Chicken Empanadas Recipe

Empanadas are a delightful, hand-held pastry that can be filled with all sorts of delicious ingredients. One of the most popular fillings is savory chicken. In this article, we'll explore how to make homemade chicken empanadas from scratch, guiding you through every step, from preparing the dough to making the chicken filling, and offering tips for the best possible results. Whether you're an experienced home cook or trying empanadas for the first time, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Keep reading to learn how to make chicken empanadas and impress your friends and family with this delectable treat!

What Are Chicken Empanadas?

Chicken empanadas are a traditional Latin American dish consisting of a flaky, pastry dough wrapped around a flavorful chicken filling. Empanadas can be baked or fried, and they are often served as appetizers, snacks, or even main dishes depending on their size. The chicken filling can vary depending on personal tastes, but typically it includes shredded or diced chicken mixed with onions, garlic, bell peppers, and sometimes hard-boiled eggs or olives for an extra punch of flavor.

The word "empanada" comes from the Spanish verb empanar, which means "to coat" or "to wrap in bread." This style of cooking is popular in many Spanish-speaking countries, each of which has its own variations and twists on the empanada. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to make chicken empanadas that rival any you've had before!

Ingredients List for Chicken Empanadas

To make chicken empanadas, you will need a mix of ingredients for the dough and the filling. Below is a detailed list of everything you’ll need:

For the Empanada Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup cold water
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (white or apple cider)

For the Chicken Filling:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (you can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 small bell pepper, finely diced (any color)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• ¼ cup chopped green olives (optional)
• 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Egg Wash (Optional):

• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water (for brushing on the empanadas before baking)

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about empanadas is their versatility. If you don’t have some of the listed ingredients on hand, or if you’d like to change up the flavors, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try:

• For the dough: You can use store-bought pie crust or puff pastry if you’re short on time or prefer a flakier texture.
• For the chicken: Ground chicken, turkey, or even beef can be used in place of shredded chicken. You can also make vegetarian empanadas by swapping the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even black beans.
• For extra flavor: Add some grated cheese like cheddar or mozzarella to the filling for an added creamy texture.
• Spices and herbs: Feel free to play with spices; chili powder, oregano, or cilantro can add unique flavors to your filling.
• Cooking method: Empanadas can be either baked or fried. Frying will give you a crispier exterior, while baking is a healthier option with equally delicious results.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making chicken empanadas at home involves two main steps: preparing the dough and creating the chicken filling. Let’s walk through the process:

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. 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.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, cold water, and vinegar. Gradually add this mixture to the flour mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough begins to come together.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to over-knead.
5. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and rest.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the shredded chicken, tomato sauce, and chopped olives (if using). Cook for about 5-7 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
4. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly before assembling the empanadas.
5. If you’re using hard-boiled eggs, chop them up and mix them into the chicken filling at this point. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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

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 chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a small bowl to cut out 4-6 inch circles.
3. Place a tablespoon or two of the chicken filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill them.
4. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative and secure seal.
5. Arrange the assembled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg wash if you want a golden, shiny finish.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown.

Optional: Fry the Empanadas

If you prefer fried empanadas, heat 1-2 inches of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the empanadas in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden and crispy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the empanadas: It’s tempting to add more filling, but overstuffing can cause the dough to tear or make it difficult to seal properly.
• Not sealing the edges well: If you don’t press the edges tightly enough, the filling can leak out during baking or frying. Use a fork to crimp the edges tightly.
• Using warm dough: Dough that’s too warm can become sticky and difficult to handle. Be sure to chill your dough before rolling it out.
• Undercooking the filling: Ensure your chicken filling is fully cooked and flavorful before assembling the empanadas.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving chicken empanadas, there are many ways to elevate your presentation. Here are a few ideas:

How to Serve Chicken Empanadas

• Dipping sauces: Serve your empanadas with a side of dipping sauce, such as chimichurri, salsa, or a spicy aioli. These will add extra flavor and moisture to the dish.
• Accompaniments: Pair empanadas with a light salad, rice, or black beans to make a more complete meal.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Empanadas

• Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle some fresh cilantro or parsley on top of the empanadas just before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
• Serve on a wooden board or platter: A rustic wooden board can give your empanadas a charming, homemade look.
• Create a dipping station: Arrange small bowls of different sauces on the table so that guests can mix and match.

Chicken Empanada Recipe Tips

• Freeze for later: Empanadas freeze beautifully. Before baking, you can freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Add extra fillings: Feel free to experiment with other fillings like cheese, potatoes, or sautéed vegetables to make your empanadas even more unique.
• Make them ahead of time: The dough and filling can be prepared a day in advance, making assembly quick and easy when you're ready to cook.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

2. Can I bake instead of fry the empanadas?

Absolutely! Baking is a healthier option and still yields delicious empanadas with a crispy, golden crust.

3. How do I reheat empanadas?

Reheat empanadas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain their crispy texture. You can also reheat them in a skillet or in the microwave (though the crust won’t stay as crisp in the microwave).

4. What other fillings can I use?

Empanadas are incredibly versatile. Other popular fillings include beef, cheese, or sweet fillings like guava and cream cheese.

Conclusion

Making homemade chicken empanadas is easier than you think and allows for plenty of customization. Whether you’re baking or frying, serving them as an appetizer or a main dish, these empanadas are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Follow the tips and variations above, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings. Now that you have a step-by-step guide, go ahead and give these delicious chicken empanadas a try!

Print