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