Venezuelan Chicken Sandwiches with Avocado (Reina Pepiada Arepas)

[nverland]

Venezuelan Chicken Sandwiches with Avocado (Reina Pepiada Arepas)
Egg Free Nut-Free Soy-Free Gluten-Free Low Sodium

Ingredients
12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast
1¼ cups arepa flour (see Tips)
½ teaspoon salt, divided
1½ cups warm water, plus more as needed
1 tablespoon canola oil

1 ripe avocado
¼ cup nonfat plain yogurt
Juice of 1 lime (2 Tbsp.)
⅛ teaspoon ground pepper
2 scallions, finely chopped

Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a medium saucepan; cover with cold water. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 165°F, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Meanwhile, combine arepa flour and ¼ tsp. salt in a medium bowl. Slowly add 1½ cups warm water, mixing with your hands until a smooth dough comes together (see Tips). Knead for 1 minute. Shape the dough into a ball (it will have the texture of mashed potatoes). Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rest for 5 minutes. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces (about ½ cup each). Shape each piece into a disk, 3½ inches in diameter and ⅜ inch thick, by pressing it between your palms (see Tips). Brush a large oven-safe nonstick skillet with oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the 4 disks and cook until the undersides are beginning to show golden flecks, about 3 minutes. Flip the arepas and repeat on the other side. Transfer the pan to the oven. Bake until the arepas are cooked through and slightly puffed, 12 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, shred the chicken. Halve avocado and scoop into a medium bowl. Add yogurt, lime juice, the remaining ¼ tsp. salt, and pepper. Mash with a fork until smooth. Stir in the chicken and scallions. Slice each arepa in half crosswise to open a pocket (like a pita bread). Divide the chicken salad among the arepas and serve immediately.

Tips: Arepa flour is precooked cornmeal. It is not the same as regular cornmeal or masa harina (the cornmeal used to make tortillas), neither of which will work to make arepas. You can find arepa flour in the international section of most supermarkets—the two most popular brands are P.A.N. and Goya.
Moistening your hands with a bit of water helps prevent the dough from sticking to them. If the outer edges of the arepas crack when pressed, your dough is too dry; moisten your hands with water, shape the dough back into a ball and press again. If the dough won't hold its shape, it is too wet; add arepa flour 1 Tbsp. at a time and mix again.
To make ahead: Cook chicken (Step 2), cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.