If you’re craving a dish that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare, chicken empanadas are the perfect choice. These savory pastries, filled with tender chicken, cheese, and spices, can serve as a meal or a snack. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a party, or prepping meals in advance, empanadas with chicken filling are a versatile option. Plus, you can bake them for a lighter version or fry them for a crispier treat, making this recipe adaptable to your personal preferences.
Empanadas have their roots in Latin American and Spanish cuisine, evolving into many delicious variations over time. Traditionally, they are filled with meats, vegetables, or fruits, depending on the region. In this recipe, we focus on a classic version of chicken empanadas, filled with juicy shredded chicken, green chiles, and gooey Monterey Jack cheese. Looking for more filling ideas? Check out this Empanadas Verdes Recipe for a unique green sauce twist.
Not only are chicken empanadas great for any occasion, but they also offer an easy way to use up leftover ingredients. For instance, you can swap out chicken for turkey or add extra vegetables if you need. This versatility makes them a staple in many households. Additionally, if you’re interested in boosting flavor, learn how to brine chicken for tender and flavorful results by reading this guide.
Ingredients and Tools for Making Perfect Chicken Empanadas
Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients and tools. Being prepared will ensure a smoother cooking process and help you focus on perfecting the empanadas.
Key Ingredients for Your Chicken Empanada Recipe:
- Shredded Chicken: You’ll need around 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken. Leftover rotisserie chicken works well, or you can bake your own chicken breasts.
- Empanada Dough: You can opt for store-bought dough, but homemade dough results in a flakier, tastier pastry.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and provides a creamy texture that complements the chicken.
- Canned Green Chiles: These give a mild heat and additional flavor to the filling.
- Spices: Ground cumin, salt, and pepper to enhance the overall flavor.
- Egg Wash: One egg mixed with a tablespoon of water to give your empanadas a shiny, golden crust when baked.
Essential Tools for Homemade Empanadas:
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough evenly.
- Dough Cutter or Biscuit Cutter: For cutting consistent dough circles.
- Baking Sheet: If you’re opting to bake the empanadas rather than frying them.
- Pastry Brush: To apply the egg wash smoothly.
Having everything prepared in advance will streamline your process and allow you to focus on creating perfect chicken empanadas. Preparing in this way helps to avoid last-minute disruptions.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Now that your ingredients and tools are ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions on how to make chicken empanadas from scratch.
1. How to Make Empanada Dough for the Best Crust
For the flakiest empanadas, making the dough from scratch is key. Follow this simple dough recipe for buttery, delicious results.
- Ingredients for the Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 8 tablespoons cold butter (cut into small cubes)
- 8 tablespoons cold shortening (or additional butter if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup ice-cold water
- Instructions:
- In a food processor, combine the flour and salt. Add the butter and shortening, pulsing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice-cold water, pulsing until the dough comes together. The dough should be firm but not sticky.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, form it into two disks, wrap them in plastic, and refrigerate for at least two hours.
This dough will result in a flaky, buttery crust that enhances the overall texture of the empanada. While making dough from scratch takes time, it’s well worth the effort. However, if you’re short on time, store-bought dough works just fine and can still yield great results.
2. Preparing the Filling for Chicken Empanadas
Now it’s time to create the filling for your savory chicken empanadas. This filling combines tender chicken with melted cheese and mild green chiles for a comforting and flavorful bite.
- Ingredients for the Filling:
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 ¼ cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cans (4.5 oz) diced green chiles
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheese, green chiles, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Set the filling aside while you roll out the dough.
This combination of chicken, cheese, and chiles creates a savory filling that pairs perfectly with the flaky empanada dough.
3. Shaping and Filling Your Empanadas
Once the dough has chilled and the filling is ready, it’s time to assemble your empanadas.
- Roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
- Use a round cutter to cut out circles of dough. Aim for consistent sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over, forming a half-moon shape, and press the edges together to seal.
