Crispy Homemade Chicken Empanada Recipe for Flavor-Packed Bites

Chicken empanadas are a delicious, handheld favorite filled with savory chicken, warm spices, and tender vegetables wrapped in a perfectly crisp pastry. This recipe brings together comfort, convenience, and bold flavor, making it ideal for family dinners, parties, or meal prep. The flaky crust pairs beautifully with the moist, seasoned filling, creating a satisfying bite every time. Whether baked or fried, empanadas offer a versatile and crowd-pleasing way to enjoy a flavorful meal. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, you can create a homemade version that’s far better than store-bought, delivering fresh aroma, rich taste, and authentic goodness.

Ingredients Of Chicken Empanada Recipe

Why You Will Love This Chicken Empanada Recipe

These chicken empanadas deliver a perfect mix of crunchy crust and flavorful filling, making every bite satisfying. The simple ingredients and quick prep ensure a homemade result that feels special without the effort. They are portable, freezer-friendly, and versatile enough for snacks, lunches, or gatherings. Each empanada packs comforting flavors everyone enjoys.

Preparation Process Of Chicken Empanada Recipe

Start by preparing the dough so it can rest while you cook the filling. Sauté the vegetables, add the chicken, and season well. Let the mixture cool before stuffing the dough circles. Seal each empanada tightly, brush with egg wash, and bake until golden. This process keeps the crust flaky and the filling tender, flavorful, and moist.

Step By Step Instructions

Make the Dough
Combine flour, salt, and cold butter, then mix in water until a soft dough forms. Knead lightly, wrap, and chill to help the dough relax and create a flaky crust.

Cook the Filling
Sauté onion, garlic, and pepper in oil, then add chicken, spices, and tomato paste. Stir until coated and heated, creating a rich, balanced flavor throughout the filling.

Shape the Empanadas
Roll the dough and cut circles. Add a spoonful of filling to each circle, fold over, and press edges with a fork for a secure seal and clean, even appearance.

Brush and Bake
Place empanadas on a tray, brush with beaten egg, and bake until golden. This creates a crisp outer layer while keeping the inside warm and perfectly tender.

Cool and Serve
Let baked empanadas rest a few minutes. This helps the filling settle and keeps the crust crisp for clean bites and an enjoyable, flavorful serving experience.

How to Serve?

• Serve warm with chimichurri or salsa
• Pair with rice or a fresh salad
• Offer with sour cream or garlic yogurt dip
• Add to party platters for appetizers
• Enjoy as a handheld lunch on busy days

Tips & Variations

Nutrition

1. Calories: 290
2. Protein: 15g
3. Fat: 14g
4. Carbohydrates: 28g
5. Fiber: 2g
6. Sugar: 2g
7. Sodium: 340mg

Recipe Card

Chicken Empanada Recipe

Recipe by Rachael rayCourse: Chicken Recipe

Servings

8 empanadas

servings

Prep time

25

minutes

Cooking time

22

minutes

Calories

290

kcal

Chicken empanadas are a delicious handheld pastry filled with seasoned chicken, vegetables, and warm spices tucked inside a golden, flaky crust. This easy recipe creates a comforting meal perfect for snacks, parties, or lunchboxes. The filling is rich, flavorful, and moist, while the dough bakes into a crisp, satisfying shell. These empanadas are freezer-friendly, making them great for meal prep or quick dinners. Whether baked or fried, they offer a homemade taste that feels warm and inviting. Enjoy them fresh from the oven with your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible and convenient dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

• Empanada dough 2 cups

• Butter 6 tbsp cold

• Salt 1/2 tsp

• Water 1/3 cup cold

• Cooked shredded chicken 2 cups

• Onion 1/2 cup diced

• Garlic 3 cloves minced

• Bell pepper 1/2 cup diced

• Paprika 1 tsp

• Cumin 1/2 tsp

• Black pepper 1/4 tsp

• Tomato paste 2 tbsp

• Olive oil 2 tbsp

• Egg 1 beaten (for brushing)

Directions

• Make the Dough
• Combine flour, salt, and cold butter, then mix in water until a soft dough forms. Knead lightly, wrap, and chill to help the dough relax and create a flaky crust.
• Cook the Filling
• Sauté onion, garlic, and pepper in oil, then add chicken, spices, and tomato paste. Stir until coated and heated, creating a rich, balanced flavor throughout the filling.
• Shape the Empanadas
• Roll the dough and cut circles. Add a spoonful of filling to each circle, fold over, and press edges with a fork for a secure seal and clean, even appearance.
• Brush and Bake
• Place empanadas on a tray, brush with beaten egg, and bake until golden. This creates a crisp outer layer while keeping the inside warm and perfectly tender.
• Cool and Serve
• Let baked empanadas rest a few minutes. This helps the filling settle and keeps the crust crisp for clean bites and an enjoyable, flavorful serving experience.

Recipe Video

Notes

• Chill the dough properly to ensure flakiness. Avoid overfilling to prevent leaks during baking.
• Let the filling cool before shaping to keep the dough firm. Store leftovers refrigerated and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
• Freezing unbaked empanadas allows quick meals anytime without losing texture.

FAQs

Conclusion