Chicken Empanadas (Golden, Flaky Pastries) Recipe

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate grab-and-go comfort food, Chicken Empanadas (Golden, Flaky Pastries) are about to become your new kitchen hero. Imagine tender, warmly spiced chicken wrapped in buttery, crisp pastry — every bite is a tiny celebration! These empanadas are easy enough to whip up on a weeknight, yet special enough for a festive gathering. There’s just something magical about delicious savory morsels baked to golden perfection, ready to eat straight from the oven or packed for a picnic adventure. The balance of textures and bold, cozy flavors make this dish a repeat favorite in my home.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Great Chicken Empanadas (Golden, Flaky Pastries) start with simple ingredients that work together to create unbelievable taste and texture. Each one plays a key role — from the melt-in-your-mouth crust to the vibrant, savory filling. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:

• All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your pastry, providing structure and that irresistible flaky bite.
• Salt: Just the right touch brings out the flavors in both dough and filling.
• Cold unsalted butter: The secret behind a tender, golden crust — keep it cold for the best flake!
• Large egg (for dough): Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together smoothly.
• Ice water: The chill prevents the butter from melting, keeping layers light and crisp.
• White vinegar: Just a splash makes the dough extra tender and easy to handle.
• Olive oil: For sautéing your aromatics — a foundation of savory flavor.
• Onion: Sautéed onion is a must for a mellow, savory-sweet undertone in the filling.
• Garlic: Two cloves amp up the aromatic warmth and round out the spices.
• Ground cumin: Adds earthiness and classic empanada depth.
• Smoked paprika: All about that gentle smoky layer that makes the filling pop.
• Chili powder: Just enough to deliver a gentle, balanced heat.
• Salt (for filling): Enhances the flavors in your filling for perfect seasoning.
• Cooked and shredded chicken: Tender, protein-packed and ready to soak up the savory spices.
• Chicken broth: Keeps the filling juicy and prevents it from drying out while baking.
• Fresh cilantro (optional): A bright finishing touch for freshness and a hint of citrus.
• Extra egg (for egg wash): Brushed on top for that irresistible, glossy golden finish.

How to Make Chicken Empanadas (Golden, Flaky Pastries)

Step 1: Prepare the Empanada Dough

First, make the base that’ll hold all that delicious filling! Whisk the flour and salt in a roomy bowl. Add your cold, cubed butter and cut it in using a pastry cutter or just your fingertips. You want the mix to look like coarse, buttery crumbs—think tiny pebbles. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, ice water, and white vinegar, then pour this cold mix into your flour. Gently stir and knead until a dough forms, shape it into a disc, wrap in plastic, and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This patience pays off with ultra-flaky layers the moment you bake these Chicken Empanadas (Golden, Flaky Pastries).

Step 2: Make the Chicken Filling

While the dough chills, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium. Add diced onion and sauté until soft and sweet, about three minutes. Toss in garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and salt. Stir and cook for another minute so those spices bloom and release their fragrance. Next, fold in your shredded chicken and pour in the chicken broth. Simmer briefly—just enough for the flavors to meld and create a juicy but not watery mixture. If you’re a cilantro fan, stir some in now for a fresh lift. Let this heavenly filling cool down completely before assembling.

Step 3: Roll Out and Fill the Empanadas

Flour your surface generously and roll out the cooled dough to about 1/8-inch thick. Use a round cutter (a bowl works in a pinch) to cut 4- to 5-inch circles. Drop 1 to 2 tablespoons of that spiced chicken filling right in the center of each circle. Fold each one into a half-moon shape and press the edges closed with a fork—the classic empanada seal. Take care not to overfill, or the pastry might open while baking!

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg. This step is the key to that deep, glorious golden color. Slide them into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Your kitchen will soon fill with the irresistible aroma of Chicken Empanadas (Golden, Flaky Pastries) in progress. After baking, let them cool for a few minutes, then enjoy!

How to Serve Chicken Empanadas (Golden, Flaky Pastries)

Garnishes

The finishing touches can make these pastries truly shine. Try a shower of fresh chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or even a dusting of smoked paprika for a visual pop. For added richness, a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of salsa on the side never goes amiss. These flavorful additions lift the entire bite, giving you a mix of Creamy, herby, and tangy.

Side Dishes

Chicken Empanadas (Golden, Flaky Pastries) are ultra-versatile, lending themselves beautifully to a range of sides. A crisp green salad with avocado and tomatoes offers refreshing contrast, while black beans, Spanish rice, or roasted sweet potatoes make the meal heartier. