chicken empanadas recipe

The Best chicken empanadas recipe

Crispy Chicken Empanadas with Spiced Tomato Sauce

4.5 from 776 votes

A comforting handheld dish featuring tender chicken stuffed into flaky pastry, served with a bright tomato-garlic sauce. Perfect for potlucks or weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time35 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time55 mins

Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 400 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup warm water

For the Chicken Filling

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, diced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Sauce

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and olive oil until crumbly. Add egg and water, then knead until smooth. Cover and rest for 15 minutes.
2. 2
   Meanwhile, cook chicken in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink (about 6–7 minutes). Remove and set aside. In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft (2 minutes). Stir in cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Return chicken to the pan, mix well, and cool slightly.
3. 3
   Roll the dough to ⅛-inch thickness. Cut circles large enough to fit your chicken filling. Place 1 tbsp filling in each circle, fold the dough over, and seal edges with a fork.
4. 4
   Heat olive oil in a small pan, then brush the tops of the empanadas lightly. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
5. 5
   While empanadas bake, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Stir in tomato sauce, red pepper flakes, and salt. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. 6
   Serve warm empanadas with the spiced tomato sauce spooned over the top.

🔧Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Cutting board
• Baking sheet
• Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 400 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 750mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra crispiness, brush empanadas with beaten egg before baking. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Serve with a side salad or crusty bread.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Chicken Empanadas with Spiced Tomato Sauce

1. What is the best way to store leftover chicken empanadas?

Store cooked empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes until heated through, or use a microwave-safe container for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway if needed.

2. Can I make these empanadas ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes! Assemble the empanadas, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze for 1–2 hours until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

3. What if my filling isn’t perfectly shredded?

A slightly chunkier filling is fine—just make sure the pieces are small enough to be fully cooked when baked. If the filling is too dry, add a splash of water or chicken broth (about 1 tablespoon) when assembling the empanadas.

4. How do I ensure the empanadas stay crispy after baking?

For extra crispiness, preheat your oven to 425°F and bake the empanadas for 12–15 minutes instead of 15–18. Brush the tops lightly with melted butter or oil before baking, and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to allow even air circulation.