Chicken Empanada Recipe: Deliciously Savory and Easy to Make

If you’ve ever tasted a well-made chicken empanada, you know it’s a delightful blend of flavors wrapped in a crispy, golden shell. This chicken empanada recipe is a favorite among many, and for good reason. The savory filling, rich with shredded chicken, minced onion, bell peppers, and garlic, makes it a perfect dish for any meal or occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a satisfying snack, or need a quick dinner idea, chicken empanadas are a versatile choice.

How to Choose the Right Main Ingredients

The key to a great chicken empanada recipe is selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients. Let’s break down what you need:

• Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. They should be fresh, not frozen, for the best flavor and texture.
• Vegetables: Fresh bell peppers, onions, and garlic are essential. Their flavors meld perfectly with the chicken.
• Seasonings: Use fresh cilantro, onion powder, garlic powder, and chicken bouillon to enhance the taste.

Seasoning Your Chicken Empanada Filling

Seasoning is where you can make your chicken empanada recipe truly shine. Here are some tips:

• Balance: Use a balanced mix of spices to enhance the chicken without overpowering it.
• Freshness: Fresh herbs and spices provide a more vibrant flavor.
• Marinating: Marinate your shredded chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, and chicken bouillon for at least 30 minutes.

Recommended Cooking Equipment and How to Use Effectively

Having the right equipment is crucial for making perfect chicken empanadas. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Skillet: A non-stick skillet is ideal for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
• Baking Sheet: Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for baking the empanadas.
• Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out the empanada dough evenly.
• Pastry Brush: Useful for brushing the empanadas with egg wash before baking.

To use this equipment effectively:

• Skillet: Preheat the skillet on medium heat before adding the chicken and vegetables to ensure even cooking.
• Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven and place the baking sheet in the center to ensure even baking.
• Rolling Pin: Flour the surface and rolling pin to prevent the dough from sticking.
• Pastry Brush: Dip the brush lightly in the egg wash and gently brush the empanadas for a golden finish.

Comprehensive Chicken Empanada Recipe

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Yield: 12

Chicken Empanadas

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Chicken empanada recipe is a culinary delight that brings joy to my kitchen. The blend of shredded chicken, savory spices, and crispy dough creates a harmonious flavor that's irresistible. Perfect for any meal or occasion, these empanadas are a testament to the beauty of simple, well-crafted food.

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Additional Time 30 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, diced
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup cold water

For the Chicken Empanada Filling:

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1 large onion, minced
• 1 bell pepper, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
2. Add cold butter and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and cold water together.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, about 5 minutes.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Chicken Empanada Filling:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until soft.
3. Add shredded chicken, cilantro, onion powder, garlic powder, chicken bouillon, and tomato paste. Mix well.
4. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the mixture is well combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool.

3. Assemble the Empanadas:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick.
3. Cut out circles using a 4-5 inch cutter.
4. Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of each dough circle.
5. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with a fork to seal.
6. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Bake the Empanadas:

1. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water.
2. Brush the empanadas with the egg wash.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 200Total Fat: 8gNet Carbohydrates: 20gProtein: 12g

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Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

Chicken empanadas are versatile and can be served with various sides. Here are some suggestions:

• Salsa: Fresh tomato salsa adds a tangy contrast.
• Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip complements the empanadas well.
• Salad: A fresh, crisp salad provides a nice balance.

Cooking Useful Tips

• Dough: If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour.
• Filling: Make sure the filling is not too wet to prevent the dough from getting soggy.
• Freezing Empanadas: These empanadas can be frozen before baking. Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a ziplock bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling: Avoid overstuffing the empanadas to prevent them from bursting open during baking.
• Underbaking: Ensure the empanadas are golden brown and crispy for the best texture.
• Skipping the Egg Wash: Brushing with egg wash gives the empanadas a beautiful, golden color.

Conclusion

Creating the perfect chicken empanada recipe is a rewarding experience that combines fresh ingredients, balanced seasoning, and proper technique. By following this guide, you’ll make delicious, savory empanadas that are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy these delightful treats and share them with your friends and family!

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Calvin Lamb

I’m Calvin Lamb, an LA-based culinary enthusiast with a decade’s experience in five-star kitchens. My innovative dishes, inspired by seasonal flavors and sustainable practices, blend classic and modern cuisine. Besides crafting unique culinary experiences, I relish exploring new eateries and devising fresh recipes.