Chicken empanadas are a delicious and savory dish that originated in Latin America. These tasty handheld pies are made with a flaky pastry dough and filled with a flavorful chicken filling. Empanadas are a popular street food snack and are perfect for parties, picnics, or as a quick and easy meal.
The dough for empanadas is typically made with flour, butter, water, and salt. It is important to use cold butter and work the dough quickly to ensure a flaky and tender crust. The filling for chicken empanadas usually consists of cooked and seasoned chicken, onions, bell peppers, and spices such as cumin and paprika. The filling is typically sautéed before being used as a filling to maximize its flavor.
Ingredients
The following are the ingredients needed to make chicken empanadas:
- 2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup of diced onion
- 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 package of refrigerated pie crust
- 1 egg, beaten
- Oil for frying
To make the chicken empanadas, you will need cooked and shredded chicken. Additionally, you will need diced onion, bell peppers, and tomatoes for added flavor and texture. Garlic and cilantro will also be added to add a depth of flavor. The spices used in this recipe are cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper, which will add a delicious and aromatic taste to the filling. To encase the filling, you will need a package of refrigerated pie crust. Finally, the empanadas will be fried, so you will need oil for frying.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chicken Empanadas
To make delicious chicken empanadas, follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the filling:
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and diced onion, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Add boneless, skinless chicken breasts that have been cut into small pieces, and cook until cooked through.
- Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, cumin, and paprika.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool. Then, shred the chicken into smaller pieces.
- Combine the shredded chicken with chopped bell peppers, chopped green olives, and chopped fresh cilantro. Mix well.
- Prepare the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Slowly add ice water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Knead the dough gently on a floured surface until it becomes smooth. Then, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
These are the first two steps for making delicious chicken empanadas. Follow them to prepare the flavorful filling and the perfect dough for your empanadas.
## Tips from professional chefs on making Chicken Empanadas
When it comes to making the perfect Chicken Empanadas, professional chefs have a few tips and tricks up their sleeves. Here are some expert suggestions to help you master this delicious recipe:
- Choose the right dough: Empanadas can be made with various types of dough, but for a traditional and flaky texture, opt for a butter-based dough. This will give your empanadas a rich and tender crust.
- Season the filling well: To ensure that every bite is packed with flavor, it’s important to properly season the chicken filling. Use a combination of spices like cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go.
- Fold and seal the empanadas properly: It’s essential to fold and seal the empanadas correctly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking. Use a pastry brush to lightly wet the edges of the dough before folding, then firmly press the edges together with a fork to create a tight seal. This will help keep the filling inside and prevent any mess.
By following these tips from professional chefs, you can take your Chicken Empanadas to the next level and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Enjoy!
Reviews
I recently tried the Chicken Empanadas recipe and I must say, it was absolutely delicious! The combination of the flaky crust and the flavorful filling made for the perfect bite-sized snack. The recipe was easy to follow, with clear instructions on how to prepare the dough and the chicken filling.
The crust came out beautifully golden and crispy, providing the perfect contrast to the tender and well-seasoned chicken filling. I loved how the filling was packed with flavor from the spices and herbs, giving it a delightful kick. The chicken was moist and juicy, and paired perfectly with the onions and peppers.
I also appreciated the versatility of this recipe. While I made the chicken empanadas as an appetizer for a party, I can see myself making them again as a lunch or dinner option. They can easily be served with a side of salad or some dipping sauce for a complete and satisfying meal. Overall, I highly recommend trying the Chicken Empanadas recipe. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to impress!
The Chicken Empanadas were simply amazing! The combination of the tender chicken filling and the flaky, golden crust was perfection. I could tell that the chicken was cooked to perfection, as it was juicy and flavorful. The seasoning was just right, with a perfect balance of spices that added a delicious kick to the empanadas.
The crust was light and crispy, and had a nice buttery flavor. It held together well and didn’t crumble apart when biting into it. The empanadas were perfectly portioned and easy to pick up and eat. They were also not overly greasy, which was a plus.
