Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of sizzling onions and spices enveloped me like a warm hug. That’s when it hit me—there’s just something magical about making homemade Chicken Empanadas. These golden delights, with their flaky crust and savory filling, serve as the perfect cheat sheet for impressing guests or simply treating yourself after a long day. You’ll love how easily you can customize the fillings, whether you opt for the classic shredded chicken or get adventurous with veggies. Best of all, these empanadas adapt effortlessly to any occasion—cook them fried for that crispy crunch or baked for a healthier twist. Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and discover the deliciousness waiting in your kitchen? Why are Chicken Empanadas the Ultimate Treat? Endless Customization: With this recipe, you can swap out fillings, tailoring empanadas to suit any palate. Whether opting for classic shredded chicken or venturing into vibrant veggie combinations, the choice is yours! Quick and Easy: These delightful bites come together in no time, making them perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Just look at my Crockpot Chicken Tacos if you prefer a slow-cook approach! Golden, Flaky Perfection: Each empanada boasts a gorgeous, flaky crust that crisps up beautifully, ensuring that every bite is satisfying and indulgent—just like a perfect pastry should be! Versatile Serving Suggestions: Pair them with chimichurri or a refreshing salad, and you’ve got an impressive meal that your friends and family will love. Plus, check out my Hot Honey Chicken for more exciting flavors! Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare these in advance and freeze the unbaked empanadas for convenient meals down the line. Just bake when you’re ready, making dinnertime a breeze! Chicken Empanadas Ingredients Unlock the secret to delicious homemade Chicken Empanadas with these essential ingredients! For the Dough Flour – All-purpose flour provides the ideal structure for a flaky crust. Salt – Enhances flavor in the dough; don’t skip it! Water – Use cold water for a tender, flaky texture. For the Filling Shredded Chicken – The star ingredient; leftover rotisserie chicken works great for quick prep. Onion – Adds natural sweetness and depth; shallots are a nice substitute if desired. Bell Peppers – Any color adds a pop of freshness and flavor, with jalapeños offering a spicy twist. Cumin – Gives the filling warm, earthy notes; coriander can be used as an alternative for a different taste. Smoked Paprika – Infuses a subtle smokiness; regular paprika is a fine substitute if necessary. Raisins (optional) – A touch of sweetness that balances the savory filling; feel free to omit them if preferred. For Cooking Oil (for frying) – Vegetable oil works perfectly; bake for a healthier option and skip the frying altogether. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken Empanadas Step 1: Prepare the Dough In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add cold water, mixing until a flaky dough forms. Knead gently on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up, making it easier to roll. Step 2: Make the Filling Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and bell peppers, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Stir in the shredded chicken, cumin, and smoked paprika, cooking until heated through—approximately 3-4 minutes. If desired, add raisins for a touch of sweetness, mixing well before removing from heat. Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas Remove the chilled dough and divide it into small portions. On a floured surface, roll each piece into a thin circle about 6 inches in diameter. Place a generous spoonful of the chicken filling on one half of the circle, leaving space at the edges. Carefully fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch. Step 4: Cook the Empanadas Decide on your cooking method: to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F. Brush the empanadas with an egg wash for a golden finish and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and flaky. If frying, heat a deep pot with vegetable oil to 350°F. Fry the empanadas for 2-3 minutes on each side until deeply golden and crispy, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan. Step 5: Serve Once cooked, transfer your Chicken Empanadas to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil if fried. Serve them hot or warm, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauces like chimichurri or salsa, and enjoy the delightful burst of flavors encapsulated in each flaky bite! Expert Tips for Chicken Empanadas Seal with Care: Make sure to press and seal the edges tightly to prevent any filling from leaking out during cooking. A well-sealed empanada is key for perfect Chicken Empanadas! Fork Design: Use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges; not only does this create a pretty design, but it also reinforces the seal. Egg Wash Glaze: For a beautiful golden color and an appealing shine, brush your baked empanadas with an egg wash before putting them in the oven. Temperature Control: If frying, maintain the oil temperature around 350°F. Too hot, and the empanadas will burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb more oil. Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and spices when preparing your filling. They enhance the flavor of your Chicken Empanadas dramatically! Make Ahead: Prepare and freeze unbaked empanadas for an easy meal any night. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen. What to Serve with Chicken Empanadas There’s nothing quite like a cozy meal that transforms your kitchen into a paradise of flavors and aromas. Enhance your Chicken Empanadas experience with these complementary dishes! Chimichurri Sauce: A vibrant, herby condiment that adds a refreshing zing, perfectly balancing the savory chicken filling. Simple Green Salad: Crisp greens topped with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette provide crunch and freshness against the flaky pastry. Roasted Vegetables: An assortment of roasted seasonal veggies brings earthy flavors and a beautiful range of colors to your plate. Try a honey glaze for a hint of sweetness. Guacamole: Creamy and rich with ripe avocados, guacamole offers a delicious dip with an irresistible contrast to the warm empanadas. Salsa Fresca: A bright and zesty salsa with fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and onion makes for a delightful, cool complement to every bite. Mexican Street Corn: This grilled street food, slathered in lime and cotija cheese, adds a smoky sweetness that will transport your taste buds south of the border. Sparkling Water: A fizzy, refreshing drink enhances the meal without overpowering the flavors. Consider a splash of lime juice for a citrus twist. Indulges all your senses and elevate your meal with these satisfying pairings! How to Store and Freeze Chicken Empanadas Room Temperature: Enjoy freshly made chicken empanadas at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. Fridge: Cooked chicken empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for that crispy exterior. Freezer: Unbaked chicken empanadas can be frozen on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. Reheating: For the best results, reheat cooked empanadas in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This will help restore their flaky crust while warming the filling thoroughly. Make Ahead Options These Chicken Empanadas are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to savor homemade goodness while saving valuable time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the filling and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container, helping to meld those wonderful flavors together. The dough can be made ahead and chilled for up to 24 hours, or you can roll out and assemble the empanadas, freeze them unbaked for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake them straight from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time. This way, you’ll still experience that crunchy, flaky crust that makes these Chicken Empanadas just as delightful as if they were freshly made! Chicken Empanadas: Tasty Tweaks Below! Feel free to explore your creativity and customize these delightful empanadas with these fun variations! Vegetarian Filling: Swap shredded chicken for any combination of vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for a flavorful twist. Cheesy Delight: Add crumbled queso or mozzarella to the filling for a rich, gooey texture that complements the savory chicken perfectly. Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the filling to amp up the heat! This addition creates a zesty surprise with each bite. Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can elevate the flavor profile—just fold them into the filling for an aromatic lift. Sweet Surprise: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a teaspoon of honey to your chicken mixture for a delightful sweet-and-savory combo! Gluten-Free Option: For those avoiding gluten, use gluten-free flour in the dough, ensuring everyone can enjoy these bites of bliss! Baking Twist: For a lighter version, bake these empanadas instead of frying them. Just remember to brush with an egg wash for that golden finish! Worldly Flavors: Mix in spices like curry powder or smoked paprika to give your empanadas an exciting international flair. The possibilities are endless! For inspiration, don’t forget to check out my Creamy Pesto Chicken Broccoli or Popcorn Chicken Snack recipes for even more delicious ideas! Chicken Empanadas Recipe FAQs What type of chicken should I use for the filling? Absolutely! While any cooked, shredded chicken will do, I highly recommend using rotisserie chicken for convenience. It’s already seasoned, which saves you time in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor. How should I store leftover empanadas? Cooked chicken empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To ensure they stay crispy during reheating, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed. You can also enjoy them at room temperature for about 2 hours after cooking! Can I freeze the empanadas? Very! Unbaked chicken empanadas can be easily frozen. Simply prepare them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen. What if my empanada dough is too dry or too wet? If your dough is too dry, slowly add a teaspoon of cold water at a time, mixing until it reaches the right consistency. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a small amount of flour until it firms up. Working the dough gently ensures a perfect flaky crust, so treat it with care! Can I modify the filling for dietary restrictions? Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe. Substitute chicken with shredded beef or a medley of vegetables for a vegetarian option. Be mindful of allergies; for example, if you’re avoiding gluten, use gluten-free flour for the dough and ensure your chicken and any additional ingredients are certified gluten-free. What is the best way to seal the empanadas? To ensure none of that delicious filling leaks out, press the edges together firmly. After folding the dough over, use a fork to crimp the edges nicely, which not only adds a decorative touch but also reinforces the seal. You can even brush the edges with a mixture of egg and water for added strength! Savory Chicken Empanadas with Flaky Crust You’ll Love Delicious Chicken Empanadas with customizable fillings and flaky crust. The perfect treat for any occasion! Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsChilling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins Servings: 6 empanadasCourse: ChickenCuisine: LatinCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough2 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon salt1/2 cup cold waterFor the Filling2 cups shredded chicken leftover rotisserie chicken works great1 medium onion finely chopped1 cup bell peppers any color, chopped1 teaspoon cumin1 teaspoon smoked paprika1/4 cup raisins optionalFor Cooking2 cups vegetable oil for frying Equipment Mixing bowlskilletbaking sheetforkPlastic wrap Method Prepare the DoughIn a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add cold water, mixing until a flaky dough forms. Knead gently on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.Make the FillingHeat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and bell peppers, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes until they soften. Stir in the shredded chicken, cumin, and smoked paprika, cooking until heated through. If desired, add raisins, mixing well before removing from heat.Assemble the EmpanadasRemove the chilled dough and divide it into small portions. Roll each piece into a thin circle about 6 inches in diameter. Place a spoonful of filling on one half of the circle, fold over, and seal the edges.Cook the EmpanadasDecide to bake or fry. For baking, preheat oven to 375°F, brush with egg wash, and bake for 20-25 minutes. For frying, heat oil to 350°F and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden.ServeTransfer cooked empanadas to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil if fried. Serve hot or warm with dipping sauces. Nutrition Serving: 1empanadaCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.5mg NotesSeal edges tightly to prevent filling leakage. Use fresh ingredients for better flavor. Make ahead and freeze unbaked empanadas for easy future meals. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
