Aji de Gallina

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El Misti volcano

📍 Where this dish comes from: Arequipa (the White City) · El Misti volcano
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Aji de Gallina, plated and ready to serve

Peru’s beloved creamy shredded chicken in aji amarillo sauce, traditionally thickened with bread — this version gets its body from cream, Parmesan, and ground walnuts instead.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients for Aji de Gallina

Aji de Gallina

Peru's beloved creamy shredded chicken in aji amarillo sauce, traditionally thickened with bread — this version gets its body from cream, Parmesan, and ground walnuts instead.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Peruvian
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 430kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 tbsp aji amarillo paste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs sliced, for garnish
  • Black olives, for garnish
  • Sea salt and black pepper

Instructions

  • Simmer the chicken thighs in the broth until cooked through, about 20 minutes. Remove and shred, reserving the broth.
  • Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the aji amarillo paste and cook 2 minutes.
  • Add 1 cup of the reserved broth, the walnuts, cream, and Parmesan. Simmer until slightly thickened, 8–10 minutes.
  • Blend the sauce until smooth, if desired, then return it to the pot.
  • Fold the shredded chicken into the sauce and heat through.
  • Serve over cauliflower rice, topped with sliced egg and olives.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 430kcal | Protein: 34g | Fat: 30g | Fiber: 2g
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Cooking Aji de Gallina in the kitchen

Health Benefits

  • Ground nuts and cream give the sauce its classic body without any bread or flour.
  • Chicken thighs keep the dish satisfyingly high in fat and protein.

Pairs Well With

  • Champiñones al Ajillo
  • Judías Verdes Saltadas
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