Golden Chicken Empanadas Recipe: Crispy Pockets of Joy

Crispy, golden chicken empanadas dance with flavor and promise a delightful culinary adventure.

Pastry pockets burst with savory ingredients that tell a story of comfort and tradition.

Latin American kitchens inspire this delectable creation, blending spices and tender meat into perfect handheld treats.

Flaky crusts cradle a robust filling that whispers memories of home-cooked meals.

Simplicity meets elegance in these handheld delights, inviting you to savor every delicious bite.

Generous portions and quick preparation make this recipe a weeknight champion.

Gather your ingredients and let the magic of chicken empanadas transport you to a world of mouthwatering satisfaction.

Tips For Perfect Empanada Dough And Filling

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Swap chicken with black beans or tofu for a vegetarian version that's equally delicious.
• Prevent soggy bottoms by placing empanadas on a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone.
• Freeze uncooked empanadas for up to 3 months, baking directly from frozen with extra 5-7 minutes cooking time.
• Experiment with different spice blends like smoked paprika or adding olives and raisins for traditional South American flavor complexity.

Creative Spins On Classic Chicken Empanadas

• Vegetarian Empanadas: Replace chicken with black beans, corn, and diced sweet potatoes for a plant-based version.
• Seafood Empanadas: Swap chicken for crab or shrimp, adding a dash of Old Bay seasoning for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pie crust or almond flour dough to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Mexican Style: Increase chili powder, add jalapeños, and mix in chorizo for a bold, fiery kick.

Serving Chicken Empanadas With Style

• Fiesta Finger Platter: Arrange empanadas on a colorful platter with small bowls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping. Perfect for parties and game nights.
• Lunch Box Delight: Wrap cooled empanadas in foil for a portable, delicious midday meal that stays warm and tasty. Great for school or work lunches.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve empanadas alongside a fresh green salad and black beans for a complete, satisfying dinner. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for extra flavor and color.
• Picnic Perfect Snack: Pack empanadas in a cooler for outdoor adventures, beach trips, or park gatherings. They're easy to eat and hold up well during transport.

Storage Tips For Chicken Empanadas

• Store chicken empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap each empanada individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Freeze unbaked or baked empanadas for up to 2-3 months in a sealed freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Reheat refrigerated empanadas by placing them in a preheated 350F (175C) oven for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

• What are the key spices used in chicken empanadas?

The key spices are cumin, paprika, and chili powder, which give the filling a rich, warm flavor with a slight kick of heat.

• Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, which can help the flavors meld together even more.

• Is it difficult to seal the empanadas properly?

Not at all! Simply fold the dough over the filling and press the edges with a fork to create a tight seal that prevents the filling from leaking during baking.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken works perfectly, making this recipe great for using up extra cooked chicken.

Flavorful Chicken Empanadas To Impress Any Crowd

• Craft Flavor-Packed Pockets: These chicken empanadas burst with zesty spices and tender meat, creating a delightful handheld meal that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering experience.
• Simplify Meal Preparation: Perfect for busy home cooks, this recipe requires minimal kitchen skills and uses straightforward techniques anyone can master, making delicious homemade empanadas accessible to everyone.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for game day, potlucks, family dinners, or casual gatherings, these empanadas appeal to both kids and adults with their comforting flavors and convenient handheld format.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to match personal preferences, allowing creative cooks to experiment and make the recipe uniquely their own.

Ingredients To Make Chicken Empanadas

• Chicken: Shredded and seasoned meat that serves as the primary filling for the empanadas.

• Onions, Bell Peppers, Garlic: Provide depth of flavor and create a fragrant base for the chicken mixture.

• Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and tangy richness to the chicken filling.
• Cumin, Paprika, Chili Powder: Create a warm and slightly spicy flavor profile for the empanadas.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the filling.

• Empanada Dough: Traditional pastry that holds the chicken filling and creates a crispy exterior.
• Egg Wash: Provides a golden brown and glossy finish to the baked empanadas.

How To Prepare Crispy Chicken Empanadas

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Workspace

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and clear a clean workspace for assembling empanadas.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped bell peppers

Step 3: Build Flavorful Chicken Filling

• Shredded chicken
• Tomato sauce
• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Shape Empanada Dough

Roll out empanada dough and cut into circular shapes using a round cutter or small plate.

Step 5: Fill and Seal Empanadas

Spoon chicken mixture onto one half of each dough circle.

Fold dough over to create a half-moon shape. Crimp edges firmly with a fork to seal completely.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Brush empanadas with egg wash to create a golden, glossy exterior.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place empanadas on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Allow empanadas to cool slightly before serving to prevent burning. Enjoy your homemade chicken empanadas!

Crispy Chicken Empanadas Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delectable chicken empanadas bring Mexican street-style flavors to home kitchens with crispy pastry and savory filling. Spiced chicken nestled in flaky dough offers you a delightful taste adventure that satisfies comfort food cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup bell pepper, diced

Spices and Seasonings:

• 0.5 teaspoon cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce:

• 0.25 cup tomato sauce

Dough and Egg Wash:

• 1 pack of empanada dough or pastry dough
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) for optimal baking conditions.
2. Heat a skillet and sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers until vegetables become translucent and tender.
3. Incorporate shredded chicken into the vegetable mixture, then add tomato sauce and season with cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Simmer the chicken filling for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and mixture to thicken slightly.
5. Roll out prepared empanada dough and cut into uniform circular shapes using a round cutter or glass rim.
6. Place a generous spoonful of chicken mixture in the center of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. Carefully fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape, and press edges firmly to seal.
8. Crimp the sealed edges using a fork to ensure a secure closure and decorative finish.
9. Brush the empanadas with beaten egg wash to promote a golden, glossy exterior during baking.
10. Arrange empanadas on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until pastry turns crisp and golden brown.
11. Remove from oven and allow empanadas to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to prevent burning and help filling set.

Notes

• Experiment with different protein alternatives like pulled pork, shredded beef, or plant-based meat substitutes for varied flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Enhance the filling’s complexity by adding roasted corn, black beans, or diced jalapeños to create a more robust and textured chicken mixture.
• Prepare extra empanadas and freeze uncooked for quick future meals – simply bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
• Create a gluten-free version by using alternative dough made from cassava or almond flour to accommodate specific dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg