I make this empanadas recipe when friends show up hungry. We test ideas from empanadas recipe chicken to apple empanadas recipe and apple empanadas recipe easy. I note swaps like vegetarian empanadas recipe, pork empanadas recipe, and an authentic empanadas recipe feel. We cook, we chat, we eat. Simple joy.
Table of Contents
- 1 Key Takeaways
- 2 Easy Flavorful Chicken Empanadas Recipe
- 3 Ingredients for Flavorful Chicken Empanadas
- 4 How to Make Flavorful Chicken Empanadas
- 5 Tips for Making Flavorful Chicken Empanadas
- 6 Making Flavorful Chicken Empanadas Ahead of Time
- 7 Storing Leftover Flavorful Chicken Empanadas
- 8 Try these Main Course next
- 9 Flavorful Chicken Empanadas
- 10 Nutrition
1 Key Takeaways
I cook with calm hands and a curious mood. I write as Nancy for Nancy Cooks at https://www.nancycooks.com. I share what I test in my own small kitchen.
This empanadas recipe sets you up for an easy win. You shape dough. You fill it with juicy chicken. You bake until crisp and golden.
We keep flavor bright and the steps short. You get crunch at the edge and steam in the center. You serve with pride and a grin.
2 Easy Flavorful Chicken Empanadas Recipe
I like food that plays nice with a busy day. This empanadas recipe lands on that list twice. It starts fast and it ends fast.
Two trays slide into a hot oven. The aroma makes the room pause. Kids wander in. Neighbors drift by. We all hover near the timer.
You can swap fillings and still keep the bones of the dish. Chicken today. Beans next week. The method stays steady and friendly.
3 Ingredients for Flavorful Chicken Empanadas
Cooked chicken shredded Tender pieces soak up spice and sauce. Rotisserie works great on a weeknight.
Olive oil A small splash softens the vegetables and carries the warm spice.
Onion and red pepper diced The duo brings sweet notes and a light bite.
Garlic minced One quick sizzle in the pan and the kitchen wakes up.
Ground cumin paprika and oregano The trio leans savory and warm. It frames the filling.
Tomato sauce and chicken broth A short simmer sets a thick base that will not leak.
Green olives and raisins Briny and sweet share the same bite. It keeps each pastry lively.
Fresh cilantro chopped A handful right at the end gives lift and color.
All purpose flour salt baking powder The dry team builds a soft dough with a light rise.
Cold butter cubed Little bits melt and leave tender layers that flake.
Egg water and vinegar The wet team pulls the dough together and keeps it pliant.
Egg wash and shredded cheese optional Shine on top. Stretch inside. Both add joy.
4 How to Make Flavorful Chicken Empanadas
Step one make the filling Soften onion and pepper in oil. Stir in garlic. Add chicken and spices. Pour in sauce and broth. Simmer until thick. Fold in olives raisins and cilantro. Cool.
Step two mix the dough Whisk flour salt and baking powder. Rub in cold butter until you see coarse crumbs. Stir in egg water and vinegar. Knead a few turns. Wrap and chill.
Step three shape and bake Heat the oven to four hundred Fahrenheit. Roll dough rounds. Spoon filling. Add cheese if you like. Seal and crimp. Brush with egg. Bake until deep gold.
5 Tips for Making Flavorful Chicken Empanadas
Chill the dough and the filling. Cold dough seals well. Cool filling stays put and bakes cleanly.
Use a fork to crimp all the way around. Press with a steady hand. No gaps and no leaks.
Place trays near the middle rack. Heat hits both sides and keeps color even. Rotate once if your oven has a hot spot.
6 Making Flavorful Chicken Empanadas Ahead of Time
I batch these on quiet Sunday nights. Raw pies rest in the fridge for a day. They bake straight from cold.
You can freeze a tray on parchment. Once firm you bag them with a label. Future you will cheer.
For a soft head start keep the filling and dough separate. Roll just before baking. The crust stays crisp.
7 Storing Leftover Flavorful Chicken Empanadas
Cool on a rack. Wrap and place in the fridge for three days. The crust keeps its bite.
For reheating use an oven or an air fryer. High heat brings back the snap. The center steams again.
Batch for lunch boxes. Pack with a small cup of salsa or lime. Noon will feel special.
8 Try these Main Course next
9 Flavorful Chicken Empanadas
Empanadas recipe Chicken Empanadas You Will Love by Nancy
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup tomato sauce
- 0.25 cup chicken broth
- 0.25 cup green olives chopped
- 0.25 cup raisins optional
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped
For the Dough
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 cup cold unsalted butter cubed
- 1 egg
- 0.75 cup ice water plus more as needed
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
For Assembly
- 1 egg beaten for egg wash
- 0.5 cup shredded cheese optional
- All purpose flour for dusting
Instructions
Make the Filling
- Warm oil in a skillet over medium heat and soften onion and bell pepper.
- Stir in garlic and cook one minute.
- Add chicken, cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper and toss to coat.
- Pour in tomato sauce and broth and simmer until thick.
- Fold in olives, raisins, and cilantro and set aside to cool.
Make the Dough
- Whisk flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl.
- Cut in butter with fingers until the mix looks like coarse crumbs.
- Beat egg with water and vinegar and pour over the flour mix.
- Stir until the dough comes together then knead a few turns until smooth.
- Wrap and chill for twenty minutes.
Assemble and Bake
- Heat oven to 400 F and line two baking sheets with parchment.
- Divide dough into golf ball pieces and roll each into a thin round on a floured board.
- Spoon filling on one side and add cheese if you like.
- Fold to close and pinch edges then crimp with a fork.
- Brush tops with egg wash.
- Bake 18 to 22 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cool five minutes before serving.
10 Nutrition
One pastry offers steady fuel. Expect about two hundred sixty five calories with a balanced mix of protein carbs and fat. Sodium sits in a friendly range if you mind the salt in the olives and broth.
Pair with a crisp salad and fresh fruit. A small side of beans adds fiber. Water with lime keeps the plate light.
This easy empanadas recipe suits weeknights and game days. It feeds kids and grownups with equal smiles. It fits parties and quiet nights at home.
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