Main dishes · Peruvian cuisine
Ají de Gallina Recipe: A Peruvian Classic (Creamy Chili Chicken)
- Total time45 min
- Servings5
- DifficultyEasy
Introduction
Ají de gallina is one of the most iconic dishes of Peruvian cuisine, loved for its intense flavor and creamy texture. This recipe is perfect for any occasion. I feel you can make this dish in any country without any problem; it is very adaptable and versatile, and you can replace many of its ingredients. For example, if you don't have ají amarillo (Peruvian yellow chili) you can use palillo, and if you don't have palillo you can use turmeric; if you don't have crackers you can use bread, sandwich bread or breadcrumbs, or quinoa. You will always get a delicious dish to share with friends and family. In my case, living in France, everyone who tries this dish loves it; not a single person has told me the flavor is strange, even though, when it comes to palates, the Peruvian palate is very different from the European one, but that's another conversation…
We can serve it with fluffy white rice and yellow potatoes, or whatever potatoes you can find where you live. This dish is not only delicious; it is also a reflection of Peru's rich culinary culture.
And if you love chicken, check out our blog post on Peruvian chicken dishes (in Spanish), where you'll find plenty of ideas such as the spectacular, essential aguadito de pollo (Peruvian chicken and cilantro soup, recipe in Spanish), among other Peruvian dishes that will make you feel at home, wherever you are.
Today we bring you the ultimate version that will have everyone at home asking for more.
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Recipe video
The video is in Spanish.
Ají de Gallina (Peruvian Creamy Chili Chicken)
- Prep time
- 30 min
- Cook time
- 15 min
- Total time
- 45 min
- Servings
- 5
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 500
Best season: All year round
Ingredients for Ají de Gallina
Broth
Aderezo (flavor base)
Cream for our ají de gallina
To serve
How to Make Ají de Gallina
Make the broth
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the celery, onion, garlic cloves and salt to taste. Add the hen or chicken breast and simmer for 25 minutes (chicken) or 1 hour (hen).
Make the ají paste
Remove the stems, veins and seeds, and put all the chilies in a pot with plenty of hot water. Let them boil for 15 minutes, or until the skin comes off easily when rubbed. Remove the skin and blend the peeled chilies with a minimum of oil, just enough to blend them easily. You can keep the paste refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for about 6 months.
Soak the bread
In a bowl, put the crumbled bread and pour in the milk and broth. Mix and set aside.
Make the aderezo
In a pot, heat the vegetable oil and add the diced onion with a pinch of salt. Sauté for 10 minutes over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 3 more minutes. Add pepper to taste, the ají amarillo paste and the ají mirasol paste. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
Combine the ingredients
Add the finished aderezo to the bread, broth and milk mixture. Pour it into a blender and blend until you get a smooth cream. Return it to the pot.
Finish the dish
Shred the cooked chicken and add it to the pot with the cream. Add a little milk if you'd like it lighter. Mix well and cook until it reaches the right consistency.
Note
Tips
- You can adjust the amount of chili to your tolerance for heat.
- For a smoother texture, blend the mixture a little longer before combining it.
- Serve with fluffy white rice and potatoes for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ají de Gallina
Can I use chicken instead of hen?
Yes, chicken is an excellent alternative and easier to find.
What kind of chili should I use?
Fresh ají amarillo is recommended for an authentic flavor, but you can also use ají amarillo paste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can replace the chicken with a mix of vegetables and tofu for a vegetarian version.
How long does ají de gallina keep in the refrigerator?
It keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Can ají de gallina be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze it in portions and reheat it whenever you like.