An Amazing Peruvian Aji de Gallina Recipe

Prepare this delicious Peruvian recipe for Ají de Gallina in no time with the help of Chef Cecilia Tupac.

What is Aji de Gallina?

Ají de Gallina is one of Peru's most traditional and popular dishes, and with good reason! This creamy stew consists of shredded chicken and boiled potatoes covered in a spicy sauce made from 'Ají Amarillo'.

Served with rice, egg, and black olives, this hearty and comforting dish is a common feature in Peruvian restaurants and homes, especially during family gatherings and festive occasions, and is considered a staple of Peruvian cuisine.

History and Origins of Aji de Gallina

A blend of native Peruvian ingredients and Spanish techniques, Aji de Gallina exemplifies Peru's diverse and fusion culinary scene.

Historians link Aji de Gallina to manjar blanco (blancmange), a caramelised milk dessert from Catalonia, Spain. Influenced by Arab and Iberian cuisine, it initially resembled a thick cream made of chicken breast, rice, almonds, and sugar. During famines in Spain, it was eaten without chicken to prevent starvation.

Both versions arrived in Lima in the 1500s as Menjar Blanc. One version included chicken breast, sugar, and rice flour, while the other used just sugar and flour. Over time, the dish evolved from a sweet treat to a savoury dish incorporating the Peruvian ají amarillo (yellow chili pepper), a staple in national cuisine.

Nowadays, Aji de Gallina is a classic savoury dish that is still regularly enjoyed and loved.

What is Aji Amarillo?

Ají Amarillo, which translates to "yellow chili pepper" in English, is a staple ingredient in Peruvian cuisine. From Aji de Gallina to Causa Rellena, this beloved chili pepper is used in a variety of Peruvian dishes to impart a distinct flavour and heat.

Don't worry if you live abroad and can't get your hands on Ají Amarillo! I'll share some helpful hints and tips to replicate the taste of Ají Amarillo so you don't miss out on this fantastic Aji de Gallina dish!

How to make Aji de Gallina?

To make Aji de Gallina, we start by preparing the rich, creamy sauce that this dish is famous for. Then, we add in shredded chicken to complete this delicious recipe!

Here's how to prepare a delicious Aji de Gallina at home:

1. Boil the Chicken: Start by making your chicken stock and boiling chicken breasts in a pot until tender. Once cool, shred the chicken into small pieces.
   

2. Make the Base Sauce: Fry onions, garlic and aji amarillo peppers on a low-medium heat.
   

3. Prepare the Bread Mixture: Most Peruvians either use bread, or salted crackers to make the sauce. Let it soak up all the liquid and then blend it all together with the base sauce until its nice and smooth.
   

4. Combine and Season: Add in the other ingredients such as the grated cheese, nuts, evaporated milk and the shredded chicken, and season to taste. Continue to cook it until the sauce thickens.
   

5. Serve: Serve the Aji de Gallina with sliced potatoes, white rice and garnish with a boiled egg and black olives.

Aji de Gallina Recipe

Below is a video which shows how to make the Aji de Gallina recipe step-by-step:

Ingredients for Aji de Gallina:

• 1 cup of evaporated milk

• 1 onion

• 3 tablespoons of yellow chili paste or 7 to 8 units of sweet yellow peppers to make the aji amarillo paste

• 1 tablespoon of garlic paste

• 50 g of white bread or crackers

• 1 cup of chicken stock

• 1/2 kg of chicken breast

• 1/2 teaspoon of oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric (optional)

• 1 teaspoon of oregano

• Salt, pepper and cumin to taste