Spicy Chicken Empanadas Recipe: Crispy Pockets of Joy

Crispy, golden pockets of chicken empanadas delight taste buds with their irresistible blend of savory flavors.

These handheld treats pack a punch of deliciousness in every bite.

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

Originating from Latin American cuisine, empanadas bring a burst of cultural richness to your dinner table.

Each empanada tells a story of tradition and culinary passion.

The combination of herbs, spices, and perfectly cooked chicken creates a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.

Chicken Empanada Twists and Tasty Fillings

• Vegetarian Stuffing: Replace chicken with black beans, corn, and diced sweet potatoes for a plant-based version that's packed with protein and flavor.
• Seafood Spin: Swap chicken for crab or shrimp meat, adding a pinch of Old Bay seasoning to enhance the maritime taste profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pie crust or almond flour dough instead of traditional wheat-based pastry, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy these savory hand pies.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Incorporate jalapeños, green chiles, and pepper jack cheese into the filling for a fiery kick that transforms the classic recipe into a zesty southwestern treat.

Presenting Empanadas for Sharing and Snacking

• Party Platter Perfect: Arrange empanadas on a colorful wooden board with small dipping sauces like salsa verde, chipotle mayo, and fresh lime wedges for guests to customize their bites.
• Fresh Sidekick Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with cilantro-lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, savory chicken filling and add a refreshing contrast.
• Fiesta Family Meal: Create a casual dinner spread by adding Mexican-style rice, black beans, and a simple cabbage slaw to transform these empanadas into a complete, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
• Picnic Power Move: Pack cooled empanadas in a portable container for outdoor adventures, making them an ideal handheld lunch or snack during beach trips, park outings, or road travels.

Best Ways to Store Chicken Empanadas

• Store leftover 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.
• Place cooled empanadas in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They'll keep well for 2-3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange empanadas on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crisp texture.

FAQs

• What are empanadas?

Empanadas are savory pastries originating from Latin American cuisine, consisting of a folded dough filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese, then baked or fried.

• Can I use pre-made dough for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust or empanada dough to save time and simplify the preparation process.

• How can I prevent the empanadas from leaking?

Ensure you seal the edges properly by pressing with a fork or crimping the edges, and avoid overfilling the dough circles.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare empanadas in advance, freeze them uncooked, and bake directly from frozen when needed.

Baked Empanadas Filled with Juicy Chicken

• Speedily Assemble: These chicken empanadas come together quickly with simple ingredients and minimal prep work, making them perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with savory chicken and warm spices, these empanadas are a guaranteed hit for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where everyone craves something tasty and satisfying.
• Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy as a hearty appetizer, main course, or party snack that works for multiple occasions – from game day celebrations to weeknight dinners that need a flavor boost.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Straightforward technique and basic ingredients make this recipe accessible for novice cooks, providing an excellent opportunity to practice baking and filling skills without feeling overwhelmed.

Ingredients for Chicken Empanadas Done Right

• Chicken: Shredded and seasoned meat that forms the primary filling of the empanadas.

• Onions, Bell Pepper, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth of flavor and create a savory foundation for the chicken mixture.

• Cumin, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Warm and zesty spices that enhance the overall taste profile of the chicken filling.

• Empanada Dough: Soft pastry that wraps and contains the flavorful chicken mixture.
• Egg Wash: Gives the empanadas a golden, glossy finish when baked.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and add a subtle richness to the filling.

Steps to Prepare Chicken Empanadas at Home

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F, getting it ready for some delicious golden-brown empanadas.

Step 2: Sizzle the Aromatics

• Onions
• Garlic
• Bell peppers

Cook until they’re soft and fragrant, releasing their mouthwatering essence.

Step 3: Spice Up the Chicken

• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and cook until the chicken is heated through and dancing with flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Dough Circles

Roll out the empanada dough and slice into perfect circular shapes that will cradle your savory filling.

Step 5: Create Flavor Pockets

Scoop a spoonful of the chicken mixture into the center of each dough circle.

Fold the dough over, creating a half-moon shape.

Press and crimp the edges to seal in all the deliciousness.

Step 6: Give a Golden Glow

Gently brush the empanadas with egg wash, which will help them turn a gorgeous golden brown in the oven.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the empanadas on a baking sheet and slide them into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re beautifully bronzed and crispy.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out these hot, flaky treasures and serve them immediately.

Watch as everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Handy Hints for Perfect Empanada Dough

• Prevent filling from leaking by pinching and crimping empanada edges firmly with a fork or your fingers.
• Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle and maintain a crisp texture when baking.
• Adjust cumin and paprika quantities to match your preferred heat intensity, adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
• Prepare uncooked empanadas, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for quick future meals; bake directly from frozen with extra 5-7 minutes cooking time.
• Swap chicken with ground beef, shredded pork, or vegetarian options like black beans and cheese to suit different dietary preferences.

Chicken Empanadas Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savory chicken empanadas bring Latin American comfort straight to your kitchen, blending flaky pastry with spiced chicken filling. Crisp edges and rich flavors promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Filling Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Dough Ingredients:

• 3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt
• 1 teaspoon (4 grams) sugar
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) cold water
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) white vinegar

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) for optimal baking conditions.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature, gently sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers until they become translucent and tender.
3. Incorporate shredded chicken into the vegetable mixture, seasoning with cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the chicken is thoroughly heated and flavors are well combined.
4. Roll out the empanada dough on a floured surface, using a circular cutter to create uniform dough rounds.
5. Position a generous spoonful of the chicken filling at the center of each dough circle.
6. Carefully fold the dough over the filling, creating a crescent shape, and meticulously crimp the edges to ensure a secure seal.
7. Delicately brush the exterior of each empanada with egg wash to promote a golden, glossy finish.
8. Arrange the prepared empanadas on a lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the tray midway to ensure even browning.
10. Remove from the oven when the empanadas display a rich, golden-brown exterior and serve immediately while warm and crisp.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked and shredded finely for smooth, consistent filling texture.
• Add a splash of lime juice to brighten the flavor profile and cut through the richness of the chicken.
• For gluten-free option, use alternative flour like almond or coconut flour for the dough.
• Consider making extra filling to freeze for quick future meal prep, saving time and effort.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 245 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 77 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg