Golden, Crispy Chicken Empanadas Recipe That Everyone Loves

Crispy and golden chicken empanadas bring a burst of Latin American flavor to your dinner table.

Packed with savory spices, these hand-held delights promise a culinary adventure.

Each bite tells a story of traditional cooking methods blended with modern twists.

Flaky pastry wraps around tender, seasoned chicken that melts in your mouth.

Homemade empanadas might seem intimidating, but trust me, they’re easier than you think.

Pockets of deliciousness await you, ready to transport your taste buds to a vibrant street market.

Chicken Empanadas Deliver Crisp Texture And Savory Filling

• Foolproof Family Favorite: These chicken empanadas are incredibly easy to make, even for novice cooks with minimal kitchen skills.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Solution: Prepare the entire dish in under an hour, perfect for busy families needing a delicious dinner that doesn't require extensive cooking time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Adaptable for different occasions like game day parties, potlucks, or casual family dinners, these empanadas satisfy both kids and adults with their flavorful filling and crispy exterior.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easily modify the recipe by swapping chicken with beef, adding different spices, or creating vegetarian versions to suit various dietary preferences and taste buds.

Chicken Empanadas Cooking Details

• Chicken: Shredded protein providing the main flavor and substance of the empanadas.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté and enhance the chicken's flavor profile.

• Onion, Red Bell Pepper: Add sweetness, depth, and color to the filling.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic base for the chicken mixture.

• Cumin, Paprika, Chili Powder: Create a warm, slightly spicy flavor foundation.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and tangy richness to the filling.
• Green Olives: Optional ingredient that brings a briny, salty complexity.

• Empanada Dough: Tender pastry wrapper that holds the flavorful filling.
• Egg: Used for egg wash to create a golden, glossy exterior when baked.

Chicken Empanadas Step-By-Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F, preparing it for your delicious empanada adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle the Aromatics

• Onions
• Garlic
• Bell peppers

Sauté until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their mouthwatering aroma.

Step 3: Build the Chicken Filling

• Cumin
• Paprika
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until the chicken is beautifully coated and singing with flavor.

Step 4: Create Flavor Magic

Pour in tomato sauce and sprinkle green olives (if you’re feeling adventurous).

Let the mixture simmer and dance together for 5-7 minutes.

Remove from heat and let it cool down slightly.

Step 5: Prepare the Dough

Grab your empanada dough and roll it out.

Cut into perfect circles if they aren’t already pre-cut.

Step 6: Assemble the Empanadas

Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of each dough circle.

Fold the dough over and seal the edges using a fork, creating little flavor pockets.

Step 7: Prep for Baking

Brush each empanada with egg wash, giving them a gorgeous golden sheen.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the empanadas into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Let them cool slightly before diving in and enjoying your culinary creation.

Chicken Empanadas Crafted With Pro Pointers

• Use pre-made or homemade empanada dough for authentic texture and easier preparation.
• Crimp edges firmly with a fork to prevent filling from leaking during baking and ensure a perfect seal.
• Let chicken mixture cool slightly before filling to avoid soggy dough and maintain crisp texture.
• Adjust cumin, paprika, and chili powder quantities to match personal heat and flavor preferences.
• Assemble uncooked empanadas and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for quick future meals.

Chicken Empanadas Reheating Made Easy

• Store leftover chicken empanadas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. They'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual empanadas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen empanadas maintain quality for up to 3 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place empanadas on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving to preserve their crunch.
• Brush empanadas with a light olive oil coating before reheating to restore their original golden exterior and prevent drying out.

Companion Picks for Chicken Empanadas

• Pair with Zesty Sangria: Create a refreshing Spanish-style white sangria with crisp white wine, diced peaches, green apples, and a splash of brandy to complement the empanadas' spicy flavor profile.
• Serve with Fresh Chimichurri Sauce: Whip up a bright Argentine-style sauce using chopped parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil to provide a tangy, herbal counterpoint to the rich chicken filling.
• Create a Black Bean Side Salad: Toss black beans, diced red onions, corn, cilantro, and lime juice for a light, cool accompaniment that balances the empanadas' warmth and adds textural contrast.
• Match with Crisp Pale Ale: Select a citrusy, slightly hoppy pale ale that cuts through the empanadas' richness while enhancing the cumin and chili powder notes in the filling.

Chicken Empanadas Remix Styles

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with black beans, corn, and diced sweet potatoes for a hearty plant-based filling that maintains the empanada's classic flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or gluten-free pastry dough to create empanadas suitable for those with wheat sensitivities while keeping the original spice blend intact.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Substitute traditional dough with a low-carb cauliflower or cheese-based wrap, using shredded chicken and adding extra cheese to boost fat content.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Incorporate diced jalapeños or increase chili powder for those wanting a more intense heat level, complementing the existing spice blend with additional fiery notes.

FAQs

• What is the origin of empanadas?

Empanadas originated in Galicia, Spain, and quickly spread throughout Latin America, becoming a beloved street food and home-cooked dish in countries like Argentina, Chile, and Colombia.

• Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with ground beef, shredded pork, or even make vegetarian versions using beans, cheese, or vegetables.

• How do I prevent the empanadas from leaking?

Ensure you don’t overfill the dough, seal edges tightly by crimping with a fork, and avoid stretching the dough too thin when filling.

• What type of dough works best for empanadas?

Traditional empanada dough is ideal, but you can also use puff pastry or pre-made pie crust as convenient alternatives for this recipe.

Chicken Empanadas Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savor Mexico’s delightful chicken empanadas, a crispy pastry pocket filled with seasoned shredded chicken and zesty spices. Delicate golden crusts embrace rich flavors, inviting you to experience a delicious culinary journey through traditional Latin American cuisine.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 package empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 (60 ml) cup green olives, chopped (optional)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) chili powder
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a toasty 375°F, creating the perfect environment for golden, crispy empanadas.
2. In a sizzling skillet, transform chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers into a fragrant, tender base, stirring occasionally until softened and translucent.
3. Introduce shredded chicken to the vegetable medley, sprinkling in cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring each ingredient is thoroughly integrated.
4. Pour in tomato sauce and scatter green olives throughout the mixture, allowing the flavors to dance and meld together for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let the filling cool and settle.
5. Prepare the empanada dough by rolling it out and cutting into uniform circles, creating a smooth canvas for the savory filling.
6. Carefully position a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each dough circle, then fold and seal the edges with precise fork crimps, creating a perfect pocket.
7. Delicately brush each empanada with a silky egg wash, which will transform them into glossy, golden treasures during baking.
8. Slide the empanadas into the preheated oven, allowing them to bake for 20-25 minutes until they achieve a rich, bronzed exterior. Rest briefly before serving to let the filling stabilize.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by marinating chicken overnight in a blend of lime juice, garlic, and spices for deeper taste profiles.
• Swap traditional wheat dough with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or corn-based pastry for dietary restrictions.
• Boost vegetable content by adding diced carrots or spinach to the chicken filling for extra nutrition and color variation.
• Freeze unbaked empanadas on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for convenient make-ahead meals that can be baked directly from frozen.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg