Chicken Empanadas

Introduction

Chicken Empanadas are a delightful combination of crispy, flaky pastry and savory seasoned chicken filling that’s sure to win over any crowd. These golden hand pies are the perfect snack, appetizer, or dinner option for any occasion. The chicken is cooked to perfection with a blend of herbs and spices, creating a rich and flavorful filling that’s both comforting and satisfying.

I’ll never forget the first time I made these for a family gathering. The kitchen smelled amazing as the empanadas baked, and when I finally pulled them out of the oven, they were golden brown and irresistible. The buttery, crispy crust paired perfectly with the tender, flavorful chicken inside, and they were devoured in no time.

What’s great about Chicken Empanadas is their versatility. You can adjust the seasonings to your taste, or even add veggies or cheese for an extra twist. Whether you decide to bake them for a lighter option or fry them for that extra crunch, these empanadas are guaranteed to be a hit. Serve them with a side of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping, and you’ve got a dish that’s sure to satisfy!

Perfect for:

• Parties and gatherings
• Appetizers or snacks
• Meal prep
• Latin-inspired meals
• Comfort food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Empanadas

Here’s why Chicken Empanadas will become your go-to savory snack or meal:

• Flaky and Buttery Crust: The dough for these empanadas is rich and flaky, offering the perfect contrast to the savory chicken filling.
• Savory and Flavorful Filling: The seasoned chicken, combined with onions, olives, and spices, delivers a mouthwatering, well-balanced flavor.
• Customizable Fillings: You can experiment with different fillings, making these empanadas versatile and adaptable to your taste.
• Two Cooking Methods: Whether you choose to bake or fry, both methods result in crispy, golden empanadas.
• Great for Meal Prep: These empanadas can be made in advance, frozen, and baked or fried whenever you’re ready to eat.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (depending on whether you bake or fry)
• Servings: 12 empanadas
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories (for baked empanadas)
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 15g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Chicken Empanadas:

For the Filling:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup green olives, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional for color)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For the Dough (for about 12 empanadas):

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 1/4 cup cold water (more as needed)
• 1 egg (for the dough)
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (optional, for extra tenderness)

Ingredient Highlights

• Shredded Chicken: This recipe uses cooked, shredded chicken for the filling, which can be made from scratch or using rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Cilantro and Olives: These ingredients give the filling an authentic, vibrant flavor that’s traditional in many Latin American empanadas.
• Cumin and Paprika: These spices add warmth and depth to the filling, giving the empanadas a flavorful kick.
• Butter in the Dough: Cold butter is key to achieving a flaky, tender empanada dough, providing that perfect contrast to the savory filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Chicken Empanadas:

Make the Dough:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and, using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vinegar (if using), and gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Add more water if necessary, but don’t overwork the dough. It should be smooth and slightly soft.
3. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the filling.

Prepare the Filling:

4. Cook the Vegetables: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion (and bell pepper, if using) and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, paprika, and turmeric (if using), and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom.
6. Add the Chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the pan, stirring to combine with the vegetables and spices. Pour in the chicken broth and let the mixture cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add Olives and Cilantro: Stir in the chopped olives and cilantro (if using). Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

Assemble the Empanadas:

8. Preheat the Oven (if baking): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
9. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 4 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough.
10. Fill the Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Brush the edges with a little water, then fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, crimping with a fork for a decorative finish.
11. Egg Wash (for baking): Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg to give them a golden finish when baked.

Bake or Fry the Empanadas:

To Bake: 12. Bake: Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

To Fry: 13. Fry: Heat a few inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Once hot (about 350°F or 175°C), carefully lower the empanadas into the oil, a few at a time, and fry for 3-4 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

How to Serve Chicken Empanadas

Chicken Empanadas are perfect served as:

• A Snack: Serve warm as a delicious snack at parties or gatherings.
• As an Appetizer: Serve with a dipping sauce like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
• For Lunch or Dinner: Pair with a fresh salad, rice, or a side of beans for a complete meal.
• For Meal Prep: These empanadas can be prepared in advance and frozen for later, making them a great option for busy days.

Additional Tips for Chicken Empanadas

Here are some tips to ensure your Chicken Empanadas turn out perfect:

• Cool the Filling: Be sure to let the chicken filling cool before adding it to the dough, as hot filling can make the dough too soft and difficult to handle.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the empanadas in advance and refrigerate or freeze them. When ready to bake, simply brush them with the egg wash and bake or fry.
• Experiment with Fillings: You can customize the filling with ingredients like shredded cheese, potatoes, or even corn for a unique twist.
• Use Store-bought Dough: If you’re short on time, you can substitute store-bought empanada dough for the homemade version.

Recipe Variations for Chicken Empanadas

Here are 10 variations you can try for Chicken Empanadas:

• Cheese and Chicken Empanadas: Add shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or cotija) to the chicken filling for extra richness.
• Spicy Chicken Empanadas: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for some heat.
• BBQ Chicken Empanadas: Mix in some BBQ sauce with the chicken for a smoky, tangy flavor.
• Chicken and Mushroom Empanadas: Add sautéed mushrooms to the filling for a savory, earthy flavor.
• Chicken and Spinach Empanadas: Incorporate sautéed spinach into the filling for a healthy, flavorful twist.
• Chicken and Bacon Empanadas: Add crumbled bacon to the chicken filling for extra flavor.
• Chicken and Sweet Potato Empanadas: Add cooked sweet potatoes to the filling for a slightly sweet contrast to the savory chicken.
• Turkey Empanadas: Substitute turkey for the chicken for a lighter alternative.
• Vegan Empanadas: Use a vegetable-based filling (like lentils or tofu) to make a plant-based version.
• Curry Chicken Empanadas: Add curry powder and coconut milk to the filling for a rich, exotic flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Chicken Empanadas

• Freezing: To freeze the empanadas, assemble them and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake or fry, cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Storage: Cooked empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on a skillet to maintain their crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions for Chicken Empanadas

1. Can I use store-bought dough for empanadas?
   Yes, you can use pre-made empanada dough to save time. Just make sure to thaw it before use.
2. Can I make these empanadas gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use gluten-free flour or store-bought gluten-free empanada dough.
3. Can I freeze the empanadas before cooking?
   Yes, you can assemble and freeze the empanadas before cooking. Just bake or fry them directly from frozen.
4. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it until ready to assemble.
5. How do I know when the empanadas are done?
   If baking, the empanadas should be golden brown and crisp. If frying, they should be a deep golden color and crispy on all sides.

Print

Conclusion

Chicken Empanadas are the perfect balance of crispy, flaky crust and a savory, flavorful chicken filling. Whether baked or fried, these delicious pockets of goodness are always a hit. The filling can be customized with your favorite seasonings and ingredients, from spicy peppers to tangy olives, making it easy to tailor to different tastes.

Ideal for any occasion, from family dinners to parties or meal prep, Chicken Empanadas are a great option. They’re easy to make, can be made ahead of time, and are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce, like a creamy cilantro or spicy salsa.

So, roll out that dough, fill it with delicious seasoned chicken, and seal it up for a tasty treat that’s sure to satisfy everyone. You can even freeze them for later enjoyment!

I’d love to see how your Chicken Empanadas turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!