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Chicken Empanadas

Chicken empanadas are a delicious treat featuring a flaky crust and a savory chicken filling, perfect for snacks, parties, or meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 empanadas
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: Latin American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Filling
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 1 cup bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Dough
  • 2 cups empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash) Brush on dough for a golden finish.
  • Oil for frying (if frying) Use your preferred oil for frying.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in the garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute.
  3. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and mix well. Cook for about 3 minutes just to heat through. Remove from heat and let cool.
Assembly
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
  2. Roll out the empanada dough on a floured surface. Cut out circles, about 4-6 inches in diameter.
  3. Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each dough circle.
  4. Fold the dough over to make a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, and crimp with a fork for extra security.
Cooking
  1. If baking, place the empanadas on a baking sheet and brush with the beaten egg. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  2. If frying, heat oil in a pan and fry until golden on both sides.
  3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Make sure to seal the empanadas well to prevent filling from leaking out while cooking. Don’t overfill the empanadas; a spoonful of filling is usually enough. Feel free to add other spices and ingredients to the filling, like corn or cheese, for added flavor. You can also use different types of meat for the filling, like beef or pork, or vegetarian options like beans and cheese.