Irresistibly Crispy Chicken Empanadas Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting delectable chicken empanadas brings pure culinary joy to any gathering.

Flaky pastry hugs savory, spiced meat in a delightful package that surprises your taste buds.

Argentinian kitchens inspired this crispy treat that travels beautifully from oven to plate.

Bold seasonings dance through tender chicken, creating layers of unexpected flavor.

Home cooks can easily master these handheld delights with simple ingredients and basic techniques.

Small details like perfect crimping and precise filling make all the difference in these compact treasures.

Warm, golden empanadas promise a delicious adventure that calls you to start cooking right now.

FAQs

• Can I use pre-made pie crust instead of making the dough from scratch?

Yes, you can substitute homemade dough with store-bought pie crust to save time. Just ensure the pie crust is rolled thin and cut into circles before filling.

• Is it okay to use different meats for the filling?

Absolutely! Ground beef, shredded pork, or even turkey work great as alternatives to chicken. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned well.

• How can I prevent the empanadas from leaking during baking?

Seal the edges firmly with a fork and avoid overfilling. Make sure there are no gaps or holes when crimping the edges to keep the filling inside.

Chicken Empanadas: Flavor-Packed Pockets

• Craft Culinary Adventure: Dive into a delightful journey of creating homemade chicken empanadas that bring South American flavors right to your kitchen.
• Master Beginner-Friendly Technique: Learn an easy cooking method that transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish anyone can make with basic kitchen skills.
• Customize Flavor Explosion: Play with optional ingredients like olives and raisins to personalize the filling, making each batch unique and tailored to your taste preferences.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare empanadas ahead of time, freeze them uncooked, and bake directly from frozen for a convenient and quick meal solution perfect for busy households.

Ingredients for Chicken Empanadas

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for creating a tender and flaky pastry shell.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
• Cold Butter: Provides richness and helps create a flaky texture in the empanada crust.
• Egg: Helps bind the dough together and adds structure.
• Water: Helps hydrate the flour and bring the dough together.
• Vinegar: Helps prevent gluten development, ensuring a more tender crust.

• Chicken: The primary protein that forms the heart of the empanada filling.
• Onions: Adds a sweet and aromatic base to the filling.
• Bell Pepper: Provides a fresh and slightly crisp texture to the mixture.
• Garlic: Brings depth and intense flavor to the chicken filling.
• Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder, Oregano: A blend of spices that creates a rich and complex flavor profile.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and helps bind the filling ingredients.
• Olives, Raisins: Optional ingredients that contribute a tangy and sweet contrast to the savory filling.
• Salt, Pepper: Seasoning that enhances the overall taste of the filling.

• Egg (for brushing): Creates a golden and glossy exterior when baked.
• Cilantro: An optional fresh herb for garnishing and adding a bright flavor.
• Salsa or Dipping Sauce: A complementary condiment for serving.

How to Make Chicken Empanadas

Step 1: Whip Up the Dough

Create a soft, flaky dough by combining flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Work cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like rough crumbs.

In a separate bowl, blend egg, water, and vinegar.

Slowly incorporate the wet ingredients into the flour mixture, kneading until a smooth dough forms.

If the dough feels dry, add a splash more water.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for half an hour.

Step 2: Develop Mouthwatering Filling

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame.

• Onions
• Bell peppers
• Garlic

Sprinkle in aromatic spices like cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and oregano.

Fold in shredded chicken and tomato sauce, stirring thoroughly.

Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.

• Olives
• Raisins (optional)

Season with salt and pepper.

Allow the filling to cool completely.

Step 3: Shape Irresistible Pockets

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Roll out the chilled dough on a flour-dusted surface until thin.

Use a round cutter or small bowl to create circular dough pieces.

Place a generous spoonful of chicken filling in the center of each circle.

Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape.

Press the edges together with a fork to create a tight seal.

Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the empanadas on a lined baking sheet.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 5: Serve and Delight

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top if desired.

Serve hot with salsa or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Crispy Chicken Empanadas

• Pat chicken dry before shredding to remove excess moisture, ensuring crisp empanada crusts.
• Toast spices briefly in the skillet before adding chicken to intensify their aromatic qualities.
• Use a consistent-sized round cutter or glass to guarantee even empanada sizes and consistent baking.
• Add a pinch of salt to the beaten egg wash for a more golden, glossy exterior when baking.
• Handle pastry dough minimally to keep butter cold and maintain a flaky, tender crust.

Creative Spins on Chicken Empanadas

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Empanadas: Replace wheat flour with cauliflower rice and almond flour for a gluten-free, keto-friendly version that cuts down on carbohydrates.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Filling: Swap chicken with seasoned black beans, adding quinoa for protein and keeping the same spice profile for a hearty plant-based alternative.
• Seafood Empanada Variation: Use shredded crab or salmon instead of chicken, incorporating dill and lemon zest to complement the seafood's delicate flavor.
• Spicy Mexican Green Chile Empanadas: Replace tomato sauce with roasted green chiles, adding jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat and southwestern flair.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Empanadas

• Flavor Fiesta Plate: Pair these golden empanadas with zesty homemade salsa verde for a tangy kick that complements the savory chicken filling.
• Brunch Brilliance: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad and sunny-side-up eggs for a weekend morning feast that'll impress your guests.
• Dipping Delight: Create a quick sour cream and chipotle sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, chopped chipotle peppers, and a squeeze of lime for an irresistible condiment.
• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange empanadas on a wooden board with small bowls of different dipping sauces, creating an interactive and fun appetizer spread for gatherings.

Storage Advice for Chicken Empanadas

• Store cooled empanadas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual empanadas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring they're completely sealed to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw frozen empanadas in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350F, place on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-15 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crisp pastry texture.

Chicken Empanadas Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Mexican chicken empanadas combine flaky pastry with savory seasoned meat for a delightful handheld meal. Crisp edges and rich filling make these pastries a perfect appetizer or quick dinner that delights hungry diners.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter
• 1 whole chicken

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup ice-cold water
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust pastry foundation by blending flour and salt in a spacious mixing vessel. Incorporate chilled butter using a cutting motion until the texture mimics coarse granules. Whisk egg, water, and vinegar separately, then gradually merge with flour mixture until a cohesive dough forms. Adjust liquid if needed. Encase in plastic wrap and refrigerate for half an hour to firm up.
2. Activate a skillet over medium flame with olive oil. Sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant. Introduce aromatic spices including cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and oregano. Fold in shredded chicken and tomato sauce, ensuring thorough integration. Simmer for 5 minutes. Gently fold olives and raisins into the mixture, seasoning with salt and pepper. Allow filling to cool completely.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll dough on flour-dusted surface to approximately 1/8-inch thickness. Utilize a circular cutter to create uniform pastry rounds. Centralize a generous spoonful of cooled chicken mixture on each disc. Carefully fold edges, creating a half-moon shape. Secure borders by pressing with fork tines. Delicately brush exterior with beaten egg for golden sheen.
4. Position empanadas on parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 22-27 minutes until achieving a rich, amber complexion. Edges should appear crisp and golden.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs. Serve immediately alongside zesty salsa or preferred dipping sauce for an authentic culinary experience.

Notes

• Enhance dough elasticity by chilling it for at least 30 minutes, allowing butter to firm up and creating flakier pastry.
• Customize filling by swapping chicken with beef, pork, or vegetarian alternatives like black beans and roasted vegetables for diverse dietary preferences.
• Control moisture in filling by draining excess liquid from chicken and vegetables, preventing soggy empanada bottoms during baking.
• Experiment with spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding extra cumin or smoked paprika for more complex flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 205 kcal
• Sugar: 0.2 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg