Catira

Name: Catira
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 cups pre-cooked white cornmeal (harina pan); 2 1/2 cups warm water; 1 tsp salt, plus more for the chicken; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tomato, finely chopped; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 cup grated yellow cheese (queso amarillo or mild cheddar); 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

The golden arepa — a crisp corn cake filled with shredded chicken stew and melted yellow cheese.

⏱ 30 minPrep time

🔥 30 minCook time

🍽 4Servings

🏷 DinnerCategory

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Catira, meaning ‘blonde,’ is one of the most popular arepa fillings in Venezuela: juicy shredded chicken stewed in a tomato sofrito, piled into a golden arepa, and topped with melted yellow cheese. It is street-food royalty, sold at areperas on every corner.

The blonde beauty of the arepera

The arepa crackles when you bite in, giving way to tender, savory chicken in a rich sauce and gooey, golden cheese. The combination is simple and perfect — salty, juicy, and completely satisfying.

Venezuelan recipes →

Step by stepInstructions

Simmer the chicken in salted water for 15 to 18 minutes until cooked; shred finely and reserve 1/2 cup of the broth.
Make the guiso: heat the oil in a skillet and cook the onion and garlic 5 minutes; add the tomato and cumin and cook 4 minutes.
Stir in the shredded chicken and reserved broth and simmer 8 to 10 minutes until the sauce is thick and coats the chicken; season with salt.
Meanwhile, mix the cornmeal, warm water, and salt into a dough, shape into 4 rounds, and cook on an oiled griddle over medium heat 5 to 6 minutes per side, finishing 10 minutes in a 350°F oven.
Split the hot arepas, fill with the chicken, scatter the grated cheese on top so it melts into the filling, and finish with cilantro.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Use a yellow cheese that melts well — queso amarillo, Gouda, or mild cheddar all work. The chicken guiso keeps 3 days in the fridge and doubles easily for a crowd.

Recipe details

Prep30 min

Cook30 min

Servings4

CategoryDinner

PublishedAugust 17, 2026

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

Catira

The blonde beauty of the arepera

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💡 Chef tips & storage

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Catira

The blonde beauty of the arepera

Step by stepInstructions

💡 Chef tips & storage

Rate this recipe

Recipe details

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

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