Description
Golden, flaky chicken empanadas filled with a spiced, savory chicken filling. Perfect as appetizers, snacks, or a main dish, these homemade empanadas are customizable, freezer-friendly, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 egg
1/3 cup cold water
For the Filling:
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 medium onion, diced
1 small bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp chili powder (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/3 cup tomato sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
For Assembly:
1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add cold butter and work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Beat the egg and mix it into the flour mixture with cold water until a dough forms.
- Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Make the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in shredded chicken and tomato sauce, cooking for 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and cilantro (if using). Let cool.
Assemble the Empanadas:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut into 4-6 inch circles.
- Place 1-2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each circle, fold to form a half-moon, and seal edges with a fork.
- Brush empanadas with beaten egg.
Bake:
- Arrange empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly and serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.
Notes
For variations, try beef, vegetarian, or cheese-filled empanadas.
Ensure the filling is cool to avoid soggy dough.
Store-bought dough can save time if needed.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizers, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 empanadas
- Calories: 290 kcal per empanada (approx. 10 empanadas)