- Crimp the edges with a fork, or braid them for a more decorative finish.
Properly sealing the edges prevents the filling from leaking during cooking and keeps your empanadas looking neat and appetizing.
4. Should You Bake or Fry Chicken Empanadas?
Now you can choose whether to bake or fry your homemade empanadas. Both methods are delicious, but they yield different textures.
- Baking Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them with egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Frying Method: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the empanadas in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Each method gives excellent results, but frying produces a crispier pastry, while baking creates a lighter, more health-conscious version. Both methods are easy to execute, so it’s really up to your preference.
Creative Variations of Chicken Empanadas
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, it’s time to experiment with different variations to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
Spicy Chicken Empanadas for Extra Heat
For those who love a bit of spice, adding chopped jalapeños or using pepper jack cheese will take your chicken empanadas to the next level. You can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the filling.
Cheesy Chicken Empanadas for Cheese Lovers
Double the amount of cheese in the filling if you enjoy a gooey, cheesy center. You can even mix in other types of cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for a richer flavor.
Gluten-Free Empanadas for Dietary Needs
Use gluten-free flour to make the dough, or buy gluten-free dough from the store to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities. Ensure that the other ingredients are certified gluten-free for a completely safe dish.
Vegan Chicken Empanadas for Plant-Based Diets
Swap the chicken for plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or jackfruit, and use vegan cheese to create vegan empanadas. This version is perfect for anyone following a vegan or dairy-free diet.
By changing up the fillings and ingredients, you can make empanadas to suit any diet or craving. If you’re interested in more creative ways to use chicken in meals, this guide on shredded chicken in the Instant Pot will provide you with even more inspiration.
Essential Tips for the Perfect Chicken Empanadas
To ensure your homemade chicken empanadas come out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Overfill the Empanadas: Overstuffing can cause the dough to tear or leak during cooking. Use about one tablespoon of filling per empanada for the best results.
- Seal the Edges Well: Crimp the edges with a fork or braid them for extra security. A proper seal ensures the filling stays inside during cooking.
- Egg Wash for a Golden Finish: Brushing the empanadas with egg wash before baking will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Freezing and Storing: You can freeze uncooked empanadas for later. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Following these tips will help you create perfectly cooked empanadas every time, whether you’re baking or frying them.
Delicious Side Dishes and Serving Suggestions for Empanadas
Chicken empanadas are excellent on their own, but pairing them with side dishes can elevate your meal even more. Here are some side dish and dip ideas that complement empanadas beautifully:
- Fresh Salsa: A vibrant tomato salsa adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the filling.
- Guacamole: The creamy texture of guacamole provides a cool contrast to the warm, crispy empanada.
- Rice and Beans: Serve empanadas with a side of rice and beans for a filling and satisfying meal.
Looking for a sweet dessert to serve after your empanadas? Try this refreshing Mango Mousse Cake Recipe for a tropical twist that’s sure to please.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Considerations
Empanadas can be adapted to meet various dietary goals. For instance, baking instead of frying reduces calories and fat. You can also use lean chicken breast and low-fat cheese to make the recipe healthier. To get detailed nutritional information, check out the USDA’s Nutritional Breakdown of chicken empanadas.
Making small modifications, such as switching to whole wheat flour or opting for less cheese, allows you to enjoy your favorite comfort food without overindulging. Plus, homemade empanadas give you control over what goes inside, helping you to maintain a balanced diet.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Chicken Empanadas Today
Chicken empanadas are a crowd-pleasing dish that works for any occasion. The combination of flaky crust and flavorful filling is irresistible. Plus, with so many ways to customize the recipe, you’ll never get bored. Try this recipe today, and be sure to check out this guide on how to brine chicken to boost flavor even further. For even more culinary inspiration, try a sourdough discard recipe like this baking guide.
Empanadas are versatile, tasty, and fun to make. Whether you’re baking or frying, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy!