Chicken Empanadas Recipe

If you’re looking for a flavorful dish that’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply as a savory snack, chicken empanadas are a fantastic choice. These delightful pastries are packed with seasoned chicken, encased in a golden, flaky crust, and are sure to be a hit with everyone. Read on to discover everything you need to know about making chicken empanadas from scratch, including tips, variations, and the step-by-step process to achieve the perfect result.

What Are Chicken Empanadas?

Chicken empanadas are a type of pastry that originated in Spain and Portugal but have become popular worldwide, especially in Latin America. The word "empanada" comes from the Spanish verb empanar, which means to wrap or coat in bread. Empanadas are made by folding dough over a filling, which typically includes ingredients like meats, vegetables, and spices. In this recipe, the filling is made of tender, seasoned chicken combined with onions, garlic, bell peppers, and various spices, all wrapped in a delicious dough that’s either baked or fried to perfection.

Ingredients List for Chicken Empanadas Dough

To create the perfect chicken empanadas, you first need a great dough. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup cold water
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Ingredients List for Chicken Empanadas Filling

For the delicious chicken filling, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ red bell pepper, finely diced
• ½ green bell pepper, finely diced
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)
• ¼ cup tomato sauce or paste
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional)
• ¼ cup green olives, chopped (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

Empanadas are incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to customize this recipe to your taste or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

1. Vegetarian Empanadas: Replace the chicken with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and cheese for a delicious vegetarian option.
2. Spicy Empanadas: Add diced jalapeños or increase the chili powder in the filling for an extra kick.
3. Cheesy Empanadas: Mix in some shredded cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, with the chicken filling for a gooey, cheesy treat.
4. Gluten-Free Empanadas: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dough suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
5. Sweet Empanadas: Swap the savory filling for a sweet one by using fruit like apples or peaches, combined with cinnamon and sugar, for a dessert empanada.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making chicken empanadas from scratch might seem intimidating, but with this step-by-step guide, you'll have no trouble creating these delicious pastries.

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
• Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, cold water, and vinegar.
• Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture, stirring until the dough begins to come together.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times until it is smooth. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
• Shape the dough into a ball, flatten it slightly into a disk, and wrap it in plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour before rolling it out.

2. Prepare the Filling:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until the onions are soft and translucent.
• Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
• Add the shredded chicken to the skillet, followed by the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
• Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, allowing the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes until the filling is thickened and well combined.
• Remove from heat and let the filling cool to room temperature.
• If using, stir in the chopped hard-boiled egg and green olives once the filling has cooled.

How to Cook Chicken Empanadas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have your dough and filling ready, it’s time to assemble and cook your empanadas.

1. Roll Out the Dough:

• On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛-inch thickness.
• Use a round cutter or a small bowl (about 4-6 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough.

2. Assemble the Empanadas:

• Place a heaping tablespoon of the chicken filling in the center of each dough circle.
• Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
• Press the edges together with your fingers, then crimp them with a fork to seal.
• Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.

3. Bake or Fry the Empanadas:

• For baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a beaten egg to give them a golden color. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown.
• For frying: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the empanadas in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overfilling the Empanadas: This can cause the dough to tear or the filling to leak out during cooking. Be sure to use just enough filling so that you can seal the empanadas easily.
2. Under-seasoning the Filling: Make sure the filling is well-seasoned before assembling the empanadas. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
3. Not Sealing the Edges Properly: If the edges aren’t sealed tightly, the filling can leak out during baking or frying. Use a fork to crimp the edges securely.
4. Overcooking the Dough: Whether baking or frying, keep an eye on your empanadas to avoid overcooking them, which can make the dough too hard.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Chicken empanadas are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but there are several ways to serve and present them that can make your dish stand out.

How to Serve Chicken Empanadas

• As a Main Dish: Serve your chicken empanadas with a side of rice, beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• As an Appetizer: Arrange smaller empanadas on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
• With a Beverage: Pair your empanadas with a refreshing drink, such as a cold beer, sangria, or even a citrusy soda.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Empanadas

• Rustic Style: Serve the empanadas on a wooden board, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
• Individual Plates: Present each empanada on a small plate with a dollop of dipping sauce and a sprinkle of chopped green onions or red pepper flakes for color.
• Empanada Basket: Place the empanadas in a lined basket or a rustic serving dish, allowing guests to help themselves.

Chicken Empanada Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: The dough and filling can be prepared a day in advance. Store the dough in the fridge and the filling in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble.
• Freezing Empanadas: Uncooked empanadas can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Using Store-Bought Dough: If you’re short on time, store-bought pie crust or puff pastry can be used as a substitute for homemade dough.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use leftover chicken for the filling?

• Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly for this recipe.

2. Can I freeze cooked empanadas?

• Yes, cooked empanadas can be frozen and reheated in the oven. However, they may lose some of their crispiness.

3. What can I use instead of chicken?

• Ground beef, shredded pork, or even beans and vegetables can be used as a filling instead of chicken.

4. How do I prevent my empanadas from becoming soggy?

• Ensure the filling is not too wet, and avoid overfilling the empanadas. Also, make sure the edges are sealed well to keep the filling inside.

5. Can I bake the empanadas instead of frying them?

• Yes, baking is a healthier alternative to frying, and it still yields a delicious result.

Conclusion

Chicken empanadas are a versatile, delicious, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a flaky, buttery crust and a savory, seasoned chicken filling, these empanadas are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re making them as a snack, appetizer, or main course, following the tips and steps in this guide will help you create the perfect chicken empanadas every time. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of making these delightful pastries that are bound to impress your family and friends!

Print