Empanadas, those savory hand pies filled with deliciousness, are a culinary delight enjoyed worldwide. This guide focuses on creating mouthwatering chicken empanadas, perfect for a casual lunch, a festive party, or a comforting weeknight dinner. We'll cover everything from preparing the filling to baking the perfect golden-brown crust.
What Ingredients Do I Need for Chicken Empanadas?
Before we begin, let's gather the essential ingredients for both the filling and the dough. This recipe yields approximately 12 empanadas.
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Dough: (You can also use store-bought empanada dough for convenience)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shortening or lard (for a flakier crust)
- 1/2 cup ice water
How to Prepare the Chicken Filling?
The success of your empanadas hinges on a flavorful filling. Let's get started!
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Season and Simmer: Add the cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to toast the spices. Stir in the shredded chicken, cilantro, parsley, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Cool and Prepare: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool completely before assembling the empanadas. This prevents the dough from becoming soggy.
How to Make the Empanada Dough from Scratch?
Making your empanada dough from scratch is rewarding, resulting in a wonderfully flaky crust. If you're short on time, store-bought dough is a perfectly acceptable alternative.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
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Cut in the Fat: Cut in the shortening or lard using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Add Water Gradually: Gradually add the ice water, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
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Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
Assembling the Chicken Empanadas: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now for the fun part – assembling your delicious empanadas!
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Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
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Cut Circles: Use a 4-5 inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles.
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Fill and Fold: Place a spoonful of the cooled chicken filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, crimping the edges with a fork to seal.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
What are Some Variations for Chicken Empanadas?
Feeling adventurous? Here are some delicious variations:
- Spicy Chicken Empanadas: Add more cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the filling for extra heat.
- Cheesy Chicken Empanadas: Incorporate shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or queso Oaxaca) into the filling.
- Creamy Chicken Empanadas: Add a dollop of sour cream or crema fresca to the filling for added richness.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Empanadas?
Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
How Long Does it Take to Make Chicken Empanadas?
The total time to make chicken empanadas, from start to finish, is approximately 1.5-2 hours, including prep time, cooking time, and chilling time.
Can I Use Leftover Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken is a great way to save time. Just be sure to shred it and let it cool completely before adding it to the filling.
What is the Best Way to Serve Chicken Empanadas?
Chicken empanadas are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as chimichurri, aioli, or a simple salsa. Enjoy!
