Craving for dinner with bold flavors, heartwarming comfort, and a touch of exotic flair? This Colombian-style chicken dish does exactly that. Inspired by the traditional dish ajiaco, it transforms a classic recipe into an easy, manageable meal perfect for busy weeknights.
With the vibrant combination of tender chicken, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and a tangy lime broth, this dinner will make your taste buds dance.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Dinner
There’s something magical about a recipe that brings comfort and vibrancy to your dinner table. This Colombian-inspired creation strikes the perfect balance between hearty and fresh.
The lime-scented broth is rich yet bright, complementing the natural sweetness of corn and the creaminess of avocado. The minimal prep time and simple ingredient list make it a breeze to prepare, yet it delivers a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
Whether you’re serving your family or entertaining guests, this recipe feels sophisticated without being fussy. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time to relax after your meal.
Tips for Making This Recipe Your Own
Customization is key to making this dish your favorite go-to dinner recipe. Here are a few ideas to tailor it to your preferences:
- Make it vegetarian: Swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like squash or chickpeas, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
- Add more spice: For those who love heat, consider leaving the seeds in your jalapeño or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the broth.
- Incorporate more greens: Toss in spinach, kale, or Swiss chard during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
- Serve with sides: While this dish is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with crusty bread or a light salad adds variety to your dinner spread.
Substitutions & Modifications
Dietary restrictions? No problem! This recipe is versatile and easy to adjust:
- Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free, this dish doesn’t require any tweaks.
- Dairy-free: It’s already dairy-free, making it suitable for those avoiding lactose.
- Low-carb: Reduce the corn or replace it with zucchini for a lower-carb alternative.
- Kid-friendly: For picky eaters, omit the jalapeño and let them customize their bowls with toppings like cheese or tortilla strips.
The Appeal of Colombian Flavors
Colombian cuisine is known for its vibrant yet comforting flavors, and this recipe is no exception. By highlighting lime, cilantro, and the natural sweetness of corn, it captures the essence of Colombian cooking in an accessible way.
While traditional ajiaco uses beef and multiple types of potatoes, this simplified version keeps the heart of the dish alive, focusing on freshness and balance.
Serving this dish feels like an invitation to explore the warmth of Colombian culture, whether you’ve tried similar recipes before or are diving into these flavors for the first time.
Why This Dinner Recipe Stands Out
In a sea of dinner recipes, this Colombian-style chicken stands out for its simplicity and impact. It’s quick enough to whip up on a weeknight yet impressive enough to serve for a special occasion.
The combination of textures—tender chicken, crunchy corn, and silky avocado—paired with the vibrant, citrusy broth makes it unforgettable.
Not only is this dish satisfying, but it’s also nutrient-packed. Lean protein, fiber-rich corn, and healthy fats from the avocado come together to create a balanced, nourishing meal.
And the best part? It all comes together in just under an hour, making it ideal for those who want great flavor without spending all evening in the kitchen.
How to Serve & Enjoy
This Colombian-inspired recipe is as versatile in presentation as it is in flavor. Serve it as-is in deep bowls, letting the broth shine as a centerpiece. Top with fresh salsa, additional lime wedges, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a restaurant-quality finish.
If you’re serving this for a crowd, consider a build-your-own bowl setup. Lay out toppings like diced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, pickled onions, or tortilla strips, and let your guests customize their own meals.
For weeknight dinners, the leftovers are just as delightful. Store the components separately to keep the chicken and vegetables fresh, then reheat and assemble for a quick, satisfying lunch or dinner the next day.
Bring a Taste of Colombia to Your Table Tonight
This Colombian-style chicken with corn, avocado, and lime is more than just a dinner recipe—it’s an experience. With its vibrant flavors, wholesome ingredients, and ease of preparation, it’s the perfect addition to your meal rotation.
Whether you’re looking for something new to spice up your weeknights or a dish to wow your guests, this recipe delivers every time. Try it tonight and savor the irresistible taste of Colombia in your own kitchen.
Colombian-Style Chicken Dinner with Corn, Avocado & Lime
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts bonesless, skinless (6 to 8 ounces each)
- 2½ teaspoons kosher salt divided
- 2 ears corn shucked and sliced into 1½-inch-thick rounds
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro about 3 ounces, divided into stems and leaves
- 1 large white onion ⅔ sliced into thick rounds, ⅓ finely diced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 4 garlic cloves smashed and peeled
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 jalapeño or serrano chile seeded and sliced
- 1 quart chicken stock
- ⅓ cup diced fresh tomato
- Grated zest of ½ lime
- 1½ teaspoons fresh lime juice plus more for serving
For Serving:
- Salsa
- Diced avocado
- Drained, brined capers optional
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and let them sit while you prepare the other components.
- Prep the Vegetables: Slice the ears of corn into 1½-inch-thick rounds. Separate the cilantro stems from the leaves, chopping both coarsely but keeping them separate. For the onion, slice two-thirds into thick rounds and finely dice the rest, aiming for about ½ cup of diced onion.
- Char the Onion: Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the thick onion slices in the pan and cook them without moving until one side is browned, about 3 to 5 minutes. Flip and brown the other side, then remove the onions from the pan.
- Make the Broth: Add the cilantro stems, oregano, garlic cloves, bay leaf, and sliced jalapeño to the skillet along with the charred onion slices. Pour in the chicken stock and 1 cup of water, then season with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken and Corn: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the simmering broth. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low, letting the chicken poach until fully cooked, about 7 to 10 minutes. Add the corn rounds to the skillet during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
- Prepare the Garnish: While the chicken is cooking, mix the reserved diced onion, chopped cilantro leaves, diced tomato, lime zest, lime juice, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of kosher salt in a small bowl. This mixture will serve as a fresh garnish.
- Assemble the Dish: Remove the chicken and corn from the skillet, transferring them to a cutting board. Strain the broth into serving bowls, discarding the herbs and aromatics. Slice the chicken and divide it among the bowls, along with the corn.
- Finish and Serve: Top each bowl with a generous spoonful of the prepared garnish. Add diced avocado, a dollop of salsa, and a sprinkle of capers (if using). Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving.
Notes
- This minimalist version skips the beef and potatoes of traditional ajiaco, focusing on lighter and fresher flavors.
- For added depth, consider using bone-in chicken for the broth.
- Capers are optional but provide a salty, briny contrast to the tangy lime and creamy avocado.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.