Hearty Colombian Chicken Ajiaco Recipe: A Flavorful Family Feast

Steaming bowls of Colombian chicken ajiaco comfort weary souls with their rich, hearty essence.

This classic Colombian soup whispers stories of warm kitchens and traditional cooking.

Tender chicken, fragrant potatoes, and vibrant herbs dance together in a symphony of flavors.

Generations have treasured this beloved recipe, passing down its delicious secrets from one cook to another.

Local markets burst with fresh ingredients that make this dish sing with authenticity.

Three different potato varieties create a thickness that hugs every spoonful with creamy satisfaction.

You’ll fall in love with this soul-warming meal that captures the heart of Colombian culinary tradition.

Equipment Needed for Making Ajiaco

• Large Pot: Essential for cooking the entire ajiaco dish, ensuring all ingredients simmer together perfectly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and preparing ingredients before cooking.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for slicing chicken, dicing vegetables, and preparing garnishes with precision.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring the soup and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pot.
• Shredding Forks or Tongs: Helpful for easily shredding the cooked chicken.
• Ladle: Perfect for serving the hot ajiaco into bowls with ease.
• Measuring Cups: Useful for accurately measuring broth and cream.

How to Prepare Colombian Chicken Ajiaco

• Kitchen Setup

Gather a spacious pot and all your delightful ingredients for an authentic Colombian culinary adventure.

• Ingredient Harmony

Combine tender chicken breasts, colorful potatoes, sweet corn, aromatic garlic, and crisp onions into the pot, then pour in rich chicken broth to create a flavorful foundation.

• Slow Cooking Magic

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let everything simmer beautifully for about half an hour, allowing the chicken to become perfectly tender and potatoes to soften.

• Chicken Transformation

Carefully remove the chicken, shred it into delicate pieces, and return the meat back into the simmering liquid.

• Herbal Essence

Sprinkle in guascas, the traditional Colombian herb that gives this dish its signature flavor, and let everything continue simmering for another ten minutes.

• Creamy Finale

Swirl in velvety heavy cream and tangy capers, then season with salt and pepper to enhance the complex taste profile.

• Presentation

Ladle the steaming ajiaco into warm bowls and crown with fresh avocado slices and bright cilantro for a stunning visual and flavor finish.

Cooking & Flavor Tips for Ajiaco Soup

• Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick that brings extra warmth to this traditional Colombian soup.
• Replace chicken with turkey or use a combination of different chicken parts like thighs and breasts for varied texture and deeper flavor profiles.
• Substitute heavy cream with low-fat yogurt or coconut milk to reduce calories while maintaining the creamy consistency and rich taste.
• Cook potatoes separately and add them at different stages to create multiple textures – some soft, some slightly firm – which enhances the overall mouthfeel of the ajiaco.
• Source guascas herb from Latin American markets or online specialty stores to maintain the most genuine Colombian culinary experience, as this ingredient provides the recipe's distinctive traditional taste.

How to Serve Traditional Colombian Ajiaco

• Pair with White Rice: Fluffy white rice makes a perfect companion, soaking up the rich, creamy broth and adding extra heartiness to the meal.
• Top with Fresh Garnishes: Sprinkle extra cilantro, add crisp avocado slices, and squeeze a hint of lime for bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the soup's creaminess.
• Serve with Colombian Accompaniments: Present alongside aji picante (spicy salsa) and a small side of crispy plantain chips to enhance the traditional Colombian dining experience.
• Enjoy with Crusty Bread: Warm, crusty bread becomes an ideal tool for dipping and savoring every last drop of the delicious ajiaco soup.

Ajiaco Storage & Meal Prep Guide

• Store Smartly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the flavors remain rich and delicious.
• Freeze with Care: Transfer cooled ajiaco to freezer-safe containers, storing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.
• Revive Perfectly: Warm the soup slowly on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain its creamy consistency and prevent separation.
• Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables and measure ingredients in advance, allowing you to quickly assemble this comforting Colombian dish during busy weeknights.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 7

Colombian Chicken Ajiaco Ingredient Essentials

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean protein that provides a hearty base for this traditional Colombian soup, best when fresh and boneless.
• Chicken Broth: Rich liquid that infuses deep flavor and creates a silky, comforting foundation for the ajiaco.

• Potatoes, Yellow Potatoes, Creole Potatoes: Starchy gems that create the soup's signature thick texture, choose locally sourced or firm varieties.
• Corn: Sweet kernels that add vibrant color and subtle sweetness, fresh or frozen work wonderfully.
• Onion: Aromatic base that builds depth of flavor, white or yellow onions are ideal.
• Garlic: Powerful flavor enhancer that brings warmth and complexity to the dish.
• Avocado: Creamy topping that provides smooth richness and fresh contrast.
• Cilantro: Bright, herbaceous garnish that adds a fresh, zesty finish.

• Guascas: Traditional Colombian herb that gives authentic regional flavor, essential for authentic taste.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious ingredient that smooths and enriches the soup's texture.
• Capers: Tangy, briny element that introduces a sophisticated flavor punch.
• Salt and Pepper: Classic seasonings to balance and elevate the soup's overall taste.

Hearty Colombian Chicken Ajiaco Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Colombian chicken ajiaco blends traditional flavors from Bogotá’s culinary landscape, combining tender chicken with three distinct potato varieties. Local ingredients and rich cultural heritage shine through this comforting soup you’ll savor with each deeply satisfying spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts
• 6 cups (1.4 L) potatoes, 3 different types, sliced
• 2 corn cobs, cut into pieces
• 8 cups (1.9 L) chicken broth
• ¼ cup (60 mL) guascas (dried herb)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 cup (240 mL) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120 mL) capers
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Avocado
• Cilantro

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Combine whole chicken breasts, sabaneras, pastusas, and tocarreñas potatoes, fresh corn on the cob, minced garlic, diced white onion, and chicken broth in a large pot.
2. Cooking: Bring mixture to a robust boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 30-35 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and potatoes become tender, allowing flavors to meld harmoniously.
3. Shredding: Remove chicken breasts and delicately pull apart using two forks, creating soft, succulent strands. Return shredded meat to the pot.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Sprinkle guascas herb into the simmering mixture, infusing the broth with authentic Colombian essence. Continue cooking for an additional 10-12 minutes to deepen the flavor profile.
5. Finishing Touches: Stir in heavy cream and capers, seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the taste complexity and create a rich, creamy consistency.
6. Serving: Ladle the aromatic soup into warm bowls, crowning each serving with creamy avocado slices and fresh cilantro leaves for a vibrant, traditional presentation.
7. Presentation: Serve piping hot, inviting diners to savor the authentic comfort of Colombian culinary tradition.

Notes

• Potato Selection Matters: Use traditional Colombian potato varieties like sabaneras, pastusas, and tocarreñas for authentic flavor and texture. Local potatoes create a more genuine taste experience.
• Herb Transformation: Guascas is the secret ingredient that gives Ajiaco its unique Colombian character. This herb provides an irreplaceable earthy, slightly tangy note that defines the soup’s traditional profile.
• Shredding Technique: Carefully fork-shred chicken to achieve delicate, tender meat strands that blend seamlessly into the soup. Proper shredding ensures even meat distribution and enhanced texture.
• Cream and Caper Balance: High-fat heavy cream and briny capers create a complex flavor profile that transforms the soup from simple to extraordinary. These ingredients elevate the dish’s richness and depth.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg