Chicken Empanadas Recipe

If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and portable, Chicken Empanadas are the answer! These delicious pastries are packed with tender chicken, seasoned vegetables, and a variety of spices, all wrapped in a crispy, golden crust. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, they’re guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Read on to discover the full recipe, ingredient variations, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips for creating perfect chicken empanadas every time.

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What Are Chicken Empanadas?

Chicken empanadas are a type of turnover filled with seasoned chicken and vegetables, encased in a flaky pastry dough. The word “empanada” comes from the Spanish verb empanar, meaning to coat or wrap in bread. These savory pastries are enjoyed across many cultures in Latin America, Spain, and even the Philippines, each region adding its own spin on the recipe. Chicken empanadas are incredibly versatile — you can bake or fry them, and they make an excellent portable meal or snack.

Ingredients List for Chicken Empanadas

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cold butter (cubed)
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup cold water
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (white or apple cider)
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup chopped green olives (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Assembling:

• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)

Ingredients List for Chicken Empanadas (for Variations)

• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or queso fresco for a cheesy filling)
• ¼ cup black beans (for added texture and protein)
• ¼ cup corn kernels (for sweetness and texture)
• 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (for smoky heat)
• 1 tablespoon sour cream (for creamier filling)
• 1 tablespoon chopped jalapeños (for extra spice)

Substitutions and Variations

Chicken Empanadas are easily customizable, allowing you to switch ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations to try:

• Chicken: Swap shredded chicken with ground chicken, turkey, or beef. You can even use leftover rotisserie chicken or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option.
• Dough: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pie crust or puff pastry instead of making the dough from scratch.
• Filling: Mix in additional vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach for more color and nutrition. If you like a creamy filling, add a few spoonfuls of cream cheese or sour cream.
• Cheese: Add shredded cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco to make cheesy chicken empanadas.
• Spices: Adjust the spices to your preference. Add cayenne pepper or chipotle for extra heat, or use smoked paprika for a richer flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Make the Dough:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, cold water, and vinegar. Gradually add the liquid to the flour mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, 1 tablespoon at a time.
3. Knead and Chill: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it lightly just until it forms a smooth ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to rest.

2. Prepare the Filling:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
2. Add the Seasonings: Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to allow the spices to bloom.
3. Add Chicken and Tomato Sauce: Add the shredded chicken, tomato sauce, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir everything together and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Optional Add-Ins: Stir in the chopped olives, cilantro, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool before assembling the empanadas.

3. Assemble the Empanadas:

1. Roll Out the Dough: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a 4- or 5-inch round cutter (or a bowl) to cut out circles from the dough.
2. Fill the Empanadas: Place about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling in the center of each dough circle. If desired, add a small amount of shredded cheese on top of the filling.
3. Seal the Empanadas: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal. You can also fold the edges over themselves to create a decorative braid.
4. Brush with Egg Wash: Place the empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and, if desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a nice finish.

4. Bake the Empanadas:

1. Bake: Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp.
2. Serve: Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These empanadas are best enjoyed warm, with a dipping sauce like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

How to Cook Chicken Empanadas: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before rolling it out helps to relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out. It also ensures a flaky crust once baked.
2. Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing the empanadas, as too much filling will make it difficult to seal the edges properly and could cause them to burst open while baking.
3. Brush with Egg Wash: The egg wash helps the empanadas achieve a beautiful golden color and shiny finish.
4. Bake, Don’t Fry: While empanadas are traditionally fried in some regions, baking them is a healthier option that still produces a crispy, flaky crust. If you prefer fried empanadas, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry them until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overworking the Dough: Over-kneading the dough can make it tough. Mix just until the dough comes together.
• Filling is Too Wet: If your filling is too wet, it can make the empanadas soggy and hard to seal. Make sure the filling is not too saucy by letting it cook down until thickened.
• Not Sealing the Edges Properly: Be sure to crimp the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Empanadas are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or snack. Here’s how to serve them for maximum enjoyment:

How to Serve Chicken Empanadas

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve the empanadas with a variety of dipping sauces like salsa verde, guacamole, sour cream, or chimichurri. A spicy aioli or avocado lime sauce is also a great option.
• As a Main Dish: Serve with a side salad, Spanish rice, or black beans for a more filling meal.
• As Finger Food: Chicken empanadas make great party food. Serve them as finger food for gatherings, tailgates, or potlucks.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Empanadas

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some fresh cilantro or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve with Lime Wedges: Add lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the empanadas for a tangy twist.
• Add Sesame Seeds or Poppy Seeds: Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on the egg-washed empanadas before baking for an extra touch of crunch and visual appeal.

Chicken Empanadas Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can make the filling and the dough ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and assemble the empanadas just before baking.
• Freezer-Friendly: Empanadas freeze beautifully! Assemble them and freeze before baking. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and bake from frozen when you’re ready to eat them (just add 5-7 minutes to the baking time).
• Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken, this is a perfect way to use it up!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I fry chicken empanadas instead of baking them?
Yes, you can fry empanadas! Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the empanadas for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels before serving.

2. Can I freeze chicken empanadas?
Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked empanadas. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time.

3. Can I use store-bought dough for empanadas?
Yes, you can use store-bought pie dough, puff pastry, or empanada dough if you’re short on time. Just make sure to roll it out to about ⅛-inch thickness before using.

4. How do I reheat leftover empanadas?
Reheat empanadas in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the crust won’t be as crispy.

Conclusion

These Chicken Empanadas are a flavorful, satisfying, and versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you bake them for a casual weeknight dinner or serve them as a party snack, their golden, flaky crust and savory chicken filling will always impress. With simple ingredients and an easy process, you’ll be whipping up batches of delicious empanadas in no time. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy one of the most delicious handheld meals out there!

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