Crispy Chicken Empanadas Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Chicken Empanadas are a delightful and savory treat, perfect for any occasion. With a crispy, golden-brown crust and a rich, flavorful chicken filling, these empanadas are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, they offer a satisfying combination of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. The flaky dough, perfectly seasoned chicken, and optional tangy dipping sauces make these empanadas a versatile and irresistible choice for gatherings, family meals, or casual dinners.

This recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner cooks, and is a great way to impress guests or treat your family to something delicious. With simple ingredients, a few easy steps, and plenty of customization options, you can tailor the filling to suit your tastes, whether you prefer a bit of spice or something more mild. Crispy Chicken Empanadas are a perfect example of comfort food with a twist—crispy on the outside, savory on the inside.

Why You’ll Love Crispy Chicken Empanadas

• Crispy and Golden: The exterior of these empanadas becomes perfectly crisp and golden when fried or baked, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Flavorful Filling: The filling is a rich mixture of seasoned chicken, vegetables, and spices that deliver a burst of flavor in each bite.
• Versatile: You can easily adjust the level of spice or customize the filling with other ingredients, such as cheese, beans, or vegetables, to suit your tastes.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these empanadas come together quickly. Whether you’re frying or baking them, the process is easy to follow, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Crispy Chicken Empanadas are ideal for family dinners, parties, game day, or as a fun weeknight meal. They can be served with a variety of sauces, making them perfect for dipping.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can make these empanadas ahead of time, freeze them, and bake or fry them when you’re ready to eat. This makes them an excellent choice for meal prep or for serving at parties.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 12 empanadas
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 250-300 calories per empanada, depending on portion sizes and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 14-18g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Protein: 10-12g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 2g

Ingredients

For the Empanada Filling:

• 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cooked and shredded
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)

For the Empanada Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 1/3 cup cold water (more if needed)
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Cooking:

• Vegetable oil (for frying) or cooking spray (for baking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Filling

Begin by cooking and shredding the chicken. You can either poach the chicken breasts in water for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked, or use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it into small pieces using two forks or your hands.

In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Add the shredded chicken to the skillet, followed by the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture to combine all the flavors. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to evenly coat the chicken and vegetables. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Once the mixture has thickened slightly, remove it from the heat and stir in the fresh cilantro and lime juice, if using. Allow the filling to cool to room temperature before assembling the empanadas.

2. Make the Empanada Dough

While the chicken filling cools, begin preparing the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Gradually add the cold water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. You may need a bit more water, so add it as necessary until the dough is smooth and not too sticky.

Form the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the dough to chill and firm up, which makes it easier to roll out.

3. Preheat the Oven or Oil for Frying

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you’re baking the empanadas, or heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat if you’re frying them. The oil should be around 350°F (175°C) for frying.

4. Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then roll out each ball on a lightly floured surface into a 5-inch circle. Try to make the circles as even as possible, but they don’t need to be perfect.

5. Assemble the Empanadas

Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as the empanadas will be difficult to seal if too much filling is added. Gently fold the dough in half over the filling to create a half-moon shape.

Press the edges of the dough together to seal the empanada. You can crimp the edges with a fork or pinch the edges with your fingers to make sure they are securely sealed.

6. Cook the Empanadas

• To Bake: Place the prepared empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each empanada with a beaten egg to give them a golden, glossy finish as they bake. Bake the empanadas for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
• To Fry: Carefully place the empanadas in the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the empanadas from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

7. Serve the Empanadas

Once the empanadas are cooked, serve them immediately while they are still hot and crispy. They are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a variety of dipping sauces such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or a spicy ranch dip.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Chicken Empanadas

• Use Cold Ingredients for the Dough: Make sure your butter and water are cold when making the dough. This helps create a flaky and tender crust for your empanadas.
• Don’t Overstuff the Empanadas: Be sure not to overfill the empanadas with the chicken mixture. This can make it difficult to seal the dough and result in a mess during cooking.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken for Speed: To save time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. Just shred the chicken and use it in place of the freshly cooked chicken.
• Customize the Filling: You can add other ingredients to the chicken filling, such as cheese, beans, olives, or corn, to suit your taste preferences. Just be sure to adjust the amount of tomato sauce to accommodate additional ingredients.
• Seal the Edges Well: Make sure the edges of the empanadas are securely sealed before cooking to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking or frying.
• Serve with Dips: These empanadas are perfect for dipping. Serve them with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a spicy ranch dressing for added flavor.

Variations of Crispy Chicken Empanadas

• Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Empanadas: Add some shredded cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, to the chicken filling for a cheesy twist on this classic dish.
• Spicy Chicken Empanadas: If you like things hot, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick. You can also serve with a spicy dipping sauce.
• Vegetable Chicken Empanadas: Mix in some sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms with the chicken for added texture and flavor.
• Beef Empanadas: Swap the chicken for ground beef for a different version of empanadas. Season the beef with cumin, garlic, and paprika to enhance the flavor.
• Sweet and Savory Empanadas: Add some chopped dried fruits, such as raisins or apricots, to the filling for a sweet contrast to the savory chicken.

Storage and Shelf Life

Crispy Chicken Empanadas are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, place the empanadas in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes

or until they are heated through.

You can also freeze uncooked empanadas for later. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, bake or fry them directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes of cooking time.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Crispy Chicken Empanadas

• Mexican Rice: A side of fluffy Mexican rice pairs wonderfully with the empanadas, adding a hearty and flavorful element to the meal.
• Guacamole and Chips: Serve the empanadas with a side of freshly made guacamole and tortilla chips for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.
• Salsa and Sour Cream: A tangy salsa and cooling sour cream complement the savory empanadas perfectly.
• Corn on the Cob: Roasted or grilled corn on the cob adds a touch of sweetness that pairs well with the spiced chicken filling.
• Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the empanadas.

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Conclusion

Crispy Chicken Empanadas are the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect balance of crunchy exterior and flavorful, savory filling. Whether you bake or fry them, these empanadas are sure to impress. They are versatile, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner, a party, or a weeknight meal. Customize the filling to your liking and serve with your favorite dipping sauces for a truly delicious dish. Enjoy these empanadas, and watch them become a go-to recipe in your cooking repertoire!