authentic chicken empanada recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best authentic chicken empanada recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my authentic chicken empanada recipe, a true delight from the heart of Argentina. As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to make and fun to share with my family. These empanadas fit the bill perfectly, and I just know your family will love them too.

The best part? They’re incredibly versatile, making them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special Sunday gathering with friends and family. Growing up in a Latin American household, I was fortunate enough to be exposed to a wide variety of traditional dishes, including empanadas.

My abuela would often make them for special occasions, and I remember being mesmerized by the way she would carefully shape the dough into perfect little pockets. She’d then fill them with juicy chicken, onions, and spices before sealing them up and baking them to perfection. As I got older, I began experimenting with different fillings and cooking methods, but nothing beats the classic combination of chicken and onions.

There’s something about the way the flavors meld together that just can’t be beat. And let’s not forget the flaky crust – it’s like a little piece of heaven in every bite! So why do I love this recipe so much?

For starters, it’s incredibly easy to make. Simply mix together your ingredients, shape the dough into balls, and roll them out into thin circles. Then, fill ’em up with your favorite filling (in this case, chicken and onions) and seal ’em up tight.

Before you know it, you’ll have a batch of delicious empanadas that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. In addition to being easy to make, these empanadas are also incredibly healthy. Made with wholesome ingredients like chicken breast, onions, and spices, they’re a great option for families looking for a meal that’s both tasty and nutritious.

Authentic Chicken Empanada Recipe

Authentic Chicken Empanada Recipe

4.6 from 1200 votes

This authentic chicken empanada recipe features a savory filling of tender chicken, onions, and spices encased in a flaky dough. Serve with a side of salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
1/2 cup cold water

For the Filling

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Egg Wash

1 egg
1 tbsp water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 400°F.
2In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
3Add cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4Gradually add cold water, mixing until a dough forms.
5Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
6While the dough chills, prepare the filling.
7Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
8Add onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and translucent.
9Add chicken, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
10Cook until chicken is no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.
11Remove from heat and let it cool.
12Once cooled, chop the chicken and mix with the hard-boiled egg.
13On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
14Using an empanada cutter or a glass, cut out 4-inch circles.
15Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each circle.
16Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
17Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
18Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
19Place empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
20In a small bowl, whisk together egg and water to make an egg wash.
21Brush the top of each empanada with the egg wash.
22Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Rolling pin
Baking sheet
Oven
Non-stick skillet
Empanada cutter or glass

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.

Watch Video Of How Authentic Chicken Empanada Recipe Works

These empanadas are truly a staple in our household – we love serving them at family gatherings or as a quick weeknight dinner.

Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to reheat: just pop ’em in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crispy on top and hot throughout.

And don’t even get me started on leftovers – simply wrap ’em up tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate or freeze for later use.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Empanada

Q: What is an empanada?

An empanada is a type of pastry that originated in Latin America. It’s essentially a turnover filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.

Q: What type of dough is used for empanadas?

The dough used for empanadas is typically made from flour, water, salt, and sometimes yeast or baking powder.

Q: Can I use store-bought empanada dough?

Yes! While homemade dough is always best, store-bought options can be just as delicious.

Q: How do I store leftover empanadas?

You can store leftover empanadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I reheat empanadas in the microwave?

Yes! Simply wrap your empanada in a damp paper towel and heat it in short bursts until warmed through.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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