Chicken empanadas are a beloved culinary gem, bringing a delightful blend of savory filling and crispy, golden-brown pastry in every bite. Originating from Latin American cuisine, these handheld delights have captured hearts worldwide with their versatility and rich flavor. Picture a flaky, buttery crust encasing a flavorful mixture of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and vibrant vegetables.
Each empanada offers a satisfying crunch followed by a burst of savory goodness, making them the perfect snack, appetizer, or meal. I love the results because these chicken empanadas satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Everyone will ask for a second serving, for sure.
What makes chicken empanadas so unique is their ability to be customized to fit a variety of tastes. The filling can be as straightforward or as complex as you like, often featuring seasoned chicken, onions, garlic, bell peppers, and a hint of fresh herbs. Depending on your preference, the spices you choose can transform the dish from mildly spiced to boldly flavorful. Some recipes even include cheese or olives for added richness and depth.
Crafting the perfect chicken empanada begins with preparing a moist and flavorful savory filling. The chicken is usually cooked and shredded, then mixed with sautéed vegetables and spices to create a cohesive and satisfying filling. Whether made from scratch or using store-bought pastry, the dough should be rolled out to the perfect thickness—thin enough to be crisp but sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing.
Once assembled and baked or fried to golden perfection, chicken empanadas are delicious and visually appealing. They’re versatile enough to be served as an elegant appetizer at a dinner party or as a casual, comforting snack for a family gathering. With their irresistible flavor and satisfying crunch, chicken empanadas will become a cherished favorite in any kitchen.
Ingredients :
2 cups Rotisserie chicken, shredded
1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup Onion, diced
¼ cup Green bell pepper, diced
¼ cup Red bell pepper, diced
2 tbsp Olive oil
1 tsp Ground cumin
1 tsp Smoked paprika
½ tsp Garlic powder
¼ tsp Salt
¼ tsp Black pepper
8 pieces Empanada dough of choice
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How to make Chicken Empanadas :
Step1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step2. Add the shredded chicken, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step3. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
Step4. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step5. Lay out the empanada dough. Place about two tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center of each dough circle.
Step6. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal.
Step7. Brush the top of each empanada with the beaten egg.
Step8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Step9. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
PrintChicken empanadas
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Chicken empanadas are a beloved culinary gem, bringing a delightful blend of savory filling and crispy, golden-brown pastry in every bite.
Ingredients
Ingredients
2 cups Rotisserie chicken, shredded
1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup Onion, diced
¼ cup Green bell pepper, diced
¼ cup Red bell pepper, diced
2 tbsp Olive oil
1 tsp Ground cumin
1 tsp Smoked paprika
½ tsp Garlic powder
¼ tsp Salt
¼ tsp Black pepper
8 pieces Empanada dough of choice
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
1.In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
2.Add the shredded chicken, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to 3.combine and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
4.Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
5.Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6.Lay out the empanada dough. Place about two tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center of each dough circle.
7.Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal.
8.Brush the top of each empanada with the beaten egg.
9.Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
10Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30