Crispy Golden Chicken Empanadas Recipe: A Homemade Fiesta

Crispy golden chicken empanadas burst with Latin American culinary magic that dances across your taste buds.

Packed with savory fillings and a perfectly flaky crust, these hand-held delights promise pure comfort.

Regional spices and tender meat create an irresistible combination you’ll crave again and again.

Each bite tells a story of traditional cooking techniques passed down through generations.

Homemade pastry wraps reveal delectable surprises that make meal times extraordinary.

Small pockets of flavor await you with every delightful morsel.

Grab your apron and get ready to impress everyone at the table with these incredible morsels.

How To Make Chicken Empanadas Easily

Step 1: Whip Up the Dough

• Egg
• Cool water
• White vinegar

Pour the wet mixture into the flour and gently blend until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough briefly, shape into a smooth disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Step 2: Craft the Savory Chicken Filling

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped red bell peppers

Sauté until vegetables become tender and fragrant. Add shredded chicken and a blend of aromatic spices. Cook for an additional few minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Fold in shredded cheese for extra richness.

Step 3: Shape the Empanada Pockets

Roll out the chilled dough on a flour-dusted surface until paper-thin. Cut into circular shapes. Spoon a generous amount of chicken filling onto the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press edges firmly and crimp with a fork to seal completely.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Baking Method:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange empanadas on a lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a gorgeous golden shine. Bake until edges turn crispy and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.

Frying Method:

Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry empanadas in small batches until they turn a beautiful golden color, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Allow empanadas to cool slightly. Plate with your favorite zesty dipping sauce and serve immediately. Watch as friends and family devour these delectable handheld treats!

Smart Advice For Chicken Empanadas

• Prep Dough Ahead: Make the empanada dough up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator to save time and enhance flavor development.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Ensure chicken filling isn't too wet by draining excess liquid after cooking to prevent soggy empanada shells during baking or frying.
• Master Sealing Technique: Press empanada edges firmly with a fork or crimp by hand to create a tight seal that prevents filling from leaking during cooking.
• Customize Filling Flexibly: Swap chicken with ground beef, pulled pork, or vegetarian alternatives like black beans and roasted vegetables for diverse dietary preferences.
• Temperature Matters Most: Use a kitchen thermometer to check oil temperature when frying, maintaining 350F ensures crispy exterior and perfectly cooked interior without burning.

How To Store Chicken Empanadas The Right Way

• Preserve empanadas effortlessly by storing them in airtight containers.
• Refrigerate freshly made empanadas within two hours of cooking to maintain optimal flavor and safety.
• Keep baked empanadas in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring they remain deliciously crisp when properly sealed.
• Wrap individual empanadas in plastic wrap or place them in separate compartments to prevent sogginess and preserve their texture.
• Freeze uncooked or cooked empanadas for extended storage, lasting up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag.
• When ready to enjoy frozen empanadas, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen in a preheated oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes.
• Reheat refrigerated empanadas in an oven or air fryer to restore their original crispiness, avoiding microwave reheating which can make the pastry soggy.
• Always allow empanadas to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and maintain their delightful crunch.

Great Combos With Chicken Empanadas

• Pair with Zesty Citrus Cocktail: Mix a refreshing lime margarita or bright mojito that cuts through the richness of the empanadas, bringing a tangy contrast to the savory chicken filling.
• Complement with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lime vinaigrette and fresh cilantro to balance the hearty empanadas, adding a fresh and vibrant side dish that enhances the meal.
• Match with Cooling Dipping Sauce: Create a creamy avocado-lime sauce or classic salsa verde that provides a cool, herbaceous complement to the warm, crispy empanadas, elevating the overall flavor experience.
• Serve with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Malbec or Tempranillo from Argentina or Spain, whose bold fruit notes and slight spiciness perfectly match the seasoned chicken and buttery pastry.

Why Chicken Empanadas Hit The Spot

• Whip Up a Quick Comfort Meal: These chicken empanadas are perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a delicious homemade meal in under an hour with minimal kitchen complexity.
• Master Flexible Cooking Techniques: Enjoy the freedom of choosing between baking or frying, catering to different dietary preferences and kitchen equipment availability without compromising taste.
• Create a Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: These handheld treats work brilliantly as appetizers for game days, potlucks, or casual gatherings, guaranteed to impress guests with their golden, crispy exterior and savory filling.
• Transform Leftover Chicken into Gourmet Bites: Repurpose extra roasted or shredded chicken into a delectable dish that feels fresh and exciting, reducing food waste while maximizing flavor potential.

Stuff Needed For Chicken Empanadas

• Flour: The base for creating a tender, flaky pastry shell.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates a flaky texture.
• Egg: Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
• Water: Helps bring the dough together.
• Vinegar: Prevents gluten formation, ensuring a more tender crust.

• Chicken: The primary protein, shredded for easy filling.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the filling.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor.
• Red Bell Pepper: Brings color and mild sweetness.
• Cheese: Adds creaminess and extra flavor to the filling.
• Spices: Enhance the overall taste profile of the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing filling and optional frying.
• Beaten Egg: Creates a golden, glossy finish when brushing empanadas.
• Dipping Sauce: Optional accompaniment for added flavor.

Ways To Change Chicken Empanadas Up

• Spicy Southwest Empanadas: Replace chicken with seasoned ground beef, add jalapeños, and mix in black beans and corn for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Chicken Empanadas: Incorporate feta cheese, kalamata olives, and dried oregano into the filling. Use a touch of lemon zest to brighten the overall taste.
• Cheesy Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and spinach. Add ricotta and mozzarella cheese for extra creaminess.
• Caribbean-Style Empanadas: Include diced pineapple, green onions, and a splash of rum in the chicken filling. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a tropical kick.

What People Ask About Chicken Empanadas

• What are the key spices used in chicken empanadas?

The key spices typically include cumin, paprika, and oregano, which add depth and warmth to the chicken filling, creating a rich and authentic Latin American flavor profile.

• Can I make chicken empanadas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the empanadas in advance and either refrigerate them uncooked for 1-2 days or freeze them for up to a month. When ready to serve, you can bake or fry them directly from the refrigerator or freezer.

• Is it better to bake or fry chicken empanadas?

Both methods work great! Baking is healthier and easier, resulting in a crispy golden exterior. Frying gives a more traditional, extra-crispy texture. Choose based on your preference and cooking comfort.

• What type of cheese works best in chicken empanadas?

Shredded queso fresco or monterey jack cheese are excellent choices. They melt well and provide a creamy, mild flavor that complements the spiced chicken filling perfectly.

Chicken Empanadas Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Savory chicken empanadas elevate home cooking with Latin American flair, bringing zesty spices and flaky pastry to your table. Crisp golden shells cradle tender seasoned chicken, inviting you to savor each delightful bite of this irresistible comfort classic.

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Ingredients

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Chicken Empanadas

Dough Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour (600 milliliters)
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (120 grams)
• 1 egg
• 0.33 cup cold water (80 milliliters)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Filling Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups cooked shredded chicken (360 grams)
• 0.5 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, monterey jack, or mozzarella) (120 grams)
• 0.5 cup finely chopped onion (120 grams)
• 0.5 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 0.25 teaspoons chili powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Egg Wash and Dipping Ingredients:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Optional: chimichurri, salsa, or sour cream for dipping

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Instructions

1. Craft the foundational pastry by combining flour and salt in a spacious mixing vessel. Incorporate chilled butter until the texture resembles grainy particles. Whisk together egg, water, and vinegar in a separate container, then integrate into the flour mixture. Gently knead the emerging dough, shape into a compact disc, encase in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of half an hour to stabilize.
2. Activate a skillet with olive oil over moderate heat. Sauté diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper until they soften and become translucent. Introduce shredded chicken and aromatic spices, allowing the mixture to meld and develop rich flavors. Remove from thermal source and permit slight cooling. Fold in shredded cheese, creating a harmonious filling.
3. On a lightly dusted surface, methodically roll the chilled dough to a slender thickness. Precisely cut circular shapes to form individual pastry bases. Delicately position a measured portion of prepared filling at the center of each disc. Elegantly fold the dough over, creating a crescent profile. Meticulously seal edges and embellish with decorative fork impressions.
4. For baking: Preheat the oven to a precise 375°F. Arrange empanadas on a lined baking sheet, applying a gentle egg wash to enhance golden coloration. Bake until achieving a crisp, amber exterior. Alternatively, for frying: Heat oil to 350°F in a deep skillet. Submerge empanadas in small batches, achieving a uniform, crispy golden shell. Transfer to absorbent paper to eliminate excess oil.
5. Allow empanadas to cool momentarily, ensuring safe handling temperature. Present warm, accompanied by a complementary dipping sauce that accentuates the delicate flavors.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Use cold butter cut into small cubes for a flakier, more tender dough that creates those delightful layers in your empanadas.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Chill the dough thoroughly and ensure your filling isn’t too wet to maintain a crisp, golden exterior when baking or frying.
• Versatile Filling Options: Swap chicken for ground beef, pulled pork, or make vegetarian versions with black beans, corn, and roasted vegetables for endless flavor possibilities.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Prepare empanadas ahead of time, freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for quick future meals – just add a few extra minutes to cooking time when baking from frozen.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg