If you are craving a delicious, hearty treat packed with bold flavors, this Chicken Empanadas Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. These golden pockets of tender shredded chicken combined with vibrant bell peppers and a perfect blend of spices wrapped in flaky empanada dough bring a taste of Latin America right to your kitchen. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a lively gathering, these empanadas deliver comfort and excitement in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the key to making these chicken empanadas come to life. Each one plays an important role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish unforgettable.
- Olive oil: The base for sautéing vegetables, adding richness and helping those flavors meld.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch when cooked down.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Brings aromatic warmth essential to Latin-inspired dishes.
- Red and green bell peppers, finely chopped: Provide a colorful, fresh crunch with a mild sweetness.
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded: The hearty protein that fills the empanadas, tender and flavorful.
- Ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder: These spices create a smoky, slightly spicy, and earthy backdrop.
- Tomato sauce: Adds moisture and a hint of acidity to unify the flavors.
- Chopped green olives (optional): Introduce a salty, briny punch that’s a fantastic surprise inside.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and balancing the flavor profile.
- Empanada dough discs: Either store-bought for ease or homemade for a personal touch—the perfect vessel.
- Beaten egg for egg wash: Gives the empanadas that irresistible golden, shiny finish.
How to Make Chicken Empanadas Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Begin by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent—about 3 minutes. Then stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing those deep, mouthwatering aromas. Next, toss in the finely chopped red and green bell peppers, cooking them just until they soften. This combination forms fragrant, colorful flavor foundations.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Spices
Introduce the shredded cooked chicken breast to the skillet and sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. These spices are critical as they infuse the chicken with that signature smoky and slightly spicy Latin taste. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir everything until the ingredients are well combined. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to deeply meld together.
Step 3: Mix in Olives and Season
For an optional but delightful twist, fold in the chopped green olives. Their salty tang plays beautifully against the rich chicken filling. Season generously with salt and black pepper to enhance and balance the complex flavors. Once seasoned, remove the filling from heat and let it cool slightly to make handling easier when filling the dough.
Step 4: Prepare and Fill the Empanadas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take each empanada dough disc and place a heaping spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center. Carefully fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together firmly with a fork to seal, ensuring none of that delicious filling escapes during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush the tops of each empanada with the beaten egg wash to help achieve that golden, glossy crust. Lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them some space to puff up. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the exterior is crispy and beautifully browned. Let the empanadas cool just enough to handle before serving.
How to Serve Chicken Empanadas Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top or add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for creaminess. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten the flavors instantly and add a zesty finish that pairs perfectly with the smoky chicken.
Side Dishes
The joy of this Chicken Empanadas Recipe is how well it pairs with vibrant sides. Serve alongside a fresh salad with avocado, a simple rice and beans combo, or a tangy chimichurri sauce for dipping. These sides elevate the meal while complementing the rich empanada filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these empanadas into party stars by arranging them on a colorful platter lined with banana leaves or parchment paper and adding bowls of different salsas and dips. Alternatively, turn individual empanadas into handheld lunches by wrapping them in parchment and tying with twine for a charming rustic touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They retain their flavor and texture well, making them perfect for easy meals later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked empanadas by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding about 5 extra minutes to the baking time for perfectly cooked empanadas anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes to crisp up the dough again while warming the filling thoroughly. Avoid microwaving to maintain that delightful flaky crust.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Chicken Empanadas Recipe?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut that saves preparation time while still delivering tender, flavorful filling for your empanadas.
Is it necessary to add the green olives?
The olives add a distinctive briny flavor that many love, but they are entirely optional. If you prefer a milder filling or dislike olives, feel free to skip them without losing the essence of the recipe.
Can I make my own empanada dough?
Yes! While store-bought discs are convenient, homemade dough adds a wonderful homemade touch and lets you control the thickness and ingredients, leading to even fresher-tasting empanadas.
What is the best way to seal the empanadas?
Folding the dough in half and pressing the edges firmly with a fork is a simple technique that ensures the filling stays inside while giving the edges a charming pattern. Wetting the edges slightly with water before folding can help with sealing.
Can I freeze empanadas after baking?
While freezing before baking is best for texture, you can also freeze cooked empanadas. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn and reheat thoroughly until heated through and crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Empanadas Recipe is a joyful celebration of flavor and comfort that’s surprisingly easy to pull together. With its golden crust and rich, spiced chicken filling, it’s a dish that brings warmth to any table and smiles to any face. Give these empanadas a try—you’ll find yourself coming back again and again for that perfect homemade Latin American delight.
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Chicken Empanadas Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 empanadas
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Chicken Empanadas featuring a savory filling of shredded chicken, bell peppers, and spices, wrapped in flaky dough and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a main course or a hearty snack, these Latin American-inspired hand pies are flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped green olives (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 1 package empanada dough discs (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Vegetables: Stir in the chopped red and green bell peppers and cook until they are softened, approximately 4 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: Add the shredded cooked chicken to the skillet along with ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients well and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add Olives and Season: Mix in chopped green olives if using, and season the filling generously with salt and black pepper according to taste. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly to prevent dough from becoming soggy.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat while assembling the empanadas.
- Fill the Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the cooled chicken filling in the center of each empanada dough disc. Fold the disc over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal tightly.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Lightly brush the tops of each sealed empanada with beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy crust. Arrange the empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on top.
- Serve: Allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with chimichurri sauce or salsa on the side as dipping options.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
- Empanadas can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking; add a few extra minutes to the bake time when cooking from frozen.
- Serve these empanadas with chimichurri or your favorite salsa for added flavor.
