Savory Homemade Chicken Empanadas Recipe – A Family Favorite

Tucked away in Latin American kitchens, these golden crispy chicken empanadas bring pure comfort to every bite.

Packed with savory chicken and spices, this empanada recipe delivers a delightful crunch that captures authentic flavors.

The delicate pastry shell cradles tender, well-seasoned meat in a perfect handheld package.

Each empanada serves as a mini culinary adventure, blending traditional techniques with mouthwatering ingredients.

The crispy exterior gives way to a warm, hearty filling that promises satisfaction in every mouthful.

Serve these delectable treats as an appetizer or main course, and watch how quickly they disappear from the plate.

You won’t be able to resist these irresistible pockets of deliciousness.

Steps To Make Golden Chicken Empanadas

• Create Delightful Dough

Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Slice cold butter into the mixture until it looks like tiny pebbles. Whisk egg, water, and vinegar separately, then blend into flour. Quickly knead the dough, shape into a flat circle, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

• Craft Flavorful Filling

Warm olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onions, garlic, and red peppers until soft and fragrant. Add shredded chicken and spices, cooking until heated through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Fold in shredded cheese for extra richness.

• Shape Tasty Parcels

Roll dough thin on a floured surface. Cut into circular shapes. Spoon filling onto each circle’s center. Fold into half-moon pockets, pressing edges firmly. Crimp with a fork to seal in all the delicious goodness.

• Cook to Golden Perfection

For baking: Heat oven to 375F. Place empanadas on a lined baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg. Bake until beautifully golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.

For frying: Heat oil to 350F. Fry empanadas in batches until crispy and golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

• Serve and Enjoy

Let cool briefly. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce and watch everyone smile.

Crispy Tips For Chicken Empanadas

• Dough Perfection Trick: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to ensure a flaky, tender crust that doesn't shrink during baking or frying.
• Filling Flexibility: Swap chicken with ground beef, pulled pork, or even black beans for a vegetarian version that keeps the same delicious flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare empanadas up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator, covered. Bake or fry just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delectable hand pies.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder, or include diced jalapeños for extra kick, making the recipe adaptable to different spice preferences.

Ideas For Serving Chicken Empanadas

• Salsa Symphony: Pair these golden empanadas with zesty homemade salsa, combining fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and a hint of jalapeño for a vibrant flavor explosion.
• Dipping Delight: Create a creamy avocado-lime sauce by blending ripe avocados, sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt for a smooth, tangy companion to the crispy empanadas.
• Fiesta Plate: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette and garnish with fresh chopped herbs to balance the rich, savory chicken filling and add a refreshing touch to the meal.
• Sidekick Spectacular: Offer a quick black bean and corn salsa as a colorful side, mixing black beans, grilled corn, red onion, and a squeeze of lime for a traditional Latin-inspired accompaniment.

Store Chicken Empanadas Without Sog

• Smart Refrigeration Tactics: Store cooked empanadas in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stack them with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their crispy texture.
• Freezing Fantastic Strategy: Freeze uncooked empanadas on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. They'll stay fresh for 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Quick Reheating Magic: Restore crispiness by warming empanadas in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy pastry. Air fryers work brilliantly for reviving that original golden crunch.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare dough and filling up to 2 days in advance. Keep dough wrapped in the refrigerator and filling in a sealed container. Assemble and cook just before serving to ensure maximum flavor and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 13

Filling Ingredients For Chicken Empanadas

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the foundational structure for crispy, tender empanada shells.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and helps strengthen the dough's gluten network.
• Butter: Creates flaky, rich texture with delightful layers in the pastry.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness to the dough.
• Water: Helps bring the dough together and activate gluten.
• Vinegar: Tenderizes the dough, making it more workable and delicate.

• Olive Oil: Creates a smooth base for sautéing and adds subtle flavor.
• Onion: Provides sweet, aromatic foundation for the filling.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, robust flavor to the chicken mixture.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds vibrant color and fresh, sweet crunch.
• Shredded Chicken: Serves as the primary protein, creating a hearty filling.
• Spices: Bring depth, warmth, and complexity to the chicken mixture.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding creamy richness to the filling.

• Beaten Egg: Creates a golden, glossy exterior when brushed on empanadas.
• Dipping Sauce: Complements the empanadas with additional flavor and moisture.

Tools You Need For Chicken Empanadas

• Large Bowl: Essential for mixing dough ingredients and creating crumbly texture.
• Skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions, garlic, bell peppers, and cooking chicken filling.
• Rolling Pin: Key tool for rolling out dough to the right thickness.
• Baking Sheet: Needed for baking empanadas until golden brown.
• Deep Skillet: Used for frying empanadas if you prefer crispy version.
• Fork: Great for crimping and sealing empanada edges.
• Knife or Pastry Cutter: Helps cut butter into flour mixture.
• Whisk: Used for mixing egg, water, and vinegar.
• Cutting Board: Provides surface for rolling and cutting dough.
• Paper Towels: Useful for draining fried empanadas.

Crispy Chicken Empanadas Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Savory chicken empanadas from Argentina blend flaky pastry with spiced meat filling. Crisp edges and rich flavors make this handheld treat perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 cups shredded chicken, cooked (360 grams)
• 0.5 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, monterey jack, or mozzarella) (120 grams)
• 0.5 cup onion, finely chopped (120 grams)
• 0.5 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp ground cumin
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.25 tsp chili powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour (600 milliliters)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (120 grams)
• 1 egg
• 0.33 cup cold water (80 milliliters)
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Chimichurri, salsa, or sour cream for dipping (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pastry Preparation: Blend flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Cut chilled butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Whisk egg, water, and vinegar separately, then incorporate into flour mixture. Knead briefly, form into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Filling Creation: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and red bell pepper until softened. Add chicken and spices, cooking until flavors meld. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Stir in shredded cheese to complete the filling.
3. Assembly and Shaping: Roll chilled dough on a floured surface to thin consistency. Cut circular shapes for pastry bases. Place filling in the center of each disc. Fold dough over to create crescent shapes. Crimp edges with a fork to seal completely.
4. Cooking Technique: Choose between two methods – Oven Baking: Preheat to 375°F. Arrange empanadas on a lined baking sheet, brush with egg wash. Bake until golden brown. Deep Frying: Heat oil to 350°F in a skillet. Fry empanadas in small batches until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Serving: Allow empanadas to cool briefly. Plate and serve warm with a complementary dipping sauce to enhance the overall flavor profile.

Notes

• Master Dough Consistency: Keep butter extremely cold and work quickly to maintain flaky, tender pastry texture without overworking the dough.
• Control Filling Moisture: Ensure chicken filling isn’t too wet to prevent soggy empanada bottoms and potential structural collapse during cooking.
• Seal Edges Securely: Use fork crimping or careful folding techniques to prevent filling leakage and maintain structural integrity during baking or frying.
• Temperature Precision: Monitor oil or oven temperature closely to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning or undercooking the empanadas.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg