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Chicken Empanadas


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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 10 empanadas

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:

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add cold butter and work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Beat the egg and mix it into the flour mixture with cold water until a dough forms.
  3. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Make the Filling:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  2. Add garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. 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:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Roll chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut into 4-6 inch circles.
  3. Place 1-2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each circle, fold to form a half-moon, and seal edges with a fork.
  4. Brush empanadas with beaten egg.

Bake:

  1. Arrange empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  2. 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)