Wings & Apps

Chicken Empanadas

Name: Chicken Empanadas
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1/2 cup warm water; 1 pound shredded chicken; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

By Otto Larkin · June 19, 2026 · Wings & Apps

Prep30 min

Cook20 min

Total50 min

Serves8

I still remember the first time I tried Chicken Empanadas at a family gathering. The combination of the crispy pastry, flavorful chicken filling, and the hint of spice was love at first bite. Since then, I've been perfecting my own recipe, and I'm excited to share it with you. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or as an appetizer for your next party.

What I love about Chicken Empanadas is how versatile they are. You can serve them as a main course, as a snack, or even as a dessert if you fill them with sweet ingredients. The possibilities are endless, and I'm sure you'll find your own favorite way to enjoy them.

This recipe is also very easy to make, and it's perfect for beginners. The ingredients are simple, and the instructions are easy to follow. You'll be surprised at how quickly you can make a batch of delicious Chicken Empanadas from scratch.

If you're looking for a recipe that's both delicious and easy to make, then you're in the right place. This Chicken Empanadas recipe is a game-changer, and I'm sure you'll love it just as much as I do. So, let's get started and make some delicious Chicken Empanadas!

As we cook, I'll share some tips and tricks that I've learned along the way. From how to make the perfect pastry dough to how to cook the chicken filling to perfection, I'll cover it all. By the end of this recipe, you'll be a pro at making Chicken Empanadas, and you'll be able to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

They are easy to make and require minimal ingredients
They are perfect for a weeknight dinner or as an appetizer for your next party
They are versatile and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, both sweet and savory
They are a great way to use up leftover chicken and other ingredients
They are a fun and interactive food that everyone will love
They are budget-friendly and can be made in large quantities
They are a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave you wanting more

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Chicken Empanadas is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the filling and the pastry dough separately before assembling the empanadas. This ensures that the filling is flavorful and the pastry is crispy. It's also important to not overfill the empanadas, as this can cause them to burst open during cooking.

Another important factor is the temperature and cooking time. The pastry dough needs to be cooked at a high temperature to get it crispy, while the filling needs to be cooked at a lower temperature to prevent it from drying out. By following these steps, you'll end up with delicious Chicken Empanadas that are sure to please.

The type of pastry dough used is also crucial. I use a simple pastry dough made with flour, water, and a bit of oil. This dough is easy to work with and provides a nice balance of crunch and flakiness to the empanadas.

Finally, the filling is where the magic happens. I use a combination of shredded chicken, onions, garlic, and spices to create a flavorful and aromatic filling. The key is to cook the filling slowly and patiently, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Chicken Empanadas, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including pastry dough, shredded chicken, onions, garlic, and spices. You can find these ingredients at your local grocery store, and they're relatively inexpensive. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and to follow the recipe carefully to ensure that your empanadas turn out delicious.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose fresh and flavorful items. For example, use fresh onions and garlic for the best flavor, and choose a high-quality pastry dough that is easy to work with. You can also customize the filling to your liking by adding your favorite spices and herbs.

2 cups all-purpose flourThis is the base ingredient for the pastry dough, and it provides structure and texture to the empanadas. You can also use whole wheat flour or a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
1 teaspoon saltThis adds flavor to the pastry dough and helps to bring out the other ingredients. You can also use kosher salt or sea salt for a slightly different flavor.
1/4 cup vegetable oilThis helps to bind the pastry dough together and provides moisture to the empanadas. You can also use olive oil or coconut oil for a different flavor.
1/2 cup warm waterThis helps to bind the pastry dough together and provides moisture to the empanadas. You can also use cold water, but warm water helps the dough to come together more easily.
1 pound shredded chickenThis is the main ingredient in the filling, and it provides protein and flavor to the empanadas. You can use cooked chicken breast or thighs, or a combination of both.
1 medium onion, dicedThis adds flavor and texture to the filling, and it helps to bring out the other ingredients. You can also use shallots or scallions for a slightly different flavor.
2 cloves garlic, mincedThis adds flavor to the filling, and it helps to bring out the other ingredients. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt for a slightly different flavor.
1 teaspoon cuminThis adds flavor to the filling, and it helps to bring out the other ingredients. You can also use ground coriander or paprika for a slightly different flavor.
1/2 teaspoon paprikaThis adds flavor and color to the filling, and it helps to bring out the other ingredients. You can also use smoked paprika for a slightly different flavor.
Salt and pepper to tasteThis adds flavor to the filling, and it helps to bring out the other ingredients. You can adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste, and you can also add other spices and herbs to customize the filling.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowlMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatulaRolling pinCutting boardKnifePastry brush

