authentic chicken empanada recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best authentic chicken empanada recipe

I’ve been making empanadas for my family for years, and I still get excited every time I take a bite of that flaky, buttery pastry wrapped around tender chicken. My kids love helping me assemble the fillings and rolling out the dough, and they always beg for seconds.

This authentic chicken empanada recipe is a staple in our household, perfect for any occasion from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. I love that it’s a versatile recipe that can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed, making it ideal for busy families like mine.

The combination of the crispy pastry, savory chicken, and gooey cheese is absolute perfection. Plus, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great option for beginners or those short on time.

As an added bonus, empanadas are relatively healthy compared to other pastry-based snacks, thanks to the whole wheat flour used in the dough and the lean protein from the chicken.

Authentic Chicken Empanada Recipe

4.9 from 1689 votes

Empanadas are a traditional Latin American pastry with a filling, baked until golden brown. These empanadas have a savory chicken filling and a flaky crust.

Prep Time40 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 cup cold water

For the Chicken Filling

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tbsp lime juice

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 400°F.
2In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder.
3Add cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4Gradually add cold water, mixing until a dough forms.
5On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
6Using a 4-inch round cutter or glass, cut out circles of dough.
7You should get about 8 circles.
8In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
9Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
10Sauté until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
11Add chicken pieces, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
12Cook until chicken is no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.
13Stir in corn, cilantro, and lime juice.
14Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
15Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each dough circle.
16Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
17Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
18Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
19Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot.
20Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.
21Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as salsa or sour cream.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Saucepan
Spatula
Rolling pin

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 500mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. You can also use ground chicken or turkey instead of chicken breasts.

Watch Video Of How Authentic Chicken Empanada Recipe Works

This authentic chicken empanada recipe is always a hit with my family and friends. It is a great dish for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special celebration. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a flaky pastry crust makes it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it is easy to make in large batches, making it ideal for feeding a crowd.

I recommend serving these empanadas with a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. You can also experiment with different fillings and cheeses to make the recipe your own. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a taste of Argentina in your own home. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a flaky pastry crust makes it a dish that everyone will love.

The key to making the perfect empanada is to handle the dough gently and use a light touch when rolling it out. This will ensure that the pastry is flaky and tender, rather than tough and dense. Additionally, brushing the empanadas with an egg wash before baking gives them a beautiful golden color and adds a subtle richness to the flavor. Whether you are cooking for a crowd or just for your family, this authentic chicken empanada recipe is sure to be a hit.

It is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Empanada

Q1: What type of flour is best for making empanadas?

For an authentic flavor and texture, I recommend using a combination of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour in your dough. This blend provides a subtle nuttiness and chewiness that complements the chicken filling perfectly.

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