Chicken Empanadas Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious, hand-held dish packed with savory flavors, look no further than chicken empanadas. This delightful pastry is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. Whether you're hosting a party or simply craving a tasty meal, chicken empanadas are a versatile and easy-to-make dish that’s sure to impress. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to make the best chicken empanadas from scratch, including ingredients, variations, step-by-step instructions, and more. Read on to discover the secrets of this mouthwatering recipe!

What are Chicken Empanadas?

Chicken empanadas are a type of pastry that originates from Spain and Latin American countries. They consist of a flaky, golden-brown dough filled with a flavorful chicken mixture. The word "empanada" comes from the Spanish verb "empanar," which means "to wrap or coat in bread." Empanadas can be baked or fried, and the fillings vary depending on regional preferences. While chicken empanadas are a popular variation, you can also find beef, seafood, or vegetarian options.

These tasty turnovers are perfect for any occasion and can be served as a main course, appetizer, or even a quick snack. Plus, they’re easy to make and customize with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients List for Chicken Empanadas

To make delicious chicken empanadas, you'll need the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• ½ cup of cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup of cold water
• 1 tablespoon of white vinegar

For the Chicken Filling:

• 2 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken breast
• 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
• ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon of oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup of chicken broth
• 2 tablespoon of tomato paste
• ½ cup of green olives (sliced)
• ¼ cup of chopped cilantro (optional)

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg (beaten with 1 tablespoon of water)

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about making chicken empanadas is how easily you can adapt the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary restrictions. Here are some popular substitutions and variations you can try:

• Dough Substitutions: You can use store-bought empanada dough or pie crust if you’re short on time. Puff pastry also works well for a flakier texture.
• Chicken Substitutes: You can replace the chicken with ground beef, shredded pork, or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
• Cheesy Empanadas: For an extra layer of flavor, add some grated cheese to the filling, like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella.
• Spice it Up: If you prefer spicier empanadas, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour to make the dough or purchase a gluten-free dough alternative from the store.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Add the cold butter cubes and mix using your hands or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, cold water, and white vinegar.
4. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until the dough starts to come together.
5. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until smooth (be careful not to overwork it).
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.

Step 2: Make the Chicken Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the red bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Add the shredded chicken, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, and mix well to combine.
5. Stir in the tomato paste and chicken broth, allowing the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced slightly.
6. Add the sliced green olives and optional chopped cilantro, then remove the filling from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛-inch thickness.
3. Using a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter), cut out circles from the dough.
4. Place 1-2 tablespoons of the chicken filling in the center of each dough circle.
5. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, and press the edges together with a fork to seal.
6. Transfer the empanadas to the prepared baking sheet.
7. Brush each empanada with the egg wash to give them a golden color as they bake.

Step 4: Bake the Empanadas

1. Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
2. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Cook Chicken Empanadas: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you want to ensure your chicken empanadas come out perfectly every time, here are some helpful cooking tips:

1. Chill the Dough: Cold dough is easier to work with and results in a flakier crust, so make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
2. Avoid Overfilling: While it may be tempting to add extra filling, overstuffing the empanadas can cause them to burst open while baking.
3. Seal Properly: Use a fork to crimp the edges of the empanadas, ensuring they are tightly sealed to prevent leakage.
4. Even Baking: Arrange the empanadas in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching. This will help them bake evenly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Warm Dough: If the dough isn’t chilled, it will be too soft and difficult to work with, leading to a soggy crust.
2. Not Draining the Filling: If your filling is too wet, it can make the empanadas soggy. Make sure to cook off excess liquid before assembling.
3. Skipping the Egg Wash: The egg wash gives your empanadas a beautiful golden-brown finish, so don’t skip this step.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when serving chicken empanadas, especially if you’re hosting a party or special event. Here are some ways to elevate your empanada presentation:

• Serve with Dips: Pair your empanadas with delicious dips like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for an extra burst of flavor.
• Garnish with Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley over the empanadas for a fresh, vibrant touch.
• Plating Ideas: Arrange the empanadas on a wooden board or colorful platter for an eye-catching display.

How to Serve Chicken Empanadas

Chicken empanadas can be served hot or at room temperature, making them a versatile option for any meal. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Appetizer: Serve smaller empanadas as an appetizer, accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces like chimichurri or aioli.
• Main Course: Pair chicken empanadas with a simple side salad or rice for a complete meal.
• Party Platter: Arrange empanadas on a large platter with a variety of fillings for guests to choose from.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Empanadas

Make your chicken empanadas the star of the table by getting creative with your presentation:

1. Mini Empanadas: Use a smaller dough cutter to make bite-sized empanadas, perfect for parties or appetizers.
2. Garnish with Lemon: Add a wedge of lemon or lime on the side for a pop of color and a tangy contrast to the savory filling.
3. Rustic Style: Place empanadas on a parchment-lined basket for a rustic, homemade look.

Chicken Empanadas Recipe Tips

1. Make Ahead: Prepare the filling and dough ahead of time and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble and bake.
2. Freeze for Later: You can freeze unbaked empanadas for up to 3 months. Just bake them straight from the freezer when you're ready to enjoy them.
3. Baking vs. Frying: While this recipe calls for baking, you can also deep-fry the empanadas for an extra crispy crust.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the empanada dough in advance?

Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days in advance. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator.

2. How do I store leftover empanadas?

Store leftover baked empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

3. Can I freeze chicken empanadas?

Absolutely! You can freeze both baked and unbaked empanadas. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

4. Can I fry the empanadas instead of baking them?

Yes, you can fry the empanadas in hot oil (about 350°F) until golden and crispy, which takes about 3-5 minutes per side.

5. What other fillings can I use for empanadas?

Empanadas are versatile, and you can fill them with anything from beef, cheese, vegetables, or even sweet fillings like apples and cinnamon.

Conclusion

Chicken empanadas are a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that you can easily customize to suit your preferences. From the tender, flaky dough to the savory chicken filling, each bite offers a burst of flavor. Whether you bake or fry them, serve them as an appetizer, main course, or snack, chicken empanadas are sure to become a favorite in your household. Try this recipe today, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your own variations! Happy cooking!

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