Irresistible Chicken Empanadas Recipe – Easy & Flavorful

Chicken empanadas are like little pockets of joy, bursting with flavor and the promise of a good time. The crispy golden crust hints at the deliciousness waiting inside, while the aroma of savory chicken mingling with spices makes your mouth water in anticipation. Imagine biting into one—crunchy on the outside, warm and tender on the inside, with a delightful blend of flavors dancing on your taste buds. It’s an experience that not only satisfies hunger but also evokes memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations.

I remember the first time I made chicken empanadas; my kitchen turned into a chaotic whirlwind of flour and laughter. Friends gathered around, eagerly awaiting their turn to sample these little delights. The laughter echoed as we tried to fold the dough perfectly—some were masterpieces, while others looked like abstract art gone wrong. But in the end, it didn’t matter; every bite was a celebration of flavor and fun.

Sharing chicken empanadas with friends turns any gathering into a memorable feast filled with smiles and compliments.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts to ensure there’s enough filling for everyone.

• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness when sautéed; choose firm ones for best results.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will elevate the flavor; opt for firm cloves.

• Cumin: This spice adds warmth and depth; don’t skip it!

• Paprika: Choose smoked paprika for a unique flavor twist; it’s simply irresistible.

• Dough for Empanadas: Store-bought dough is convenient, but homemade brings extra love.

• Egg Wash: A simple mix of egg and water gives the empanadas a golden finish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Prepare Your Chicken Filling: Start by boiling your chicken breasts in salted water until fully cooked—about 15-20 minutes should do it. Drain and shred them using two forks.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil then toss in chopped onion and minced garlic until they’re soft and fragrant—this takes about 5 minutes.

Add Spices and Chicken: Sprinkle in cumin and paprika, stirring to coat evenly. Add shredded chicken to the skillet and mix well until everything is combined beautifully.

Cool Down Filling Before Assembling: Allow your filling to cool for about 10 minutes; this helps prevent soggy dough when you wrap those tasty pockets.

Roll Out Dough Circles: If using homemade dough, roll it out thinly on a floured surface and cut circles about 4-5 inches wide using a cutter or glass.

Fill and Seal Empanadas: Place about 1 tablespoon of filling in each circle’s center. Fold over to create a half-moon shape and crimp edges together with a fork to seal tightly.

Bake Your Empanadas**: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush each empanada with egg wash for that golden shine. Bake on lined baking sheets for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

Enjoy these wonderful chicken empanadas fresh out of the oven while they’re still warm! You may want to keep some handy because they’ll disappear fast!

This journey through making chicken empanadas is more than just cooking; it’s about creating memories filled with laughter and shared joy at the table. So roll up those sleeves, gather your loved ones, and dive into this delicious adventure!

You Must Know

• Chicken empanadas are delightful pockets of flavor that bring joy to any gathering
• They are perfect for meal prep and can be customized with various fillings
• The crispy texture combined with savory chicken makes them a crowd-pleaser, whether served as an appetizer or main dish

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sauté the chicken filling while preparing the dough. This ensures everything is ready simultaneously, creating a seamless cooking experience.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for beef or veggies. You can also add spices like cumin or coriander for extra flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store cooked empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results.

Chef's Helpful Tips

• When making chicken empanadas, ensure the dough isn’t too wet; it should be pliable but firm
• Don’t overfill, or you’ll face exploding empanadas!
• Lastly, allow them to cool before storing to avoid sogginess

Making chicken empanadas always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone would get involved, sharing laughter and stories while rolling out dough.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought dough for this chicken empanadas recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought dough saves time and still tastes delicious when filled with your favorite ingredients.

What dipping sauces pair well with chicken empanadas?

Try chimichurri or spicy salsa for a tasty complement that enhances the flavors beautifully.

How do I know when my empanadas are done baking?

Empanadas are ready when golden brown on top and slightly firm to touch; enjoy that crispy goodness!

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Irresistible Chicken Empanadas

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These chicken empanadas are delightful pockets of flavor filled with tender, seasoned chicken and spices, all wrapped in a crispy golden crust. Perfect for gatherings or as a comforting snack, they evoke warmth and joy with every bite. Easy to prepare and customizable, these empanadas will quickly become a favorite in your home!

• Author: Ethan Carter
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 10 empanadas 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Ingredients

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• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 package (14 oz) empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: Boil chicken breasts in salted water for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Drain and shred using two forks.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté onions for about 5 minutes until soft, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Mix Spices & Chicken: Stir in cumin and paprika, then add shredded chicken. Mix well to combine and season with salt and pepper.
4. Cool Filling: Allow the mixture to cool for 10 minutes.
5. Prepare Dough: Roll out empanada dough on a floured surface and cut into circles about 4-5 inches wide.
6. Fill Empanadas: Place about 1 tablespoon of filling in each circle's center. Fold over and crimp the edges firmly to seal.
7. Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush each empanada with egg wash and bake on lined baking sheets for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
8. Serve Warm: Enjoy these delicious empanadas fresh from the oven!

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 55mg