Crispy Chicken Empanadas: A Flavorful Spanish-Inspired Pastry Recipe

Authentic Homemade Empanadas with Savory Chicken Filling

Discover the art of making perfectly golden empanadas filled with a flavorful chicken mixture that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Spain. These hand-held pastries are the ultimate comfort food that can be enjoyed as a lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer for your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love These Spanish-Inspired Chicken Empanadas

There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly baked empanada with its crispy exterior giving way to a burst of savory chicken filling. This recipe creates empanadas that strike the perfect balance between a flaky crust and a moist, flavorful filling enhanced with poblano peppers, diced tomatoes, and a blend of traditional Spanish spices.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Key Ingredients for Perfect Empanadas

• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, finely diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 poblano peppers, seeded and minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 packages (14 oz each) empanada dough discs (or refrigerated pie crusts as substitute)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Delicious Empanadas

1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the diced onions and poblano peppers. Sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained diced tomatoes, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro. Allow the filling to cool completely, at least 1 hour. For best results, refrigerate the filling for 2 hours or overnight to let the flavors develop.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Place the empanada dough discs on a lightly floured surface. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of filling onto the center of each disc, being careful not to overfill.
7. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon and press the edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges decoratively or use the traditional repulgue technique by folding and twisting the edge.
8. Transfer the empanadas to the prepared baking sheets. Brush each empanada with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Expert Tips for Empanada Success

• Prevent Leaks: Don’t overfill your empanadas and make sure to press the edges firmly to create a good seal.
• Temperature Matters: Make sure your filling is completely cooled before assembling to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
• Make Ahead: The filling can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• Freezer-Friendly: Unbaked empanadas can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding about 5-7 minutes to the baking time.
• Dough Alternative: If you can’t find empanada discs, refrigerated pie crust works as a substitute. Roll it out slightly thinner and cut into 5-inch circles.

Serving Suggestions for Your Empanadas

These flavorful empanadas are delicious on their own but can be elevated with the right accompaniments:

• Chimichurri Sauce: A vibrant herb sauce that complements the savory empanadas perfectly.
• Avocado Crema: Blend ripe avocados with sour cream, lime juice, and cilantro for a cooling dip.
• Fresh Salsa: A bright pico de gallo adds a refreshing contrast to the rich empanadas.
• Green Salad: A simple salad with a vinaigrette dressing creates a complete meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 497 kcal
Carbohydrates: 43 g
Protein: 22 g
Fat: 26 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Cholesterol: 132 mg
Sodium: 937 mg
Fiber: 3 g

The Cultural Heritage of Empanadas

Empanadas have a rich history dating back centuries, with variations found across Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines. While each region has its own unique twist, the fundamental concept remains the same – delicious fillings wrapped in pastry. These versatile hand pies have stood the test of time because they’re portable, satisfying, and infinitely adaptable. Making empanadas at home connects you to this beautiful culinary tradition while allowing you to put your own creative spin on these beloved pastries.

Whether you’re serving these empanadas for a casual family lunch, as part of a tapas spread, or packing them for a picnic, their portable nature and delicious flavor make them a universally loved dish. Try this recipe to experience the joy of homemade empanadas that everyone will be asking for again and again!