Aji de Gallina Creamy Chicken Stew

Name: Aji de Gallina Creamy Chicken Stew
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients: 4 thighs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 4 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed, torn into pieces; 12 oz evaporated milk; 1/4 cup aji amarillo paste (jarred, found in Latin grocery stores); 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 tsp ground turmeric; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground; 4 cups cooked white rice (for serving); 4 small yellow potatoes, boiled, sliced; 12 black olives, halved; 2 hard-boiled eggs (for garnish), sliced

A beloved Peruvian comfort dish of shredded chicken simmered in a rich, golden sauce made from aji amarillo chiles, bread, walnuts, and Parmesan, served over rice with boiled potatoes and olives.

75 minMediumServes 4560 cal/serving

PeruvianDinnerStovetopStandardHigh ProteinAlcohol-Free

Ingredients

4 thighs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
4 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed, torn into pieces
12 oz evaporated milk
1/4 cup aji amarillo paste (jarred, found in Latin grocery stores)
1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
4 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
4 small yellow potatoes, boiled, sliced
12 black olives, halved
2 hard-boiled eggs (for garnish), sliced

Instructions

1

Place 4 thighs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in a pot, cover with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken, let cool, then shred the meat and discard the bones and skin. Reserve the cooking liquid.
2

While the 4 slices torn into pieces white sandwich bread, crusts removed soaks in the 12 oz evaporated milk for 5 minutes, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely diced yellow onion and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
3

Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 cup aji amarillo paste (jarred, found in Latin grocery stores) to the skillet and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Stir in 1/2 tsp ground turmeric.
4

Squeeze any excess milk from the soaked bread and place the bread and soaking milk into a blender with 1/2 cup roughly chopped walnuts. Blend until smooth, then pour this mixture into the skillet.
5

Stir in 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer over low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
6

Add the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir to coat. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
7

Serve the chicken stew over 4 cups cooked white rice (for serving) alongside 4 small boiled, sliced yellow potatoes, garnished with 12 halved black olives and 2 sliced hard-boiled eggs (for garnish).

Questions

Can I make Aji de Gallina Creamy Chicken Stew dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 12 oz evaporated milk, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Swap the evaporated milk for a plant-based version of the same product; the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor). The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Aji de Gallina Creamy Chicken Stew gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 4 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed, torn into pieces. Swap the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Aji de Gallina Creamy Chicken Stew keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. It also freezes well for up to three months.

Can I halve or double Aji de Gallina Creamy Chicken Stew?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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