large you want your arepas to be. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten it slightly into a disk shape.
4
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the arepas for 4-5 minutes per side, until they're crispy and slightly charred.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, cumin, paprika, and black pepper. Add the minced garlic and stir to combine.
6
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
7
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C).
8
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Make sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast.
9
Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it thinly.
10
Assemble the arepas by slicing them in half and filling them with the grilled chicken, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro.
11
Serve the arepas immediately and enjoy!
12
If desired, add your favorite toppings or fillings, such as diced veggies or salsa.
13
Store any leftover arepas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Expert Tips

Make sure to use high-quality cornmeal that's fresh and has a good texture.
Don't overwork the dough, as it can become tough and dense.
Let the arepas rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the cornmeal to absorb and the dough to relax.
Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Don't press down on the chicken while it's cooking, as it can squeeze out juices and make the meat dry.
Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it thinly to allow the juices to redistribute.
Experiment with different toppings and fillings to find your favorite combinations.
Consider making a double batch of arepas and freezing them for later use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using low-quality cornmeal that's old or stale.
Overworking the dough, which can make it tough and dense.
Not letting the arepas rest for long enough, which can affect their texture.
Not cooking the chicken to a safe internal temperature, which can lead to foodborne illness.
Pressing down on the chicken while it's cooking, which can squeeze out juices and make the meat dry.
Not letting the chicken rest for long enough before slicing it, which can affect its juiciness and texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Use different types of cheese, such as queso fresco or feta, for a unique flavor.
Add diced veggies, such as bell peppers or onions, to the arepas for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use leftover chicken or beef to make the arepas, which can be a great way to reduce food waste.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings, such as cumin or chili powder, to add depth and warmth to the dish.
Try using different types of cornmeal, such as blue cornmeal or yellow cornmeal, for a unique flavor and texture.
Add a fried egg or sliced avocado to the arepas for a creamy and rich topping.
Use salsa or hot sauce to add a spicy kick to the arepas.

What to Serve With Grilled Chicken Arepas

Serve the Grilled Chicken Arepas with your favorite toppings or fillings, such as diced veggies, salsa, or sour cream. You can also serve them with a side of black beans, rice, or roasted vegetables for a filling and nutritious meal.

Consider serving the arepas at a family gathering or party, as they're easy to make in large quantities and can be customized to suit everyone's tastes. You can also serve them as a quick and easy weeknight meal, which can be a great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen and teach them about different cuisines.

Serve with diced veggies and salsaTop with sour cream and chivesAdd a fried egg or sliced avocadoServe with black beans and riceUse as a base for a salad or bowlTop with shredded cheese and diced ham

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Store any leftover arepas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the arepas for up to 2 months, which can be a great way to meal prep or plan ahead.

To freeze the arepas, simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once they're frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 2 months.

To reheat the arepas, simply microwave them for 20-30 seconds or grill them for 2-3 minutes per side. You can also toast them in a toaster or toaster oven for a crispy exterior and a soft interior.

Consider making a double batch of arepas and freezing them for later use, which can be a great way to save time and reduce food waste. You can also use leftover arepas to make other dishes, such as arepa croutons or arepa bread pudding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cornmeal is best for arepas?

Use a high-quality cornmeal that's fresh and has a good texture. You can find cornmeal at most grocery stores or online.

How do I know if the arepas are cooked through?

The arepas are cooked through when they're crispy and slightly charred on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside. You can also check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the arepa - if it comes out clean, the arepa is cooked through.

Can I make the arepas ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the arepas ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the arepas for up to 2 months and reheat them when you're ready to serve.

What's the best way to reheat the arepas?

You can reheat the arepas by microwaving them for 20-30 seconds or grilling them for 2-3 minutes per side. You can also toast them in a toaster or toaster oven for a crispy exterior and a soft interior.

Can I customize the arepas with different toppings or fillings?

Yes, you can customize the arepas with different toppings or fillings, such as diced veggies, salsa, or sour cream. You can also use leftover chicken or beef to make the arepas, which can be a great way to reduce food waste.

Are arepas gluten-free?

Yes, arepas are gluten-free, as they're made with cornmeal and don't contain any wheat or gluten. However, be sure to check the ingredients of any store-bought cornmeal or arepa mix to ensure that it's gluten-free.

Can I make arepas without a grill?

Yes, you can make arepas without a grill by cooking them in a skillet or oven. Simply heat a skillet or oven to medium-high heat and cook the arepas for 2-3 minutes per side, until they're crispy and slightly charred.

How do I store leftover arepas?

Store leftover arepas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the arepas for up to 2 months and reheat them when you're ready to serve.

The Full Recipe

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