How to Make Chicken Empanadas

1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and vegetable oil. Mix until the dough comes together, then gradually add the warm water, mixing until a ball forms.
2
Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until the filling is well combined.
4
Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces, depending on how large you want your empanadas to be. Roll out each piece of dough into a thin circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
5
Place a tablespoon or two of the chicken filling in the center of each dough circle. Brush the edges of the dough with a little water, then fold the dough over the filling to form a half-circle. Press the edges together to seal the empanada.
6
Use a fork to crimp the edges of the empanada, then use a pastry brush to brush the top with a little water. This will help the empanada to brown in the oven.
7
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each empanada.
8
Bake the empanadas for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. You can also fry the empanadas in a little oil if you prefer a crisper exterior.
9
Remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
10
To make the empanadas ahead of time, you can assemble them up to a day in advance, then bake or fry them when you're ready to serve. You can also freeze the empanadas for up to 2 months, then bake or fry them frozen.
11
To reheat the empanadas, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds, or until they are warmed through.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh onions and garlic, for the best flavor.
Don't overfill the empanadas, as this can cause them to burst open during cooking.
Use a pastry brush to brush the tops of the empanadas with a little water, as this will help them to brown in the oven.
Experiment with different fillings, such as beef or cheese, to create unique and delicious empanadas.
Use a variety of spices and herbs to customize the filling to your taste.
Don't be afraid to get creative and try new things – empanadas are a versatile food that can be filled with a wide range of ingredients.
To freeze the empanadas, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To reheat frozen empanadas, bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and warmed through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling the empanadas, which can cause them to burst open during cooking.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a less flavorful filling.
Not cooking the empanadas at the right temperature, which can cause them to be undercooked or overcooked.
Not letting the empanadas rest for a few minutes after cooking, which can cause them to be soggy or soft.
Not using the right type of pastry dough, which can result in empanadas that are too dense or too fragile.
Not freezing the empanadas properly, which can cause them to become soggy or develop off-flavors.

Variations and Substitutions

Beef empanadas, filled with seasoned ground beef and onions.
Cheese empanadas, filled with melted cheese and diced ham.
Vegetarian empanadas, filled with sautéed vegetables and cheese.
Seafood empanadas, filled with shrimp and fish.
Spicy empanadas, filled with spicy chorizo sausage and diced onions.
Sweet empanadas, filled with fruit or chocolate.
Empanadas with different types of pastry dough, such as whole wheat or gluten-free dough.

What to Serve With Chicken Empanadas

Chicken Empanadas are a delicious and versatile food that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve them as a main course, as a snack, or as an appetizer. They're perfect for parties, gatherings, and special occasions. You can also serve them with a variety of sides, such as salad, rice, or beans.

Some other ideas for serving Chicken Empanadas include serving them with a side of salsa or guacamole, or using them as a topping for a salad or soup. You can also fill them with different ingredients, such as beef or cheese, to create unique and delicious variations.

Serve with a side of salsa or guacamoleUse as a topping for a salad or soupFill with different ingredients, such as beef or cheese, to create unique and delicious variationsServe as a main course, as a snack, or as an appetizer

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store Chicken Empanadas, you can place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months, then bake or fry them frozen. To freeze the empanadas, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer.

To reheat frozen empanadas, bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and warmed through. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds, or until they are warmed through.

It's also important to note that empanadas are best served fresh, so try to make them just before serving if possible. However, they can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.

When reheating empanadas, make sure to heat them until they are warmed through and crispy on the outside. You can also add a little water to the empanadas before reheating them to help them stay moist and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to cook Chicken Empanadas?

The best way to cook Chicken Empanadas is to bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. You can also fry them in a little oil if you prefer a crisper exterior.

Can I make Chicken Empanadas ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Chicken Empanadas ahead of time. You can assemble them up to a day in advance, then bake or fry them when you're ready to serve. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months, then bake or fry them frozen.

How do I store Chicken Empanadas?

To store Chicken Empanadas, you can place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months, then bake or fry them frozen.

Can I customize the filling to my taste?

Yes, you can customize the filling to your taste. You can use different spices and herbs, such as cumin, paprika, or oregano, to create unique and delicious variations.

What is the best type of pastry dough to use?

The best type of pastry dough to use is a simple pastry dough made with flour, water, and a bit of oil. This dough is easy to work with and provides a nice balance of crunch and flakiness to the empanadas.

Can I use different types of meat or filling?

Yes, you can use different types of meat or filling, such as beef, cheese, or vegetables, to create unique and delicious variations.

How do I reheat frozen empanadas?

Can I make empanadas in advance and freeze them?

Yes, you can make empanadas in advance and freeze them. Simply assemble the empanadas, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

The Full Recipe

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