Delicious Chicken Empanadas Recipe in 7 Easy Steps!

Hey there! Ready to make some amazing chicken empanadas recipe? Trust me, once you've tried these homemade beauties, you'll never look back! Picture this: you're pulling a batch from the oven, and that heavenly aroma of buttery pastry and seasoned chicken fills your kitchen. Then comes the best part - that magical first bite when the crispy, golden crust crackles and reveals the steaming, flavor-packed filling inside. Pure happiness in hand pie form!

You know what I love most about making chicken empanadas recipe? They're like the ultimate food hug - warm, comforting, and guaranteed to make everyone smile. Whether you're hosting a casual get-together, meal prepping for the week ahead, or just craving something special for dinner, these little pockets of joy never disappoint. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the pride of serving homemade empanadas to friends and family!

Chicken Empanadas Recipe featuring golden, flaky pastries filled with seasoned chicken, topped with fresh diced tomatoes and herbs. Served on parchment paper with avocado, dipping sauce, and a side salad for a delicious homemade meal.

Why You'll Love This Chicken Empanadas Recipe

Oh my goodness, where do I even start? This chicken empanadas recipe is about to become your new favorite! You're going to absolutely fall in love with these empanadas. First off, let's talk about what makes this chicken empanadas recipe so special - we're using juicy shredded chicken that's seasoned to perfection and practically melts in your mouth. And those spices? They'll make your kitchen smell so amazing, your neighbors might "accidentally" drop by!

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Chicken Empanadas Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken Empanadas Recipe Instructions
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Empanadas Recipe
Storage and Freezing
Recipe Variations
Equipment For Chicken Empanadas Recipe
Grandma's Magic Touch:
FAQ
HOW DID YOUR CHICKEN EMPANADAS RECIPE TURN OUT?
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Pairing
Delicious Chicken Empanadas Recipe in 7 Easy Steps!

Ingredients

the Empanada Dough:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
2 large eggs (1 for dough, 1 for egg wash)
⅓ cup cold water
1 tablespoon white vinegar

Chicken Empanadas Recipe dough ingredients displayed on a wooden surface, including flour, butter, egg, salt, water, and a wooden spoon. A homemade empanada crust for a crispy, golden pastry.

the Chicken Filling:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 large onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Chicken Empanadas Recipe ingredients laid out on a rustic wooden surface, including raw chicken breast, onions, garlic, red bell peppers, spices, olive oil, tomato paste, and fresh cilantro. A flavorful filling for homemade empanadas.

Chicken Empanadas Recipe Instructions

Here's a more friendly and approachable version of the chicken empanadas recipe:

Let's Make Some Delicious Empanadas! 🥟

Starting with Our Flaky Dough First things first - let's create that beautiful, buttery dough that makes empanadas so special!

Mix your flour and salt in a big bowl. Now comes the fun part - work that cold butter in with your fingers until it looks like breadcrumbs. Think of it as playing with edible sand!
In another bowl, whisk together an egg, cold water, and a splash of vinegar.
Slowly mix the wet ingredients into your flour mixture. Don't worry if it looks messy at first - it'll come together!
Give it a gentle knead for a couple of minutes until it feels smooth and happy.
Wrap it up snugly and let it chill in the fridge. You can leave it for an hour or even overnight if you want to prep ahead.

Creating the Tasty Filling

Time to make the star of the show - our flavorful chicken filling!

Start by cooking your chicken breasts in water with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once they're done, grab two forks and shred away - it's quite satisfying!
Get your skillet nice and warm with some olive oil, then toss in those onions until they're soft and sweet.
Add garlic and bell peppers - your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
Now for the magic - sprinkle in your spices (cumin, paprika, and oregano). When you can really smell them, that's when you know it's time for the next step.
Mix in your shredded chicken, tomato paste, and broth. Let everything get cozy together while it simmers.
Finish with fresh cilantro and taste test (the best part!) to make sure the seasoning is just right.
Let everything cool down - perfect time for a little break!

Putting It All Together

Now for the fun assembly part!

Heat up your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out your chilled dough - aim for about ⅛ inch thick, but don't stress about being too precise.
Cut out circles using whatever you have handy - a cutter, a small plate, even a large cup works!
Add a generous spoonful of filling to each circle. Brush the edges with water, fold them over, and seal them with a fork - like closing little treasure pouches!
Give them a nice egg wash to help them get golden and gorgeous in the oven.
Bake until they're beautifully browned and smelling incredible.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Empanadas Recipe

Keep the dough cold at all times for the flakiest crust
Don't overfill the empanadas - this can cause them to burst while baking
Make sure the filling is completely cool before assembling
Create small steam vents on top of each empanada
Let them cool for 5-10 minutes before serving

Storage and Freezing

Store baked empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Freeze unbaked assembled empanadas for up to 3 months
To bake from frozen, add 5-7 minutes to the baking time
Reheat baked empanadas in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes

Recipe Variations

Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper
Swap chicken for ground beef or shredded pork
Create a vegetarian version using black beans and corn
Add cheese to the filling for extra richness
Try different herbs like parsley or thyme instead of cilantro

Equipment For Chicken Empanadas Recipe

Large mixing bowl
Pastry cutter (or food processor)
Rolling pin
4-inch round cutter or small plate
Baking sheets
Pastry brush
Fork for sealing
Parchment paper

Grandma's Magic Touch:

There's something truly special about recipes passed down through generations, and these chicken empanadas recipe carry that same heartwarming magic. Just like my grandmother always said, "The secret ingredient isn't in the pantry - it's in the way you fold the dough with love." These empanadas bring back memories of Sunday afternoons in her cozy kitchen, where she taught me how to gently press the edges with a fork, creating that signature crimp that keeps all the delicious filling inside.

What makes these chicken empanadas recipe different? It's all in the details - the way we let the dough rest just a little longer than most recipes suggest, giving it that perfect flakiness that melts in your mouth. The filling is seasoned gradually, allowing each spice to bloom and share its flavor, just as Grandma showed me. And that final touch of egg wash? She always said it's like giving each empanada a golden hug before it goes into the oven.

Whether you're an experienced cook or trying chicken empanadas recipe for the first time, these little pockets of joy are surprisingly simple to make. Follow along with this family-treasured recipe, and you'll soon be creating empanadas that taste like they've been made with decades of love and experience. Let's get started on making your kitchen smell just like Grandma's!

FAQ

What are chicken empanadas made of?

chicken empanadas recipe typically contain shredded or diced chicken, onions, garlic, spices like cumin and paprika, and sometimes vegetables such as bell peppers or potatoes, all encased in a flaky, buttery pastry dough.

Do you fry or bake empanadas?

Empanadas can be either baked or fried. Baking results in a lighter, flakier crust, while frying creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior. The choice often depends on personal preference and cultural traditions.

What are common empanada mistakes?

Common mistakes when making empanadas include overstuffing the dough, not sealing the edges properly, making the dough too thick or thin, and not allowing the filling to cool before assembly, which can lead to soggy or burst empanadas.

What is traditionally in empanadas?

Traditional empanada fillings vary by region but often include ground or shredded meat (beef, chicken, or pork), cheese, vegetables like potatoes or carrots, and various spices and herbs. Some sweet versions feature fruit fillings or dulce de leche.

HOW DID YOUR CHICKEN EMPANADAS RECIPE TURN OUT?

How did your Chicken Empanadas Recipe turn out? Ready to savor something new? This recipe is sure to impress with its perfect balance of savory, spiced chicken filling and flaky, golden-brown pastry crust. If you're a fan of Latin American cuisine and handheld snacks, be sure to try our Chicken Salad Chick Recipe next - another easy-to-make yet delicious treat!

Did you make this Chicken Empanadas Recipe? We'd love to hear about your experience! Leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments. Did you try any creative twists or use any unique ingredients? I added some diced jalapenos to the filling for a spicy kick and brushed the empanadas with egg wash for an extra glossy finish. I also experimented with a few different dipping sauces like avocado crema and chimichurri.

Your feedback not only helps others but also contributes to our growing community of home cooks. Don't forget to share a photo of your culinary creation! Check out the picture I uploaded of my batch of chicken empanadas - don't they look irresistible? The crust turned out perfectly flaky and crisp, and the filling was bursting with flavor. They were a huge hit at my party and disappeared in minutes. This recipe definitely earned a 5-star rating from me and my guests!

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Why You'll Love This Chicken Empanadas Recipe