Description
Delicious and savory chicken empanadas featuring a flavorful filling of shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and spices encased in a flaky baked dough. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, these Latin American hand pies are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Dough & Assembly
- 1 package (14 oz) empanada dough discs or homemade dough
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and red bell pepper, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Mix Filling: Add shredded chicken, tomato sauce, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for 3 to 4 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Finish Filling: Remove the skillet from heat and mix in chopped fresh cilantro. Allow the filling to cool slightly.
- Assemble Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the cooled filling in the center of each empanada dough disc. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, pressing edges firmly to seal and crimping with a fork to secure.
- Apply Egg Wash: Place the assembled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with beaten egg for a glossy finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the empanadas turn golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving to enjoy warm flaky pastries with savory filling.
Notes
- Make mini empanadas for tasty appetizers or party snacks.
- Freeze assembled unbaked empanadas to bake later for convenience.
- For added heat, include diced jalapeños in the filling.
- Serve with chimichurri sauce or a creamy dip for extra flavor.
