Chicken Empanadas Recipe
Overview:
Tired of the same old lunch options? Elevate your midday meal with these delectable Chicken Empanadas! Bursting with savory flavors and boasting a Tex Mex flair, these handheld pies are perfect for a quick lunch or snack. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, making them an ideal make-ahead option for busy days. Packed with tender chicken, gooey cheeses, and aromatic spices, these empanadas are sure to become a favorite in your household.
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 8-9 empanadas (approx.)
- Calories: 327.1 per serving
- Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
- Keywords: Chicken, Poultry, Meat, Tex Mex, Southwestern U.S., Potluck, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 3 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 egg yolks, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
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Prepare Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, chopped green chili, minced garlic, sliced green onions, ground cumin, salt, and kosher salt. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Refrigerate the mixture until ready to assemble the empanadas.
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Roll Out Pie Crusts:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crusts to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a round cutter or a small bowl, cut out circles approximately 4 inches in diameter. Gather and re-roll any scraps of dough to make additional circles until all the dough is used.
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Fill and Seal Empanadas:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then use a fork to crimp the edges firmly together, sealing the empanadas.
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Egg Wash and Seasoning:
- Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg yolks, ensuring they are evenly coated. This will give the empanadas a beautiful golden color as they bake.
- Sprinkle a mixture of kosher salt and chili powder over the egg-washed empanadas. This adds a flavorful kick and a touch of heat to each bite.
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Bake:
- Place the filled and seasoned empanadas on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one to allow for expansion.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-13 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, remove the empanadas from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet.
- Serve the chicken empanadas warm, either as a delightful lunch option or as a tasty snack for any time of day.
- These empanadas can also be enjoyed at room temperature, making them perfect for packing in lunch sacks or serving at parties.
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Freezing Instructions:
- If you want to make a batch ahead of time, these empanadas freeze exceptionally well. Once baked and cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When ready to enjoy, simply reheat the frozen empanadas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 327.1
- Fat: 21.2g
- Saturated Fat: 7.2g
- Cholesterol: 76mg
- Sodium: 2373.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 26.8g
- Fiber: 2.9g
- Sugar: 3.1g
- Protein: 8.5g
Recipe Notes:
- Feel free to customize the filling to suit your taste preferences. Add diced bell peppers, black beans, or corn for extra flavor and texture.
- If you’re short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to speed up the preparation process.
- Serve these empanadas with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, for an added burst of flavor.
- For a spicy variation, add a dash of hot sauce or finely chopped jalapenos to the filling mixture.
- These empanadas are perfect for parties, potlucks, or picnics. Simply double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile. Pepper Jack, mozzarella, or queso fresco would all work well in this recipe.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with these irresistible Chicken Empanadas! Bursting with flavor and easy to make, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy! 🍗🧀🌶️
