Reina Pepiada Arepas

INGREDIENTS

• 2 6-ounce skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1/2 small onion, sliced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 ripe Hass avocado, pitted, peeled, and coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar, plus more to taste
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 1/2 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup seeded and diced (1/4-inch) red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• 1 scallion, white and green parts, finely chopped
• 3 cups lukewarm water, or as needed
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 3 cups Venezuelan cornmeal, or as needed *
• 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon canola or vegetable oil, plus more for the griddle