Golden Crispy Chicken Empanadas Recipe: A Fiesta of Flavors

Crispy, golden chicken empanadas bring a burst of latin american flavor to your dinner table.

Flaky pastry pockets cradle seasoned meat with surprising depth and complexity.

Homemade versions surpass anything you might find in a restaurant.

Delicate edges sealed with care promise a delightful culinary adventure.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly magical.

Packed with robust spices and tender chicken, these little parcels will become an instant favorite.

Friends and loved ones will beg you to make them again and again.

FAQs

• What are empanadas?

Empanadas are savory pastries originated in Latin America, consisting of a folded dough filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese, then baked or fried.

• Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-made empanada or pie dough to save time while maintaining the authentic taste and texture.

• How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Ensure you don’t overfill the dough, seal edges completely by crimping with a fork, and avoid puncturing the dough during preparation.

• Is it possible to make these empanadas ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assembled empanadas in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

Chicken Empanadas That Bring Flavor to Your Table

• Craft Flavor-Packed Bites: These chicken empanadas burst with vibrant spices and tender chicken, creating a delightful explosion of taste in every single bite.
• Simplify Meal Preparation: The recipe requires basic cooking skills and common ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels who want a satisfying meal.
• Customize Your Comfort: Swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to match personal preferences, transforming this recipe into a versatile dish that suits different family members' tastes.
• Party-Perfect Appetizer: Compact, handheld empanadas make excellent finger food for gatherings, potlucks, and casual celebrations where guests can enjoy a delicious, portable snack.

Key Ingredients for Chicken Empanadas

• Chicken: Shredded meat serves as the primary filling for these delicious empanadas.

• Onions, Garlic, Bell Pepper: These ingredients create a flavorful base and add depth to the chicken filling.

• Cumin, Paprika, Chili Powder: Spices that provide warm and complex flavor to the chicken mixture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the filling.

• Empanada Dough: Provides the crispy exterior that holds the chicken filling.
• Egg: Used for egg wash to create a golden and shiny surface on the empanadas.

• Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and brings the chicken filling together.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and providing a rich flavor base.

Preparing Chicken Empanadas Made Simple

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped bell peppers

Sauté until vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors.

Step 3: Build Savory Chicken Filling

• Shredded chicken
• Ground cumin
• Smoky paprika
• Zesty chili powder
• Tangy tomato sauce

Stir everything together, allowing the spices to meld and coat the chicken thoroughly. Cook until ingredients are well combined and heated through.

Step 4: Season and Cool Filling

Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile. Remove skillet from heat and let the filling cool down to room temperature.

Step 5: Prepare Empanada Dough

Roll out empanada dough on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter or glass to create perfect dough circles.

Step 6: Fill and Shape Empanadas

Place a generous spoonful of cooled chicken mixture in the center of each dough circle. Fold dough over to create a half-moon shape.

Step 7: Seal Empanada Edges

Crimp edges firmly with a fork, creating a decorative and secure seal. This prevents filling from leaking during baking.

Step 8: Apply Egg Wash

Brush the tops of empanadas with beaten egg, which will give them a beautiful golden-brown shine.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until empanadas turn a gorgeous golden brown and look irresistibly crispy.

Expert Tips for Chicken Empanadas Success

• Opt for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor to your empanadas.
• Swap traditional wheat dough for gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika or oregano to enhance the chicken's taste profile.
• Freeze uncooked empanadas for up to one month, allowing quick meal preparation on busy days.
• Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Variations to Customize Your Chicken Empanadas

• Vegetarian Empanadas: Replace chicken with black beans, corn, and diced sweet potatoes for a hearty plant-based filling.
• Seafood Variation: Swap chicken for sautéed shrimp or flaky white fish mixed with fresh herbs and lime zest.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pie crust or almond flour-based dough to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced jalapeños and extra chili powder to the filling for a fiery flavor profile that brings heat to the classic recipe.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Empanadas

• Fiesta Party Platter: Arrange empanadas on a colorful wooden board with small dipping bowls of salsa verde, chimichurri, and hot sauce for a vibrant gathering spread.
• Lunch Box Delight: Pack these empanadas in meal prep containers with a small side salad for a delicious and portable lunch that stays tasty and crisp.
• Tapas Style Appetizer: Slice empanadas into smaller bite-sized pieces, serve on toothpicks with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an elegant cocktail party nibble that impresses guests.
• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair these golden empanadas with a light cucumber salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner that brings warmth to the table.

Storage Advice for Chicken Empanadas

• Refrigerate leftover chicken empanadas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
• Wrap each empanada individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing to prevent moisture and preserve texture.
• Freeze unbaked or baked empanadas for long-term storage, placing them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers.
• Reheat refrigerated empanadas in the oven at 350F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness and prevent sogginess.

Crispy Chicken Empanadas Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

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

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Description

Savory chicken empanadas blend Colombian culinary traditions with crispy pastry perfection. Flaky dough cradles seasoned meat, offering a delicious journey through Latin American flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion (diced)
• 1 bell pepper (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Spices, Liquids, and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) for optimal baking conditions.
2. Sauté chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers in olive oil until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Incorporate shredded chicken into the vegetable mixture, then blend in cumin, paprika, chili powder, and tomato sauce, stirring continuously until ingredients meld together.
4. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then allow the filling to cool completely to room temperature.
5. Gently roll out empanada dough and create uniform circular shapes using a cutting tool.
6. Position a generous spoonful of chicken mixture precisely in the center of each dough circle.
7. Carefully fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, then use a fork to seal and decoratively crimp the edges.
8. Apply a light coating of egg wash across the surface of each empanada to ensure a golden, glossy finish.
9. Transfer empanadas to a baking sheet and place in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until they achieve a rich, golden-brown color.

Notes

• Prep filling ahead of time and let it cool completely to prevent soggy dough and ensure easy handling.
• Experiment with different protein options like ground turkey, beef, or plant-based alternatives for dietary variety.
• Use store-bought pie crust or empanada dough to save time without compromising flavor and texture.
• Freeze uncooked empanadas for up to 3 months, allowing quick and convenient meal preparation anytime.

• 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: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg