Chicken empanadas are a delightful handheld snack or meal that combines a flaky pastry crust with a savory chicken filling. Whether you’re looking for a tasty appetizer, a party treat, or a comforting dinner, making chicken empanadas at home is easier than you think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make delicious chicken empanadas from scratch, with tips on dough, filling, and baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
– 2 1/3 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (125g) cold butter, cubed
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup (55ml) cold water
– 1 teaspoon vinegar
For the Filling:
– 2-3 skinless chicken thighs (about 450g)
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1/3 cup (70g) tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon oregano
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2-3 hard-boiled eggs (optional, chopped)
Extra:
– 1 egg for brushing the empanadas before baking
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by mixing the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold butter cubes and mix them lightly with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks crumbly but still has some pea-sized pieces of butter. This will give your crust that flaky texture.
Next, add the egg, cold water, and vinegar. Mix slowly until the dough comes together into a dry, homogeneous ball. Be careful not to overmix; if the dough feels too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour. Divide the dough into two pieces, cover them well with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight. This resting time helps the dough relax and makes it easier to roll out later.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling
While the dough chills, prepare the filling. Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until translucent, then add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for a couple more minutes.
Add the chicken thighs to the pan and season with smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s done through, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove the chicken and let it cool slightly before shredding it with two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the pan, stir in the tomato paste, and cook for a few more minutes to blend the flavors. If you like, fold in chopped hard-boiled eggs for a traditional touch. Let the filling cool completely before assembling the empanadas.
Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Cut the dough into circles roughly 5-6 inches in diameter. Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling in the center of each circle. Be careful not to overfill.
Brush the edges of the dough with a little water, fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, and press the edges together to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork or twist them by hand to create a decorative seal.
Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheets. Whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water and brush this egg wash over the tops of the empanadas to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking for even cooking.
Once done, remove from the oven and let the empanadas cool for a few minutes before serving. These are perfect on their own or paired with a dipping sauce like chimichurri or a spicy salsa.
Tips for the Best Chicken Empanadas
– Don’t rush the dough resting time. Chilling the dough helps it stay flaky and easier to handle.
– Use dark meat chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful filling.
– Customize your filling by adding olives, raisins, or cheese for extra flavor.
– Try baking instead of frying for a lighter version that’s just as tasty.
– Make extra dough and filling to freeze for quick meals later.
Chicken empanadas are a crowd-pleaser that you can easily make at home with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Once you master the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with spices and fillings to make it your own. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
These tasty pockets of goodness are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy cooking!