Chicken Empanadas Recipe

Empanadas are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. These savory turnovers, with a crispy outer shell and a flavorful filling, are perfect for any occasion. Among the many variations, Chicken Empanadas stand out due to their rich and satisfying filling. In this recipe, we'll show you how to make the best chicken empanadas from scratch. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know, from ingredients to tips on perfecting your empanada technique!

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What Are Chicken Empanadas?

Chicken empanadas are small, hand-held pastries filled with a seasoned chicken mixture, then baked or fried to golden perfection. Originating from Latin America, empanadas are popular in countries like Argentina, Mexico, and Colombia. The word "empanada" comes from the Spanish word empanar, meaning "to coat with bread." In this recipe, the dough surrounds a filling of spiced shredded chicken, creating a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

If you love savory, hand-held comfort food that’s easy to customize, then this chicken empanada recipe is for you! Read on to learn how to make your own homemade chicken empanadas that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients List for Chicken Empanadas Dough

To create the perfect chicken empanada, you'll need to start with the dough. The dough should be buttery, flaky, and firm enough to hold the filling without breaking apart.

Dough Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup cold water
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (white or apple cider)

These ingredients will create a rich, buttery dough that forms the perfect base for your chicken empanadas. The butter adds flavor and creates a flaky texture, while the egg and vinegar help with structure and elasticity.

Ingredients List for Chicken Empanada Filling

Now for the star of the show—the filling! A well-seasoned chicken filling is the key to a delicious empanada. This filling recipe combines savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors.

Filling Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
• ½ cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• ¼ cup green olives, chopped
• ¼ cup raisins (optional, for a sweet twist)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

This filling combines the savory taste of chicken, the sweetness of raisins, and the briny punch of olives. You can adjust the spices to your liking, adding more chili powder for heat or more paprika for a smoky flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

Empanadas are incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with the ingredients. Here are some substitutions and variations for the dough and filling:

Dough Substitutions:

• Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier option, replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
• Gluten-Free Flour: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free empanadas.
• Vegan Dough: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).

Filling Variations:

• Vegetarian: Swap the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and cheese for a vegetarian option.
• Beef Empanadas: Use ground beef instead of chicken for a classic beef empanada filling.
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling for an extra kick.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making chicken empanadas from scratch might seem intimidating, but by following these step-by-step instructions, you'll be well on your way to creating a tasty and satisfying dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with the cold water and vinegar.
4. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough starts to come together.
5. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Chicken Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic, cumin, paprika, and chili powder (if using), and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the shredded chicken, chopped olives, and raisins (if using). Stir to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and let the filling cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ⅛ inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut circles from the dough.
3. Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of each dough circle.
4. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, pressing the edges together with your fingers. Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal the empanada.
5. Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the top of each empanada to create a golden, shiny finish.

Step 4: Bake the Empanadas

1. Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
2. Allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling: Don’t overstuff the empanadas, as this can cause them to burst open during baking. Stick to about 1-2 tablespoons of filling per empanada.
• Not Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough before rolling it out helps to keep it firm and prevents the empanadas from becoming soggy.
• Skipping the Egg Wash: The egg wash gives the empanadas a beautiful golden color. Don’t skip this step for the perfect presentation.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Chicken empanadas can be served as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. To elevate your dish, serve them with a variety of dips and side dishes that complement the flavors.

How to Serve Chicken Empanadas:

• Serve with salsa verde, chimichurri, or spicy aioli for dipping.
• Pair with a side salad or black beans and rice for a more complete meal.
• For a more indulgent twist, drizzle the empanadas with sour cream and sprinkle with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Empanadas:

• Arrange the empanadas on a platter, garnished with chopped herbs or sliced limes.
• Stack the empanadas on a rustic wooden board for a casual, family-style presentation.
• Serve individual empanadas in small paper or bamboo boats for a fun, street-food-style presentation at parties.

Chicken Empanada Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: You can make the dough and filling ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake the empanadas when you're ready to serve.
• Freezing: Unbaked empanadas can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Frying Option: For extra-crispy empanadas, fry them in hot oil (350°F) for 3-4 minutes on each side instead of baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?
Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust or puff pastry as a substitute for homemade dough if you’re short on time.

Can I make chicken empanadas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough and filling in advance and store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake them fresh when needed.

Can I freeze chicken empanadas?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked empanadas and bake them directly from frozen when you're ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What other fillings can I use?
Empanadas are highly versatile. You can fill them with beef, pork, vegetables, cheese, or even sweet fillings like dulce de leche or fruit.

Conclusion

Chicken empanadas are a delicious and customizable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a flaky homemade dough and a savory, flavorful filling, these empanadas will be a hit at your next family dinner or gathering. Whether you bake or fry them, serve them with dips or on their own, chicken empanadas are sure to please. Try out this recipe and feel free to get creative with your fillings and presentations!

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