What is Peruvian chicken stew?

Aji de Gallina | Traditional Chicken Dish From Peru | TasteAtlas

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Chicken Dish Stew

Peruvian chicken stew (Aji de gallina)

(Peruvian chicken stew)

Often consumed on rainy or cold days by many Peruvians, aji de gallina is a spicy dish consisting of shredded chicken in a creamy sauce. It is traditionally served over rice and garnished with black olives and boiled potatoes. The sauce is made with aji amarillo chilis, garlic, onions, walnuts, cheese, and crustless bread, and it is usually flavored with spices such as cumin, pepper, oregano, turmeric, and parsley.

It is believed that aji de gallina originated from a dish called manjar blanco, made with a combination of chicken, almonds, sugar, and rice. After its arrival in Peru, the people adapted it using local ingredients such as the aji chili, and a new dish was created in the process.

Peru

WHERE TO EAT The best Peruvian chicken stew (Aji de gallina) in the world (according to food experts)

Lonely Planet and 7 other food critics.

"Everything is good here: taste the creamy ahí de gallina."

Eric Rosen and 4 other food critics.

"The restaurant at the Huaca Pucllana ruins in Lima has a very good version that’s simple but delicious."

Lonely Planet and 2 other food critics.

"Brujas menu has wonderfully prepared classics such as ají de gallina (spicy chicken and walnut stew)."

Conrad McGarvey and 2 other food critics.

"Best restaurant for Aji de Gallina in Peru: Tanta."

Lonely Planet and 1 other food critic.

"It’s a good spot to try ají de gallina."

Steff LazoHerencia and 1 other food critic.

"Aji de gallina, a spicy chicken stew, is one of the most recommended classic Peruvian dishes at the restaurant."

Lima by Walking and 1 other food critic.

"Within the great variety that Isolina’s menu offers, we recommend you to try: Aji de Gallina."

Fodor's Travel

"The kitchen at this rustic-chic restaurant, which is along the tracks heading out of town, turns out high-quality gourmet versions of Peruvian classics such as ají de gallina (creamed chicken) with quail eggs."

A Plane Ticket & Reservations

"Panchita serves Aji de Gallina and it serves it well. The stew was topped with eggs, olives and slices of bell peppers and served with corn rice. The creamy yet spicy stew tasted freshly made. The shredded chicken had a nice juicy texture soaking up the stew and the potatoes were starchy. The rice was nicely cooked with the pieces of corn. It was a great example of Aji de Gallina."