I also loved how versatile the Chicken Empanadas were. They made for a great snack or appetizer, and could easily be paired with a dipping sauce. I served mine with a spicy salsa, which added an extra layer of flavor. They were also filling enough to be a meal on their own, especially when served with a side salad or rice.
All in all, I highly recommend the Chicken Empanadas. They are a delicious and flavorful treat that is sure to please any crowd. Whether you are hosting a party or looking for a quick and easy meal, these empanadas are a must-try!
The Chicken Empanadas are a delight to have. The flaky crust combined with the savory filling is a perfect combination that leaves your taste buds craving for more. The chicken was cooked to perfection with just the right amount of seasoning, adding a burst of flavors to every bite. The empanadas were crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, making them a heavenly treat.
I loved how easy it was to prepare the Chicken Empanadas recipe. The instructions were clear, and all the ingredients were readily available. The filling had a perfect balance of chicken, onions, and spices, creating a rich and flavorful mixture. The empanadas baked beautifully in the oven, resulting in a golden brown crust that was both visually appealing and delicious.
The Chicken Empanadas were not only a hit at my small gathering but also received rave reviews from my friends. The combination of flavors in this dish is simply outstanding. I highly recommend trying these empanadas if you’re looking for a tasty appetizer or a snack to satisfy your hunger. You won’t be disappointed!
I recently tried the Chicken Empanadas recipe and I must say, it was a delightful experience. The combination of the perfectly seasoned chicken filling and the crispy crust made for a mouthwatering treat that I couldn’t stop indulging in.
The recipe was easy to follow and the ingredients were readily available. I appreciated how well the instructions were laid out, making it a simple and enjoyable cooking process. The chicken filling was seasoned to perfection with a blend of herbs and spices that added just the right amount of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
The crust of the empanadas was golden and crispy, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite. The dough held up well and didn’t become soggy, which is always a plus in my book. The combination of the flavorful chicken filling and the crispy crust was a match made in heaven, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
I also appreciated the versatility of the recipe. It can be served as a main course, a snack, or even as an appetizer at parties. I can imagine these empanadas being a hit at any gathering, as they are not only delicious but also visually appealing.
In conclusion, the Chicken Empanadas recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves flavorful and crispy treats. The ease of preparation, combined with the delicious taste and versatility, make it a winner in my book. I will definitely be making these empanadas again in the near future.
I recently had the pleasure of trying the Chicken Empanadas recipe, and I must say, it was absolutely delicious. The combination of savory chicken, flavorful spices, and flaky pastry made for a perfect bite every time.
The recipe was very easy to follow, with clear and concise instructions. I appreciated the step-by-step process, which made it simple for me to recreate these tasty treats at home. The filling was packed with tender chunks of chicken, mixed with onions, peppers, and a special blend of herbs and spices. It had just the right amount of heat and was well-balanced in flavor.
The dough was also a standout. It was light and airy, yet held together well during baking. The golden crust provided a satisfying crunch with every bite. These empanadas were the perfect size for a snack or a light meal, and they paired well with a variety of dipping sauces.
I highly recommend trying the Chicken Empanadas recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser and will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to be a hit. I can’t wait to make these again!
I recently tried the Chicken Empanadas recipe, and I must say it was absolutely delicious. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful spices, and crispy pastry was a match made in heaven. The recipe was easy to follow, and the end result was a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone in my family enjoyed.
First, I marinated the chicken in a mixture of spices, including cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. This gave the chicken a nice depth of flavor and really made it stand out in the empanadas. After marinating for a couple of hours, I cooked the chicken until it was tender and juicy.
The pastry was also a key element in the success of this recipe. It was flaky and golden brown, providing the perfect contrast to the savory chicken filling. The recipe called for a simple flour and butter crust, which I found easy to work with and resulted in a delicious pastry.
Overall, the Chicken Empanadas were a hit and definitely a recipe I will be making again. The flavors were fantastic, and the dish was satisfying and comforting. Whether you’re looking for a tasty appetizer or a main course, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try.
