Crispy Golden Chicken Empanadas Recipe: A Homemade Fiesta

Savory chicken empanadas spark culinary excitement in my kitchen every single time.

Flaky pastry wrapped around seasoned meat creates pure comfort on a plate.

Latin American street food inspires this delightful handheld treat that feels both familiar and adventurous.

Crispy edges and tender filling make these little pockets irresistible for anyone seeking a quick meal.

Golden-brown crescents promise rich flavors that dance between traditional and modern cooking styles.

Packed with spices and simple ingredients, these empanadas will become your new go-to recipe.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken are perfect because they’re already cooked and easy to mix with seasonings.

• Can I make empanadas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble empanadas in advance, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

• How do I prevent empanadas from opening during baking?

Seal edges firmly with a fork and ensure there are no air pockets when filling to keep them closed while baking.

• Is there a gluten-free option for the dough?

Use gluten-free pastry dough or make your own with gluten-free flour blends designed for pastry and baking.

What Makes Chicken Empanadas So Flavorful

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up these chicken empanadas with simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, perfect for home cooks looking for a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort Food: Packed with zesty spices and tender chicken, these empanadas deliver a mouthwatering blend of savory ingredients that will satisfy comfort food cravings.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family dinners, potlucks, game day snacks, or casual gatherings, these handheld treats appeal to both kids and adults with their irresistible taste and portable design.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the filling in advance and assemble empanadas when ready, making them an excellent option for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Ingredients for Chicken Empanadas

• Chicken: Shredded protein that serves as the primary filling for the empanadas.
• Empanada Dough: Soft pastry that creates the outer shell for the savory hand pies.

• Onions, Bell Peppers, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that provide depth and flavor to the chicken mixture.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds brightness and traditional Latin American flavor to the filling.

• Bouillon, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt: Seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the chicken filling.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated ingredient that adds richness and helps bind the filling together.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used to sauté vegetables and develop flavor.
• Egg: Used to create a golden, glossy finish on the empanadas when brushed on the surface before baking.

How to Make Chicken Empanadas

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Gently cook diced onions, colorful bell peppers, and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delightful flavors.

• Olive oil
• Onions
• Bell peppers
• Garlic

Step 2: Create Flavorful Filling

Stir in fresh chopped cilantro, tender shredded chicken, rich bouillon, tangy tomato paste, aromatic onion powder, zesty garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.

Combine everything thoroughly and let the ingredients dance together, developing deep, mouthwatering flavors.

• Cilantro
• Shredded chicken
• Bouillon
• Tomato paste
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt

Step 3: Prepare Oven

Warm the oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit, getting ready for golden-brown perfection.

Step 4: Shape Empanada Pockets

Stretch out the empanada dough and carefully spoon the spiced chicken mixture onto each round, creating little flavor-packed pockets.

Step 5: Seal With Love

Gently fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork, creating a beautiful sealed package.

Step 6: Add Golden Shine

Whisk an egg and lovingly brush it over each empanada, promising a stunning, sun-kissed exterior.

Step 7: Bake To Crispy Perfection

Slide the empanadas into the heated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Pro Tips for Chicken Empanadas

• Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth while sautéing vegetables to enhance the overall taste profile of the filling.
• Press fork edges firmly and create small crimped patterns to ensure empanadas stay closed during baking and prevent filling leakage.
• Swap traditional wheat dough with gluten-free pastry dough or use almond flour-based alternative for celiac-friendly version.
• Adjust heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into chicken mixture for those who enjoy extra kick.
• Prepare empanadas in advance, freeze unbaked, and store in airtight container for quick future meals – just add 5-7 extra minutes to baking time when cooking from frozen state.

Variations to Try with Chicken Empanadas

• Vegetarian Empanadas: Replace chicken with black beans, corn, and diced sweet potatoes for a hearty plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pie crust or almond flour-based dough to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, and pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick to the filling.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Empanadas: Swap chicken for ground lamb, incorporate feta cheese, and season with oregano and mint.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Empanadas

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange empanadas on a large wooden board with colorful dipping sauces like salsa verde, chipotle aioli, and tangy sour cream for a festive gathering spread.
• Lunch Companion Delight: Pack these empanadas in a lunch box with a small side salad or fresh cucumber slices for a satisfying midday meal that keeps you energized.
• Cocktail Hour Star: Serve these crispy empanadas as appetizers during happy hour, paired with a zesty margarita or cold Mexican beer for a delicious flavor combination that guests will love.
• Game Day Winner: Cut empanadas into smaller bite-sized pieces for easy football watching snacks that everyone can enjoy while cheering on their favorite team.

How to Store Chicken Empanadas Properly

• Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and maintain crispiness.
• Wrap individual empanadas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen empanadas can last up to 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed empanadas at 350F for 10-15 minutes. Spread them on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying out, ensuring a crispy exterior and hot center.

Empanada Chicken Empanadas Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Crispy chicken empanadas bring Latin American comfort straight to dinner tables with flaky pastry and savory filling. Homemade goodness wraps tender spiced chicken in golden-brown pockets you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 cups (about 1.5 pounds) shredded chicken breast

Spices and Seasonings

• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1 red bell pepper, minced
• 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, minced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons freshly minced cilantro
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Additional Ingredients

• 10 empanada dough shells (6-inch rounds)
• 1 egg

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Instructions

1. Sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Incorporate shredded chicken with cilantro, bouillon, tomato paste, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt into the vegetable mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine and allowing flavors to integrate for 3-4 minutes.
3. Warm the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Roll out empanada dough into circular shapes, ensuring even thickness across each round.
5. Place a measured portion of chicken filling in the center of each dough circle, leaving adequate space around the edges for sealing.
6. Carefully fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape, and press edges firmly with a fork to create a secure seal.
7. Whisk an egg and gently brush the surface of each empanada to promote a rich, golden-brown exterior during baking.
8. Position empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 22-25 minutes, rotating the sheet midway to ensure uniform browning.
9. Remove from oven when empanadas display a crisp, golden-brown exterior and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Optimize chicken tenderness by slowly simmering and shredding the meat to ensure moist, flavorful filling.
• Enhance dough texture by chilling it before rolling to prevent sticking and create flakier empanadas.
• Customize filling with dietary alternatives like using turkey, plant-based protein, or adding extra vegetables for vegetarian options.
• Experiment with spice levels by adjusting garlic powder, adding cayenne, or incorporating smoked paprika for depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg