Chicken/ Dinner Recipes/ Peruvian

Aji de Gallina, Peruvian Spicy, Creamy Chicken Stew (Gluten Free)

Aji de Gallina, a Peruvian Spicy, Creamy Chicken Stew served over rice has all the elements of the perfect comfort food. Tender chicken cooked in an easy cream sauce with a slight heat from yellow peppers, it is a dish you will make again and again.
Aji de Gallina, Peruvian Spicy Creamy Chicken Stew

This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links help me create great recipes at no cost to you. Thanks!

Peruvian Comfort Food

Many people get a bit nervous when they hear a recipe that includes a cuisine they aren’t familiar with, but don’t be freaked out. Aji de Gallina is simple to make.

It’s creamy and hearty, perfect for winter months, but not so heavy that you wouldn’t want to eat it in the summer. It is the perfect year round comfort food.

It is a little bit different than your traditional creamy chicken stew because it get’s its creaminess not only from milk, but also from bread. Peruvians love to use bread as a thickener.

Aji de Gallina

Aji de Gallina, Peruvian Spicy Creamy Chicken Stew

You probably looked at my profile picture and said wait – she’s not Peruvian. You are right, I’m not, but I am married to a Peruvian who is an amazing cook. His dad was a chef and we are in the process of translating his recipes. Let me tell you, they are amazing. Peruvian food is such a great mixture of so many different cultures. It’s a real treat.

This particular dish is one of my husband’s favorites. When we first decided to try to make Aji de Gallina (which basically means yellow pepper chicken), I honestly wasn’t sure how it was going to come out.

This recipe would normally use a French Style of bread, soaked in milk, to give it its creaminess. Fortunately, gluten free bread tends to get soggy quite easily so it is perfect for this recipe.

Peruvian Spicy Creamy Chicken Stew

Recipe Notes

This Peruvian Spicy Creamy Chicken Stew is really simple to make, however here are just a few notes to make cooking a bit easier for you!

Gluten Free Bread

We usually use the Schar Baguettes. This recipe uses almost one whole one. However, I have also made this with Udi’s French Bread as well as with gluten free white sandwich bread. It really comes down to what you have on hand.

Chicken

I like to use chicken breasts, but you can really use dark meat, white, meat, or a combo of both. We boil them in chicken broth and then use the same chicken broth in the dish. If you don’t have time, and you have access to a gluten free rotisserie chicken, you can use that.

Aji Amarillo

This is a much more common item to find then people think. It is usually in the ethnic food are of the grocery store. There are several different brands. In the grocery store, it runs about 5.00, on Amazon around 9.00. One jar will last a while and it takes years for the stuff to go bad, so go ahead and invest in a jar. It’s good in so many things. I have a bunch of recipes that use it, but you can also use it in marinades and dressings. It’s good stuff.

Different brands tend to be a little bit different in how spicy they are. Start with a low amount and add more if you like. If you don’t like things spicy, just a little bit will give it flavor without heat, if you like it spicy, then add plenty!

Nuts

The nuts are totally optional. Some may argue that they are not, but I’ve had it with and without and I don’t really tell the difference.

The Egg and The Olive

It’s traditional to serve this with a hard boiled egg and an olive on top. Personally, I hate olives, but if you like them, then go ahead and add it!

You are going to fall in love with Peruvian food after eating this Aji de Gallina, Peruvian Spicy Creamy Chicken Stew!

If you love International Food, be sure to also try this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken from Thyme and Joy.

Aji de Gallina, Peruvian Spicy Creamy Chicken Stew (Gluten Free)
Print Recipe
4.16 from 26 votes

Aji de Gallina, Peruvian Spicy, Creamy Chicken Stew (Gluten Free)

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3-4 Tablespoons Aji Amarillo
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 - 1 1/2 cups gluten free chicken broth
  • 2 cooked chicken breasts shredded
  • 2 cups gluten free bread cubed
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans optional
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  • Combine bread and milk in a bowl and let sit while you begin chopping onions and cooking. Let sit for at least 10 minutes.
  • Heat oil in large stockpot.
  • Add onions and saute until translucent (about 3 minutes).
  • Add garlic, aji amarillo paste, and pepper. Saute for 2 minutes.
  • Reduce heat and add in nuts, if using.
  • Over medium low heat, add in chicken and bread and milk mixture. Stir to combine well.
  • Raise heat to medium and add in parmesan cheese.
  • Stir untill cheese is completely melted.
  • Add chicken broth.
  • Stir and taste. Add salt if needed
  • Reduce heat and cover.
  • Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.
  • Add additional chicken broth if needed to thin.
  • Serve over rice with a hard boiled egg and olive.

Notes

There is no salt amount listed because the salt content in chicken broth varies greatly. Be sure to taste and add salt as needed. Please refer to the recipe notes within the blog posts for information about Aji Amarillo, gluten free bread, and types of chicken.
We normally boil the chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer) in chicken broth and water to cook them. Then use the chicken broth they were boiled in for the dish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g

You Might Also Like

43 Comments

  • Reply
    Nat
    December 17, 2020 at 6:32 pm

    5 stars
    This is on regular rotation in my house, simple recipe, and delicious.

    • Reply
      Amanda
      December 27, 2020 at 12:44 pm

      It is so good! Glad you are enjoying it!!!

  • Reply
    Aguadito de Pavo, Peruvian Turkey and Rice Soup in Cilantro Broth
    October 12, 2019 at 12:24 pm

    […] Aji de Gallina, Chicken Stew […]

  • Reply
    Zuzana
    March 16, 2019 at 12:34 pm

    This is something I have to make for a whole family. Never tried a Peruvian style of any kind, so I am really curious how it will be. But seeing from the images, it must be one of the best chicken dishes

  • Reply
    Gluten Free Pull Apart Cheesy Bread
    February 27, 2019 at 10:37 am

    […] used them before in recipes, like this Aji de Gallina, but more often we slice them and bake with a little bit of butter to go with a meal. My three year […]

  • Reply
    Natasha
    January 5, 2019 at 5:28 pm

    I’m making this right now, it smells delicious. Thank you for the easy recipe !

    • Reply
      Amanda
      January 6, 2019 at 5:48 pm

      I hope you loved it as much as we do!

      • Reply
        Natasha
        January 19, 2019 at 6:28 pm

        Making it again right now, it was a huge hit!

        • Reply
          Amanda
          January 22, 2019 at 9:20 pm

          I am so excited! It’s my husbands favorite dish! If you take any pics be sure to tag me! I’d love to see it!

  • Reply
    Luiza
    July 17, 2018 at 11:08 pm

    I used The Ezekiel bread and it didn’t dissolve. Any tips for gluten free bread that would work? Trader hoes brand (the white bread that comes in the blue package?)

    • Reply
      Amanda
      July 18, 2018 at 1:15 pm

      Hi, I haven’t tried Ezekial bread before so I’m not sure why it didn’t dissolve. We usually use something like Schar baguettes (traditionally the recipe is made with a baguette type bread), but I’ve also used Udi’s and Schar’s white bread. The trader joes brand white bread should work as well. Feel free to email me if you need any extra help trouble shooting! amanda@eatatourtable.com Thanks!

  • Reply
    Kristina
    February 12, 2018 at 12:05 am

    these photos are stunning, and the flavors in this recipe sound incredible! saving to try with a vegetarian protein. 🙂

    • Reply
      Amanda
      March 4, 2018 at 11:19 am

      A vegetarian protein would be great!

  • Reply
    Jersey Girl Cooks
    February 9, 2018 at 11:10 pm

    This looks so good! I love trying different ethnic food recipes. Thanks for sharing!

    • Reply
      Amanda
      March 4, 2018 at 11:19 am

      I love food from different countries!

  • Reply
    Jereann Zann
    February 9, 2018 at 9:22 pm

    My husband loves Peruvian food! I’ll have to share the yummy recipe with him or maybe surprise him with some.

    • Reply
      Amanda
      March 4, 2018 at 11:29 am

      He will love this and it’s so easy to make…you might be able dairy free…if you try it let me know!

  • Reply
    Kayvona
    February 9, 2018 at 4:07 pm

    This looks like such a good idea for a meal! Definitely want to try it out!

  • Reply
    Alisa Fleming
    February 9, 2018 at 2:25 pm

    Beautiful photo Amanda! This stew looks divine. I’m already dreaming up ways to make it dairy-free for our household.

    • Reply
      Amanda
      March 4, 2018 at 11:30 am

      Thanks! You’ll have to let me know how dairy free works. I’m never sure which kind of milk would work best.

  • Reply
    Madison Haycock
    February 9, 2018 at 1:49 pm

    This is packed with such good flavors! I can’t wait to try making this!

    • Reply
      Amanda
      March 4, 2018 at 11:30 am

      You will go crazy for it!

  • Reply
    Evelyn, PathofPresence
    February 9, 2018 at 5:21 am

    This looks utterly delicious, and I don’t care if you are a Peruvian blood or not! ☺️Great tips on the gluten free bread substitute. Saving and will try soon 👍🏼thanks!!

    • Reply
      Amanda
      March 4, 2018 at 11:31 am

      You will love it!

  • Reply
    Kristen
    February 8, 2018 at 9:40 pm

    I have never had anything like this, chicken stew. I am very intrigued at the taste. I definitely want to try it some day soon.

    • Reply
      Amanda
      March 4, 2018 at 11:31 am

      It’s so good…perfect comfort food!

  • Reply
    Kaila (The Wanderlust Celiac)
    February 8, 2018 at 6:50 pm

    I’m headed to Peru soon, so it was nice to get a sneak peak at some of their cuisine. I love the creaminess of this dish!

    • Reply
      Amanda
      March 4, 2018 at 11:31 am

      The food is amazing, you will love it!

  • Reply
    Kelly
    February 8, 2018 at 6:36 pm

    I’m going to Peru next month and have been seeing this dish on a lot of menus. Thanks to you I now know what’s inside!

    • Reply
      Amanda
      March 4, 2018 at 11:32 am

      It’s so good, be sure to try it! Different restaurants will have a bit of a variation- all good!

  • Reply
    Courtney Buechle
    February 8, 2018 at 4:56 pm

    I have been on the hunt for good gluten free recipes and this one looks so good!

    • Reply
      Amanda
      March 4, 2018 at 11:32 am

      You will love it, something a bit different and so good!

  • Reply
    angela
    February 8, 2018 at 3:38 pm

    This sounds so comforting! I know my hubby will love it!

    • Reply
      Amanda
      March 4, 2018 at 11:33 am

      I’m sure he will!

  • Reply
    Leslie
    February 8, 2018 at 2:51 pm

    I’ve never thought of using bread as a thickener. It makes sense…you can’t get that “raw” flour taste if it isn’t cooked long enough. I’ll have to try this.

    • Reply
      Amanda
      March 4, 2018 at 11:33 am

      Bread is a great thickener and for once it’s a good thing that gf bread dissolves!

  • Reply
    K.C.
    February 8, 2018 at 1:16 pm

    I think I’d put more olives, too. I love Peruvian food!

    • Reply
      Amanda
      March 4, 2018 at 11:34 am

      You will love peruvian food- olives on everything!

  • Reply
    Pam Greer
    February 8, 2018 at 7:18 am

    I love all the flavors in this chicken dish! Since I love olives, I would probably have a few more on top!

    • Reply
      Amanda
      March 4, 2018 at 11:34 am

      The flavor combo is amazing!

  • Reply
    Sandra Shaffer
    February 8, 2018 at 2:43 am

    The creamy sauce looks so rich and delicious! I’ve never eaten Peruvian chicken stew, but dying to try this family recipe.

    • Reply
      Amanda
      March 4, 2018 at 11:39 am

      Your family will love it. It’s simple and delicious!

    Leave a Reply

    Recipe Rating