The Perfect Colombian Chicken Ajiaco Recipe: A Hearty Family Feast

Colombian chicken ajiaco stands as a culinary masterpiece reflecting the rich cultural heritage of a vibrant region.

Hearty and comforting, this traditional soup embodies warmth and nourishment in every spoonful.

Regional ingredients redefine simple components into an extraordinary gastronomic experience that speaks volumes about community and connection.

Potatoes form the soul of this remarkable dish, creating a creamy texture that embraces tender chicken and aromatic herbs.

Generations have perfected this recipe, passing down techniques that blend indigenous and Spanish influences into a harmonious meal.

Each ingredient tells a story of landscape, tradition, and familial love, inviting you to savor a deeply personal culinary journey.

The magic of Colombian chicken ajiaco lies in its ability to transport you through flavor and memory.

Sides That Match Colombian Chicken Ajiaco

• Elevate with Crisp White Wine: Pair this hearty Colombian chicken ajiaco with a chilled sauvignon blanc or a dry riesling. These light, refreshing wines beautifully cut through the creamy richness of the soup and complement its complex flavors.
• Serve with Traditional Colombian Bread: Accompany the ajiaco with soft, warm pan de bono or arepas. These cheesy, corn-based breads provide a delightful textural contrast and help soak up the flavorful broth.
• Add a Bright Citrus Side Salad: Create a zesty green salad with mixed herbs, lime juice, and a light vinaigrette. The tangy, fresh elements will balance the soup's creamy and hearty profile, offering a palate-cleansing experience.
• Refresh with Herbal Iced Tea: Prepare a cool, mint-infused Colombian limonada de coco or a traditional agua de panela. These drinks offer a sweet and herbal counterpoint to the rich, creamy chicken stew.

Unique Takes on Colombian Chicken Ajiaco

• Veggie Fusion: Replace chicken with mixed beans and vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version that maintains the traditional flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick Rendition: Add diced jalapeños or habanero peppers during cooking to create a fiery Colombian-inspired stew with extra heat and depth of flavor.
• Seafood Coastal Adaptation: Swap chicken for fresh white fish or shrimp, maintaining the creamy broth and traditional potato base while introducing a maritime twist to the classic ajiaco recipe.
• Quinoa Power Bowl: Incorporate quinoa alongside traditional potatoes, boosting protein content and creating a nutrient-dense meal with authentic Colombian seasonings and cooking techniques.

Colombian Chicken Ajiaco: What Makes It Special

• Discover Authentic Colombian Comfort: Dive into a hearty soup that captures the essence of traditional Colombian home cooking, bringing warmth and rich flavors straight to your table.
• Effortless One-Pot Wonder: Create a delicious meal with minimal prep and cleanup, combining tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and vibrant ingredients in a single pot that simmers to perfection.
• Texture Paradise: Experience a delightful mix of creamy broth, tender shredded chicken, soft potatoes, and the occasional crunch of corn, topped with smooth avocado and briny capers for a truly memorable eating experience.
• Cultural Culinary Journey: Transport yourself to the heart of Colombia with this classic ajiaco, showcasing the country's love for hearty, flavorful dishes that tell a story of local ingredients and generations of cooking tradition.

What Goes Into Colombian Chicken Ajiaco

• Chicken Breasts: Hearty protein that creates the base of the traditional Colombian soup.

• Potatoes, Corn: Classic Colombian ingredients that provide texture and authentic flavor.
• Garlic, Onion: Essential aromatics that build a rich, deep flavor profile for the soup.

• Guascas: Unique Colombian herb that gives the ajiaco its signature earthy and distinctive taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance and balance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious, creamy texture to the soup.
• Capers: Provide a tangy, briny accent to complement the rich soup.
• Avocado Slices, Cilantro: Fresh garnishes that add color, freshness, and additional layers of flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the foundational liquid and adds depth to the soup's flavor.

How to Cook Colombian Chicken Ajiaco

Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients

• Chicken breasts
• Potatoes
• Corn
• Garlic
• Onion
• Chicken broth

Step 2: Bring to Initial Boil

Heat the mixture until it reaches a full boil, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Reduce and Simmer

Lower the heat and let the pot simmer for 30 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and potatoes become tender.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

Remove chicken from the pot, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks, then return the shredded meat to the pot.

Step 5: Add Guascas

Sprinkle guascas into the pot and continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes to enhance flavor.

Step 6: Create Creamy Finish

Stir in heavy cream and capers, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Serve the ajiaco hot, topping each bowl with fresh avocado slices and chopped cilantro.

Helpful Tips for Colombian Chicken Ajiaco

• Potato Selection: Choose yellow or red potatoes that break down easily to create the soup's signature thick consistency.
• Authentic Guascas Herb: Source this traditional Colombian herb from specialty Latin markets or online stores to capture genuine flavor.
• Shredding Technique: Let chicken cool slightly before shredding to prevent burning your hands and ensure tender, even pieces.
• Cream Integration: Add heavy cream at the end of cooking to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky texture.
• Serving Pro Tip: Warm bowls before plating to keep the ajiaco hot and enhance the overall dining experience.

Storage Guide for Colombian Chicken Ajiaco

• Refrigerate leftover ajiaco in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store the soup for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the garnishes separate to maintain their freshness. Freeze the soup without cream or avocado for best results, storing in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheat refrigerated ajiaco gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating and prevent hot spots. Garnish with fresh avocado and cilantro just before serving to restore the dish's vibrant flavors and textures.

Colombian Chicken Ajiaco Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Colombian chicken ajiaco delivers a hearty symphony of potatoes, corn, and tender chicken swimming in a rich, aromatic broth. Local herbs and traditional garnishes create a comforting journey through Colombia’s culinary landscape, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this classic regional treasure.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 chicken breasts

Starches:

• 6 cups (1.4 liters) of 3 different types of potatoes, sliced
• 2 corn cobs, cut into pieces

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) guascas (dried herb)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquids and Garnishes:

• 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) capers

Garnish:

• Avocado
• Cilantro

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Place whole chicken breasts, three varieties of potatoes (sabaneras, pastusas, and tocarreñas), fresh corn on the cob, minced garlic, diced white onion, and rich chicken broth into a generously sized cooking vessel.
2. Elevate heat to create a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce temperature to a gentle, steady simmer for approximately 30 to 35 minutes, ensuring chicken is thoroughly cooked and potatoes reach a soft, yielding consistency.
3. Carefully extract chicken breasts from the simmering liquid, using two forks to meticulously shred the meat into delicate, tender strands.
4. Return shredded chicken to the pot, introducing traditional guascas herb, which imparts a distinctive Colombian flavor profile, and continue simmering for an additional 10 to 12 minutes.
5. Incorporate heavy cream (35% milkfat) and briny, tangy capers, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall taste balance.
6. Ladle the rich, aromatic soup into warm ceramic bowls, artfully garnishing with creamy avocado slices and fresh, vibrant cilantro leaves.
7. Serve immediately, allowing diners to experience the authentic, comforting essence of traditional Colombian cuisine.

Notes

• Traditional Colombian comfort soup packed with rich, hearty flavors from multiple potato varieties.
• Guascas herb is crucial for authentic taste and can be found in Latin American grocery stores or online.
• Shredding chicken ensures tender, evenly distributed meat throughout the delicious broth.
• Heavy cream adds luxurious smoothness while capers provide a tangy, unexpected flavor contrast.
• Best served immediately with fresh avocado and cilantro for maximum taste and texture experience.
• Can be prepared ahead and reheated, with flavors developing more depth over time.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Colombian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg