Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Reina Pepiada (Creamy Chicken & Avocado Arepa Filling)

Sarah Smith
Jan 16
2 min read

Grilled arepa stuffed with chicken, avocado, cheese, cilantro, and peppers on brown paper. Bright colors and rustic background.

Reina Pepiada is one of the most beloved arepa fillings, known for its creamy texture, fresh flavor, and comforting simplicity. Tender shredded chicken is tossed with ripe avocado, a touch of mayonnaise, lime juice, and gentle seasoning to create a filling that feels both light and satisfying. It’s rich without being heavy and perfect for cozy meals at home.

Traditionally served inside warm Arepas (Warm, Cozy Venezuelan Corn Cakes), this filling is incredibly versatile and just as delicious spooned over rice, tucked into wraps, or enjoyed straight from the bowl. It also pairs beautifully with Venezuelan Black Beans (Caraotas Negras) or alongside Perico (Venezuelan Scrambled Eggs) for a comforting plate. If you loved our arepas, this creamy chicken and avocado filling is the perfect next recipe to try — and one you’ll want to keep in regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love This

Creamy, fresh, and comforting without being heavy
Easy to make with simple, familiar ingredients
Perfect for stuffing arepas, wraps, or bowls
Great for meal prep and quick lunches

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes Total Cook Time: 15 minutes Servings: About 4 cups (fills 6–8 arepas)

Nutritional Information

Estimated per ½ cup serving:

Calories: ~210
Carbohydrates: ~6g
Protein: ~18g
Fat: ~14g
Fiber: ~4g
Sugar: ~1g

Ingredients

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
2 ripe avocados, mashed
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons finely diced onion
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

In a large bowl, mash the avocados until mostly smooth with a few small chunks remaining.
Stir in the mayonnaise and lime juice until creamy.
Add the shredded chicken and diced onion, folding gently to combine.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Chill for 10–15 minutes for the best flavor, then spoon into warm arepas or serve as desired.

Storage & Tips

Storage: Store Reina Pepiada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because of the avocado, it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Prevent Browning: Press plastic wrap directly against the surface of the filling before sealing the container to help slow oxidation.

Chicken Tip: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here and keeps this recipe quick and cozy.

Texture Tip: For a chunkier filling, mash only half of the avocado and dice the rest before mixing.

FAQs

What is Reina Pepiada? Reina Pepiada is a classic Venezuelan arepa filling made with chicken and avocado, known for its creamy texture and fresh flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, but it’s best made the same day. If prepping ahead, store tightly covered and add a little extra lime juice to help keep it fresh.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise? You can substitute part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, though the flavor will be slightly tangier and less traditional.

Is this filling spicy? No, it’s mild and creamy, making it very family-friendly.

Final Thoughts

Reina Pepiada is the kind of recipe that proves comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. Creamy, fresh, and deeply satisfying, it pairs perfectly with warm homemade arepas and brings a cozy, feel-good touch to any meal. Whether you’re exploring Venezuelan-inspired flavors or simply looking for a new way to enjoy shredded chicken, this filling is one you’ll come back to again and again.