Savor the Ultimate Peruvian Creamy Chicken - Aji de Gallina Recipe

Ingredients

• Skinless, bone-in chicken breast halves weighing 2 pounds
• One coarsely chopped onion
• Chopped carrots, two in quantity
• Two cloves of garlic
• Water amounting to 2 quarts
• A loaf of white bread, cubed after removing the crusts
• Evaporated milk in a can measuring 12 fluid ounces
• Grated Parmesan cheese, half a cup
• Walnut pieces, a quarter cup
• Vegetable oil, one teaspoon
• Minced garlic cloves, two
• Chopped onion, one
• Aji amarillo chile paste, two teaspoons
• Ground turmeric, two teaspoons
• Sliced hard-cooked eggs, four
• Kalamata olives, quartered and pitted, a quarter cup

Step 1

In a large saucepan, combine chicken breasts, onion, carrot, and garlic cloves. Pour in a generous 2 quarts of water and gently bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat. As it simmers, skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Cover the pan, lower the heat to a cozy medium-low, and let it all mingle until the chicken becomes tender, which should take about 30 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate to cool. Strain the flavorful chicken stock, saying goodbye to the veggies as you do.

Step 2

Into the magical realm of a blender, pour in the silky evaporated milk and 1/2 cup of the chicken stock. Toss in some bread cubes and blend until an enchanting smoothness is achieved. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and walnuts, blending again until all is harmoniously smooth. Now, gently shred the now-cooled chicken, bidding farewell to the bones.

Step 3

In another grand saucepan, heat up a drizzle of vegetable oil over a medium flame. Toss in the minced garlic and onion, letting them dance until the onion softens and turns translucent, a dance that should take about 5 minutes. Add the shredded chicken and aji amarillo, warming them through. Pour in the bread puree, allowing it to join the party and heat up, stirring with grace. If the mixture feels a bit too thick, add a splash more of the chicken stock. Sprinkle in the turmeric, letting everything simmer together for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 4

To present this masterpiece, adorn it with slices of hard-cooked eggs and a sprinkle of kalamata olives, allowing the flavors to shine bright.