Delicious Chicken Empanadas Recipe

Empanadas are a yummy and convenient dish that everyone loves. They are small pastry turnovers filled with different ingredients, and in this article, we will be talking about how to make chicken empanadas. Chicken empanadas are a popular option because they are a great way to use up any leftover chicken you might have, and they also have a delicious taste that satisfies any craving.

To make chicken empanadas, you don’t need to be an expert in the kitchen or go out of your way to find intricate ingredients. Most of the required ingredients are likely in your pantry and fridge. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up these scrumptious chicken empanadas from scratch. In this article, we will walk you through the entire process of making chicken empanadas, so let’s get started!

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Empanadas

1. The Dough

The dough is the most crucial part of any empanada, as it’s what gives the dish its unique texture and flavor. Here is a list of ingredients you will need:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– ¼ tsp salt
– 2/3 cup vegetable shortening
– ½ cup cold water

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt together. Add the vegetable shortening and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture is crumbly. Gradually add cold water and mix it with the mixture until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it forms a smooth ball. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

2. The Filling

The filling of the empanada is also critical, as it’s what gives the dish its savory flavor. Here is a list of ingredients you will need:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, finely chopped
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 cup chicken broth
– ½ cup chopped green olives
– 1 egg, lightly beaten

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for about 2-3 minutes. Add the chicken and cook until it becomes light brown. Add cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper and cook for another minute. Add chicken broth and reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for about 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked. Remove from heat and let cool. Add the chopped green olives to the cooled chicken mixture.

3. Preparing the Empanadas

Once the dough and filling are ready, it’s time to prepare the empanadas. Here is how to go about it:
– Preheat the oven to 375°F
– Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
– Use a large cookie cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles from the dough.
– Put a spoonful of the chicken filling into the center of the dough circle.
– Fold over the top half of the dough to form a half-moon shape.
– Press the edges of the dough together using a fork.
– Repeat until all the dough and filling are used up.
– Brush the empanadas with the egg wash.
– Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

4. Serving and Storing

Once the empanadas are baked and golden brown, it is time to serve them. Here is how to go about it:
– Let the empanadas cool for a few minutes before serving.
– Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as salsa or guacamole.
– For storage, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
– To reheat, microwave for 30 seconds or until heated through, or bake in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.

5. Variations

While chicken empanadas are delicious on their own, there are many variations you can try. Here are a few ideas:
– Beef empanadas: replace the chicken with ground beef and add some diced potatoes and carrots to the filling.
– Vegetable empanadas: Use any vegetables of your choice, such as mushrooms, spinach, or corn, and sauté with onion, garlic, and spices.
– Cheese empanadas: Add a few tablespoons of cream cheese or feta cheese in the filling for a creamy and tangy flavor.
– Dessert empanadas: Fill the pastry with your favorite fruit, such as apple, peach, or cherry, and sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar on top before baking.

6. Tips for Success

While preparing chicken empanadas may seem daunting, here are a few tips to help ensure success:
– Chill the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.
– Don’t overfill the empanadas, as this can cause them to burst while baking.
– Use a fork to crimp the edges of the dough together to ensure a tight seal.
– Brush the empanadas with egg wash before baking to give them a shiny and golden finish.
– Use a non-stick baking spray or parchment paper to prevent the empanadas from sticking to the baking sheet.

7. Health Benefits of Chicken Empanadas

While empanadas are often seen as an indulgent treat, using wholesome ingredients can make them a healthy meal. Here are some health benefits of chicken empanadas:
– Chicken is a lean protein source that promotes muscle growth, immunity, and bone health.
– Using whole-grain flour in place of regular flour can increase fiber intake, improve digestion, and lower cholesterol levels.
– Adding veggies like onion, garlic, and olives can provide phytonutrients, antioxidants, and healthy fats.

8. Empanadas around the World

While empanadas are commonly associated with Latin American cuisine, they have variations worldwide. Here are some examples:
– Argentina: filled with beef, onion, and spices, and commonly served with chimichurri sauce.
– Spain: filled with tuna, peppers, and onion, and commonly served as a tapa.
– Portugal: filled with codfish, onion, and parsley, and commonly served as an appetizer.
– Philippines: filled with ground pork, potatoes, and raisins, and commonly served during festive occasions.

9. Pairing Suggestions

Pairing chicken empanadas with the right beverage and accompaniments can elevate the experience. Here are some suggestions:
– Beverage: beer, wine, margarita, or mojito.
– Accompaniments: salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or pico de gallo.

10. Final Thoughts

Making chicken empanadas is a fun and easy way to explore new flavors and cuisines. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or a meal, you can’t go wrong with this classic dish. With the right ingredients, technique, and creativity, you can make a wonderful batch of empanadas that will impress your friends and family.

Following the Recipe for Delicious Chicken Empanadas

Now that we have gone through the ingredients list, it’s time to start making the empanadas. Here’s everything you need to know about each step of the process!

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Before anything else, you will need to start making the dough for the empanadas. Using a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar. Mix all the dry ingredients together before adding in the cold butter and lard. Using your hands, mix everything together until the dough becomes crumbly. Next, add in half a cup of cold water and knead the dough until it is smooth. Once done, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While waiting for the dough to chill, it’s time to prepare the filling. Begin by heating up a large skillet over medium heat and adding in the olive oil. Once hot, sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant. Then add the chopped chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes until brown. Afterward, add in the bell pepper, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens. Let the filling cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

Take out the dough from the refrigerator and dust some flour on a clean surface. Roll the dough into a thin sheet of around ¼ inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter or any circular object to cut the rolled-out dough into small circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the middle of each circle and brush the edges with an egg wash. Fold the dough over and lightly press the edges with a fork to seal.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven and Bake

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the empanadas on the sheet, making sure to space them out evenly. Brush the empanadas with egg wash and bake for around 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once done, take out the empanadas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These delicious chicken empanadas are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like salsa, guacamole or sour cream. Enjoy them hot off the oven!

Conclusion

Making chicken empanadas may seem challenging at first, but with the right guidance and tools, anyone can do it. This recipe is versatile and can be modified to include different types of fillings like beef, pork, or even vegetarian options. You can experiment with the spices and seasonings to achieve a flavor that suits your taste buds. With a glass of wine or a bottle of beer on the side, these empanadas make for a perfect meal or a party food. Try your hand at making these chicken empanadas, and have fun in the kitchen!

Ingredients

Making chicken empanadas is a delicious and fun way to broaden your cooking skills. Before diving in, ensure that you have all of the necessary ingredients to make these delicious treats. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

Steps to Make Chicken Empanadas

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s dive into the steps to make chicken empanadas:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Begin by cooking the chicken in a large pan with olive oil until it is no longer pink. This should take approximately 10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, green pepper, and garlic to the pan and sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. This should take approximately 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the vegetables and mix well.

Step 4: Add the Tomato Sauce, Cumin, and Salt

Add the tomato sauce, cumin, and salt to the pan and mix well. Cook the mixture for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble the Empanadas

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll out your empanada dough and cut it into circles using a cookie cutter or small bowl. Spoon the chicken mixture onto one side of the dough, leaving a small border around the edge. Fold the other side of the dough over the chicken mixture and crimp the edges with a fork to seal the empanada shut. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken empanadas!

Wrap It Up!

Now that you know how to make chicken empanadas, it’s time to show off your culinary chops to family and friends. Remember, the key to making delicious empanadas is getting the filling right, and using fresh ingredients. Don’t forget to experiment with different types of meat or vegetables if you’re feeling adventurous, that’s part of the fun! Thanks for reading and be sure to check back for more delicious recipes. Happy cooking!