Chicken Empanadas

Chicken empanadas are a delicious, portable meal perfect for any occasion. These golden, flaky pockets are packed with a savory and flavorful chicken filling that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, party snack, or on-the-go lunch, this recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup minced onion
• 1 red bell pepper, minced
• 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, minced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons freshly minced cilantro
• 2 cups shredded chicken breast (about 1½ pounds)
• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) with a rack positioned in the center. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Filling: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell peppers, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in the garlic and cilantro, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Add the shredded chicken, chicken bouillon, tomato paste, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and 1 cup of water. Simmer the mixture for 5-8 minutes, stirring often, until the liquid has mostly evaporated but the filling remains moist. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Assemble the Empanadas: Place one empanada dough shell on a flat surface. Add a heaping ⅓ cup of filling to one side of the dough, leaving a ¼-inch border around the edge. Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl, then brush the edges of the dough with the egg wash. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal.
Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each empanada with the remaining egg wash for a glossy finish. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crisp.

Tips and Tricks
For extra crispy edges, you can lightly fry the empanadas before baking. If you’re short on time, store-bought dough works wonderfully, but homemade empanada dough adds an authentic touch.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips

• Pair with Dips: Serve your chicken empanadas with a variety of dipping sauces like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or chimichurri for added flavor.
• Add a Side: Pair with a fresh garden salad, rice and beans, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Appetizer Option: For parties or gatherings, cut the empanadas into halves or quarters to create bite-sized appetizers.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerating Leftovers: Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes to retain their crispness. For a quicker option, use a toaster oven or air fryer. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the crust soggy.
• Freezing Cooked Empanadas: Place baked empanadas on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
• Freezing Unbaked Empanadas: Assemble the empanadas and freeze them uncooked. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

With these serving and storage tips, you’ll enjoy delicious chicken empanadas fresh or reheated for days to come!

Variations

Empanadas are incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are some creative variations to try:

1. Spicy Chicken Empanadas
Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick. Pair with a cooling avocado dip.

2. Cheesy Chicken Empanadas
Incorporate shredded cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack, into the chicken mixture for a gooey, cheesy surprise.

3. BBQ Chicken Empanadas
Swap the tomato paste for your favorite BBQ sauce and add a handful of caramelized onions for a sweet and smoky flavor.

4. Buffalo Chicken Empanadas
Combine shredded chicken with Buffalo sauce and a touch of ranch dressing. Serve with blue cheese or celery sticks on the side.

5. Vegetarian Empanadas
Replace the chicken with cooked black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and sautéed mushrooms. Add some taco seasoning for extra flavor.

6. Mediterranean Chicken Empanadas
Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean twist.

7. Sweet and Savory Chicken Empanadas
Add diced pineapple or raisins to the chicken filling for a delightful contrast of sweet and savory.

8. Curry Chicken Empanadas
Season the chicken with curry powder, turmeric, and a touch of coconut milk. Pair with a mango chutney for dipping.

9. Breakfast Empanadas
Combine shredded chicken with scrambled eggs, diced bell peppers, and shredded cheese for a morning-friendly version.

10. Taco-Inspired Empanadas
Add taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, and a sprinkle of queso fresco for a taco-inspired flavor.

These variations allow you to experiment and create empanadas that cater to any palate or occasion. Whether you stick with the classic or try something new, these pockets of flavor are sure to impress!

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought empanada dough?
Yes, store-bought empanada dough is a great option to save time. Many brands, like Goya, offer pre-made dough shells that are easy to work with and yield delicious results.

2. Can I make chicken empanadas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the empanadas, either fully assembled or just the filling, and store them in the fridge for up to 1-2 days before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze them (either baked or unbaked) for future use.

3. How can I make the empanadas crispier?
For extra crispy empanadas, consider lightly frying them before baking. You can also brush the dough with an egg wash (beaten egg with water) for a glossy, golden finish.

4. Can I make the chicken filling ahead of time?
Yes, the chicken filling can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it before using to fill the dough shells.

5. Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with other proteins such as beef, turkey, or even pork. Leftover rotisserie chicken or ground meat also works well for quicker preparation.

6. Can I make empanadas with a different type of dough?
Yes, you can use different types of dough, such as puff pastry or homemade dough, instead of store-bought empanada shells. Each type of dough will yield a different texture and flavor.

7. How do I store leftover empanadas?
Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them (either baked or unbaked) for up to 3 months.

8. How do I reheat chicken empanadas?
Reheat baked empanadas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes to maintain their crispiness. You can also reheat in an air fryer for a few minutes or use a toaster oven.

9. Can I freeze uncooked chicken empanadas?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked empanadas. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

10. Can I add vegetables to the chicken filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like diced potatoes, peas, carrots, or corn to the chicken filling. This adds texture, flavor, and nutrition to the empanadas.

Chicken empanadas are a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and utterly delicious. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and flaky pastry creates a delightful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and discover why empanadas are a global favorite!

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