15 Traditional Chilean Lunch Recipes for Every Taste

Chilean cuisine is full of vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and hearty meals perfect for lunch.

These 15 Chilean lunch recipes showcase the rich culinary traditions of Chile, from seafood dishes and savory stews to empanadas and vegetable-based creations.

Whether you’re looking for something light, comforting, or indulgent, there’s a recipe for every taste and occasion.

Easy to prepare and full of authentic Chilean flavor, these dishes bring the spirit of Chile to your midday meal.

Experience the delicious, diverse world of Chilean lunches with these flavorful recipes!

15 Traditional Chilean Lunch Recipes for Every Taste

Exploring these 15 Chilean lunch recipes highlights the variety and richness of Chilean cuisine.

Each recipe combines fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and satisfying textures to create memorable meals.

From simple everyday dishes to festive and special-occasion options, these recipes cater to all tastes.

Incorporating Chilean flavors into your lunch routine allows you to enjoy diverse, wholesome, and exciting meals.

Bring the taste of Chile to your table and make every lunch a flavorful adventure with these 15 recipes!

Pastel de Choclo (Chilean Corn Pie)

This traditional Chilean dish is hearty, flavorful, and comforting.

It features a savory filling of ground beef, onions, olives, and hard-boiled eggs, topped with a sweet corn mixture.

Baked until golden, it is perfect for a filling lunch with layers of taste and texture.

This dish is rich, satisfying, and aromatic.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh corn kernels or canned corn
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
• 4 black olives, sliced
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Blend corn with milk and butter until smooth.
• In a skillet, sauté onion until translucent, then add ground beef, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Spread beef mixture in a baking dish.
• Layer with olives and egg slices.
• Pour corn mixture over filling and smooth the top.
• Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden.

Pastel de Choclo is a comforting and traditional Chilean lunch.

It combines savory meat, sweet corn, and rich flavors in every bite.

It is perfect for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Every bite is flavorful, aromatic, and tender.

Empanadas de Pino (Chilean Meat Empanadas)

These empanadas are savory, flavorful, and perfect for lunch.

They feature a filling of ground beef, onions, raisins, hard-boiled eggs, and olives wrapped in a golden pastry.

Baked until crispy, they are ideal for a handheld meal.

This dish is aromatic, delicious, and filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 4 black olives, chopped
• 2 tbsp raisins
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package empanada dough

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Sauté onions until translucent, then add ground beef, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Cook until beef is browned.
• Remove from heat and mix in eggs, olives, and raisins.
• Roll out dough and cut into circles.
• Place filling in the center, fold, and seal edges.
• Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

Empanadas de Pino are a classic Chilean lunch option.

They are savory, aromatic, and convenient for a handheld meal.

Every bite is flavorful, tender, and slightly sweet.

Perfect for a satisfying and traditional lunch.

Cazuela (Chilean Chicken and Vegetable Stew)

This stew is hearty, nutritious, and warming.

It combines chicken, corn, potatoes, pumpkin, and green beans in a flavorful broth.

It is perfect for a wholesome, comforting lunch with fresh ingredients.

This dish is aromatic, satisfying, and filling.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken legs or tenderloins
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 potato, chopped
• 1 cup pumpkin, chopped
• 1 ear of corn, cut into pieces
• ½ cup green beans
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
• Add chicken and sear lightly.
• Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
• Add potatoes, pumpkin, and corn, and simmer until tender.
• Add green beans and cook for another 5 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Cazuela is a classic Chilean stew, rich in flavor and nutrients.

It is perfect for a hearty, wholesome lunch.

Every bite is tender, aromatic, and comforting.

It provides a balanced, filling, and traditional meal.

Porotos Granados (Chilean Bean and Corn Stew)

This vegetarian stew is wholesome, flavorful, and nutritious.

It features fresh beans, corn, pumpkin, and basil simmered in a light tomato broth.

It is ideal for a light yet filling lunch.

This dish is aromatic, colorful, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh beans or frozen lima beans
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup pumpkin, diced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• ½ onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
• Add tomato, pumpkin, and vegetable broth.
• Bring to a simmer and cook until pumpkin is tender.
• Add beans and corn, and cook for another 10 minutes.
• Stir in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper.

Porotos Granados is a classic Chilean vegetarian lunch option.

It is flavorful, filling, and healthy.

Every bite is tender, aromatic, and comforting.

Perfect for a nutritious and satisfying midday meal.

Charquicán (Chilean Beef and Vegetable Stew)

This dish is hearty, savory, and protein-rich.

It combines diced beef, potatoes, pumpkin, corn, and peas in a thick, flavorful stew.

It is perfect for a filling and nutritious lunch.

This meal is aromatic, comforting, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef, diced
• 1 potato, diced
• 1 cup pumpkin, diced
• ½ cup corn kernels
• ½ cup peas
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
• Add diced beef and brown on all sides.
• Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil.
• Add potatoes and pumpkin, and simmer until tender.
• Stir in corn and peas and cook for another 5 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Charquicán is a traditional Chilean lunch, hearty and filling.

It is perfect for a protein-rich, balanced, and comforting meal.

Every bite is tender, flavorful, and satisfying.

It offers warmth, nutrition, and authentic Chilean flavors.

Chilean Seafood Cazuela

This stew is fresh, savory, and packed with seafood flavor.

It combines fish, shrimp, potatoes, pumpkin, corn, and green beans in a rich, aromatic broth.

It is perfect for a filling, nutritious, and traditional Chilean lunch.

This dish is comforting, light, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup firm white fish, cut into chunks
• 6 large shrimp, peeled
• 1 potato, diced
• 1 cup pumpkin, diced
• 1 ear corn, cut into pieces
• ½ cup green beans
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups fish or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Sauté onion in a large pot until translucent.
• Add fish broth and bring to a boil.
• Add potato, pumpkin, and corn, and simmer until tender.
• Add green beans, fish, and shrimp, cooking until seafood is done.
• Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Chilean seafood cazuela is a nourishing, protein-rich lunch.

It is perfect for a light yet filling midday meal.

Every bite is tender, flavorful, and aromatic.

It combines the freshness of seafood with hearty vegetables.

Chilean Avocado and Crab Salad (Ensalada de Centolla)

This salad is fresh, light, and protein-packed.

It combines tender crab meat with ripe avocado, tomatoes, onions, and a citrus vinaigrette.

It is perfect for a healthy, refreshing, and filling lunch.

This dish is vibrant, aromatic, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked crab meat
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp lime juice
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a bowl, gently combine crab meat, avocado, tomatoes, and onion.
• Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil.
• Toss gently to coat.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Serve immediately or pack for lunch.

This Chilean crab and avocado salad is fresh, light, and nutritious.

It is perfect for a simple, protein-rich, and satisfying lunch.

Every bite is tender, creamy, and flavorful.

It combines seafood and avocado for a refreshing dish.

Chilean Lentil Stew (Guiso de Lentejas)

This stew is hearty, nutritious, and vegetarian-friendly.

It features lentils, carrots, potatoes, onions, and herbs simmered in a savory tomato broth.

It is perfect for a filling, wholesome lunch.

This dish is aromatic, hearty, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 1 potato, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Sauté onion and garlic in a pot until fragrant.
• Add carrots, potatoes, lentils, and vegetable broth.
• Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer until lentils and vegetables are tender.
• Serve hot as a nourishing lunch.

Chilean lentil stew is wholesome, protein-rich, and comforting.

It is perfect for a vegetarian, hearty, and nutritious lunch.

Every bite is tender, flavorful, and aromatic.

It combines earthy lentils with fresh vegetables.

Chilean Chicken and Rice (Pollo a la Chilena)

This dish is savory, comforting, and protein-packed.

Chicken is cooked with onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, and served over steamed rice for a hearty lunch.

It is perfect for a balanced, filling meal.

This dish is aromatic, colorful, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken thighs or tenderloins
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil and sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft.
• Add chicken and cook until fully cooked and golden.
• Add chopped tomato and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Serve chicken mixture over cooked rice.
• Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Chilean chicken and rice is a balanced and hearty lunch.

It is perfect for a protein-rich, satisfying, and flavorful meal.

Every bite is tender, savory, and delicious.

It combines protein, vegetables, and grains for a complete dish.

Chilean Quinoa and Vegetable Salad

This salad is fresh, light, and nutrient-packed.

It combines cooked quinoa, bell peppers, corn, peas, avocado, and a light vinaigrette for a healthy Chilean-style lunch.

It is ideal for a refreshing and filling midday meal.

This dish is colorful, aromatic, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• ½ cup corn kernels
• ½ cup peas
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• ½ avocado, diced
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Combine cooked quinoa, corn, peas, bell pepper, and avocado in a bowl.
• Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
• Toss gently to mix.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Pack for lunch or serve immediately.

Chilean quinoa and vegetable salad is light, protein-rich, and nutritious.

It is perfect for a refreshing, satisfying, and healthy lunch.

Every bite is colorful, tender, and flavorful.

It combines grains, vegetables, and healthy fats in a balanced dish

Chilean Salmon with Pebre Sauce

This dish is fresh, flavorful, and protein-packed.

Grilled Chilean salmon is served with pebre, a traditional salsa of cilantro, tomatoes, onions, and chili.

It is perfect for a light yet satisfying lunch that showcases Chilean flavors.

This meal is aromatic, vibrant, and nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 small tomato, finely chopped
• ¼ onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tsp olive oil
• ½ tsp chili flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat grill or skillet over medium heat.
• Season salmon with salt and pepper and grill for 4–5 minutes per side.
• In a small bowl, combine tomato, onion, cilantro, olive oil, and chili flakes to make pebre.
• Serve salmon with pebre on top.
• Pack for lunch or enjoy immediately.

Chilean salmon with pebre is fresh, protein-rich, and flavorful.

It is perfect for a light, satisfying, and healthy lunch.

Every bite is tender, aromatic, and delicious.

It highlights the vibrant flavors of Chilean cuisine.

Chilean Beef and Potato Stew (Estofado de Vacuno)

This stew is hearty, savory, and protein-packed.

It combines tender beef, potatoes, onions, and carrots in a rich, seasoned tomato broth.

It is perfect for a filling and nutritious Chilean lunch.

This meal is comforting, aromatic, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat, diced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a pot and brown beef on all sides.
• Sauté onion until translucent, then add beef broth.
• Add potatoes and carrots, and simmer until tender.
• Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Serve hot as a hearty lunch.

Chilean beef and potato stew is hearty, filling, and protein-rich.

It is perfect for a satisfying and comforting lunch.

Every bite is tender, savory, and aromatic.

It combines meat and vegetables for a traditional Chilean meal.

Chilean Chicken Pastel (Casserole)

This dish is savory, creamy, and protein-packed.

It features chicken, onions, bell peppers, and cheese baked in a light cream sauce.

It is ideal for a filling and comforting lunch.

This meal is aromatic, rich, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup shredded cheese
• ½ cup cream
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Sauté onion and bell pepper in olive oil until soft.
• Add diced chicken and cook until golden.
• Mix in cream and transfer to a baking dish.
• Top with shredded cheese and bake for 20 minutes until golden.

Chilean chicken pastel is savory, protein-rich, and flavorful.

It is perfect for a rich and comforting lunch.

Every bite is tender, creamy, and aromatic.

It combines chicken, vegetables, and cheese in a satisfying dish.

Chilean Charquicán with Egg

This dish is hearty, nutritious, and flavorful.

It features diced beef or charqui, potatoes, pumpkin, corn, and peas, topped with a fried egg.

It is ideal for a filling Chilean-style lunch.

This meal is aromatic, protein-rich, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef or dried beef (charqui), diced
• 1 potato, diced
• 1 cup pumpkin, diced
• ½ cup corn
• ½ cup peas
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
• Add beef and cook until browned.
• Stir in potatoes, pumpkin, corn, and peas, and simmer until tender.
• Fry eggs in a separate pan.
• Serve charquicán topped with a fried egg.

Chilean charquicán with egg is hearty, protein-rich, and satisfying.

It is perfect for a filling and nutritious lunch.

Every bite is tender, flavorful, and aromatic.

It combines beef, vegetables, and eggs for a traditional meal.

Chilean Quinoa and Salmon Salad

This salad is fresh, nutritious, and protein-packed.

It combines cooked quinoa, grilled salmon, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a light lemon dressing.

It is ideal for a light, healthy, and flavorful lunch.

This meal is aromatic, colorful, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 salmon fillet, grilled and flaked
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ avocado, diced
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Combine quinoa, cherry tomatoes, and avocado in a bowl.
• Top with flaked grilled salmon.
• Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
• Season with salt and pepper and toss gently.
• Pack for lunch or serve immediately.

Chilean quinoa and salmon salad is fresh, protein-rich, and flavorful.

It is perfect for a light, healthy, and satisfying lunch.

Every bite is tender, aromatic, and delicious.

It combines grains, vegetables, and seafood in a balanced dish