Imagine biting into a warm, flaky chicken empanada. It’s filled with tender chicken, sweet corn, and melted cheese. This easy empanada recipe lets you make delicious chicken empanadas at home. The word ’empanada’ comes from the Spanish verb ’empanar,’ which means to wrap in pastry or bread.
To start, you’ll need your ingredients and tools. Our recipe makes 36 empanadas, each with about 156 calories. Bake them at 375°F for 14-17 minutes. You’ll have a batch of freshly baked empanadas ready in no time. They’re great for a quick snack or a meal to share with friends and family.
Introduction to Authentic Chicken Empanadas
Empanadas are a big deal in Latin American food. They’re tasty pastries filled with meat, cheese, or veggies. Making them at home lets you create a real Latin American experience.
Understanding where empanadas come from is key. They started with the Spanish conquistadors. Now, you can find many fillings, like beef or chicken. The easy chicken empanada is a favorite for a tasty homemade meal.
Why make empanadas yourself? You can pick the best ingredients and fillings. It’s also fun to try new things. Whether you like classic or modern flavors, making homemade empanadas brings Latin America to your kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Empanadas
To make delicious baked empanadas, you’ll need the right ingredients. Latin American cuisine is known for its bold flavors, and empanadas are no exception. Here are the essential ingredients for chicken empanadas:
- Chicken breast or thighs
- Onions
- Garlic
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Chili powder
These ingredients will give your empanadas the authentic flavor of Latin American cuisine. With the right ingredients and a little practice, you’ll be making delicious baked empanadas like a pro.
Remember to use high-quality ingredients and follow the recipe carefully to ensure the best results. With these essential ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to making perfect chicken empanadas that are sure to please.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
To make delicious savory pastries like empanadas, you’ll need the right tools and equipment. Having the right tools makes the process easier and more fun. It’s key to have the right equipment for an appetizer recipe like empanadas to get the best results.
Here are the must-have tools and equipment you’ll need to get started:
Must-Have Tools
- Pastry blender
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
These tools are essential for making and baking empanadas perfectly. A pastry blender is key for mixing ingredients. A rolling pin helps roll out the dough evenly. A baking sheet is needed for baking the empanadas in the oven.
Optional but Helpful Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Food processor
- Pastry brush
These optional tools can make making empanadas easier and more efficient. A stand mixer helps with mixing and kneading the dough. A food processor can chop ingredients and mix the filling. A pastry brush is used to brush the empanadas with egg wash or water before baking.
Preparing the Empanada Dough
To make delicious chicken empanadas, start with a great empanada recipe. This begins with the dough. You’ll need flour, water, and lard or butter. 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 14 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter or lard, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
You’ll also need ½ to ¾ cup of warm water and 1 egg at room temperature.
The dough-making process starts by mixing flour and salt. Then, add cold butter or lard and mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Next, add warm water and egg, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for a few minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Here is a summary of the ingredients and instructions for preparing the empanada dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 14 tablespoons cold unsalted butter or lard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ to ¾ cup warm water
- 1 egg at room temperature
With this empanada recipe, you’ll make delicious chicken empanadas. Follow the instructions carefully and use the right ingredients. This will ensure your empanada dough is light and flaky.
Creating the Perfect Chicken Filling
To make delicious homemade empanadas, start with the perfect chicken filling. Use chicken breast or thighs, onions, garlic, cumin, paprika, and chili powder.
For easy chicken empanadas, use 1 ½ lbs of boneless chicken breast. Add 1 cup of diced potatoes, 1 cup of diced carrots, and 1 cup of green peas. Don’t forget ¼ cup of raisins for a sweet and savory flavor.
Season your chicken with ½ teaspoon of salt and pepper. Cook it in a skillet with 1 onion and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic until it’s light brown. Then, simmer the filling for 10 minutes after adding the vegetables.
- 1 ½ lbs boneless chicken breast
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup green peas
- ¼ cup raisins
- 1 onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
With these ingredients and steps, you can create a delicious and easy chicken empanada filling for your homemade empanadas.
Step-by-Step Assembly Guide
To start, place a tablespoon of your chosen filling in the dough’s center. You can pick from chicken, beef, or cheese, all favorites in Latin American dishes. It’s key to spread the filling evenly for the best taste.
Then, fold the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a nice look. This keeps the filling inside while baking.
Here are the steps to assemble the empanadas:
- Place the filling in the center of the dough
- Fold the dough in half over the filling
- Press the edges together to seal the empanada
- Crimp the edges using a fork
As you make these empanadas, remember they’re a big deal in Latin American food. With these easy steps, you can make tasty empanadas right at home.
Traditional Sealing and Crimping Techniques
Making savory pastries like empanadas requires careful sealing and crimping. This prevents fillings from escaping when baked or fried. Use a fork or pastry brush to seal them tightly. For empanadas, getting the seal right is key.
Basic Fold Method
The basic fold method folds the dough over the filling and seals it. Press the edges together and crimp them with a fork for a decorative touch.
Decorative Edge Patterns
For a fancy look, create edge patterns with a pastry brush or fork. This makes your pastries appealing and seals them better.
Mastering these techniques will help you make delicious empanadas. They’re perfect as appetizers for any event. Your empanadas will impress with their flaky crust and tasty fillings, whether baked or fried.
Baking vs. Frying Your Chicken Empanadas
When cooking your chicken empanadas, you can choose between baking or frying. Baking is healthier because it uses less oil. It also keeps more nutrients in the filling. Frying, on the other hand, gives a crispy outside and a soft inside, which many people love.
Baking your chicken empanadas means fewer calories and less mess. But, it might not be as crispy as frying. Frying makes the outside crispy but can be messy and add more calories to your empanada recipe.
Here are some key things to think about when deciding between baking and frying your chicken empanadas:
- Baking temperature: 425 degrees Fahrenheit
- Baking time: 25 minutes
- Frying temperature: 375 degrees Fahrenheit
- Frying time: 5-7 minutes per side
Choosing between baking and frying your chicken empanadas depends on what you prefer. Baking is healthier, but frying gives a crispy outside. Whichever you pick, make sure to follow a good empanada recipe and enjoy your tasty chicken empanadas!
Popular Empanada Dipping Sauces
Enjoying homemade empanadas is even better with the right dipping sauce. For easy chicken empanadas, choose a sauce that enhances the taste without being too strong. Chimichurri, a classic from Argentina, is a great choice. It’s made with parsley, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Spicy avocado crema is another favorite. It brings a creamy, spicy flavor to your empanadas. Both sauces are easy to make and require just a few ingredients.
Try a quick tomato salsa for a fresh, tangy taste. It’s made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. You can also mix herbs and spices to create your own unique sauce.
- Chimichurri: a classic Argentinean herb sauce
- Spicy Avocado Crema: a creamy and spicy sauce
- Quick Tomato Salsa: a fresh and tangy sauce
These sauces add a delicious layer of flavor to your easy chicken empanadas. They’re perfect for your homemade empanadas.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing and reheating baked empanadas requires some care. Empanadas can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days or be frozen for 2 months. To reheat, use the oven, air fryer, or microwave. For the best taste, heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Here are some tips for reheating your baked empanadas:
- Reheat in the air fryer at 340°F for 7-10 minutes
- Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes per empanada at 50-70% power
- Reheat in a skillet with oil at 325°F, frying each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown
When reheating frozen empanadas, thaw them first. You can thaw them in the fridge for 4-6 hours or at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then, reheat them in the oven, air fryer, or microwave.
In Latin American cuisine, empanadas are a favorite. Reheating them right keeps their taste and texture perfect. Follow these tips to enjoy your baked empanadas whether they’re frozen or freshly baked.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making savory pastries like empanadas, it’s easy to get excited. But, there are common mistakes to avoid for perfect empanadas. Following a good recipe and using chef tips is key.
Some common mistakes include:
- Overworking the dough, which can make it tough and dense
- Undercooking the filling, leading to a raw center
- Overbaking, making the empanadas dry and crumbly
Avoiding these mistakes helps you make delicious empanadas. Use the right dough, fill them correctly, and seal well to avoid leaks.
Regional Variations of Chicken Empanadas
When it comes to chicken empanadas, each region has its own special touch. From Argentina’s spicy fillings to Colombia’s sweet and savory flavors, every place has its own twist. In Chile, they add onions, garlic, and hard-boiled eggs. Peru’s empanadas might include olives and raisins.
To learn more about the different types of empanadas and their regional variations, visit empanada variations for a detailed guide. Whether you’re looking to try a new empanada recipe or just want to explore Latin America’s rich culinary heritage, there’s plenty to discover.
Some popular regional variations of chicken empanadas include:
- Empanada Salteña: known for its spicy and juicy filling
- Empanada Tucumana: smaller in size but features bolder flavors
- Empanada Cordobesa: characterized by a unique sweet-savory profile
With so many regional variations to try, you’re sure to find the perfect empanada recipe for you. Whether you love spicy fillings or sweet and savory flavors, chicken empanadas are a delicious and versatile dish that will always satisfy.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Making homemade empanadas ahead of time is super convenient. You can make the dough and filling early. Then, assemble and freeze the empanadas for up to 2 months.
To freeze, put the assembled empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they don’t touch each other. Once they’re frozen, move them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen empanadas on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 20-22 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. You can also reheat baked empanadas in a 300°F oven or toaster oven for about 10 minutes.
Some tips to keep in mind:
- Wrap individual empanadas in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
- Label and date the container or bag for easy identification.
- When reheating, add a sprinkle of water on top of the empanada to keep it moist.
By following these make-ahead and freezing instructions, you can enjoy your homemade empanadas anytime. They’re perfect for meal prep or special occasions.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
There are many ways to serve baked empanadas. They are a key part of Latin American cuisine. You can enjoy them as a snack or a full meal, with various dips and sauces. For a classic taste, try salsa verde or chimichurri sauce with your empanadas.
Here are some ideas for serving empanadas:
- Pair them with a fresh salad, like cilantro lime rice or creamy corn salad
- They make a great side dish for grilled meats or stews
- Use empanadas as a base for a quick meal, with refried beans, cheese, and salsa on top
Don’t stop at these ideas. Try different dips and sauces to find your favorites. With over 25 side dishes and 12+ dipping sauces, you have endless options. Baked empanadas are perfect for a quick meal or a fancy dinner. They showcase the delicious variety of Latin American cuisine.
Healthier Adaptations of Traditional Chicken Empanadas
There are many ways to make chicken empanadas healthier. Using whole wheat flour instead of regular flour is one option. This adds more fiber and makes them more nutritious. You can also reduce the cheese in the filling to lower calories and fat.
Using savory pastries as a base is another healthy choice. Fill them with chicken, veggies, and spices for a tasty appetizer recipe. Baking them instead of frying cuts down on oil and calories.
Other healthy tweaks include using all-veggie fillings or mushroom and spinach instead of meat. You can also use pre-made empanada dough that freezes well for up to 6 months. This makes it easy and healthy.
Try adding lean meats like chicken or turkey, or more veggies like bell peppers and onions. With a bit of creativity, you can make empanadas healthier and more delicious for everyone.
Conclusion
Making chicken empanadas at home is a rewarding experience. You’ve learned to make the dough and the savory filling. Each step has given you the skills to make authentic, delicious empanadas.
These pastries are perfect for any occasion. They’re great for gatherings or when you just want to enjoy Filipino food. They’re sure to impress and bring everyone together.
The secret to great chicken empanadas is balance. You’ve learned about flavors, textures, and techniques. Now, you can try different fillings and cooking methods to find your favorite.
Start making empanadas and enjoy the process. You’ll love the delicious results of your hard work.
Invite your friends over and cook up some chicken empanadas. It’s time to enjoy this tasty adventure together. Bon appétit!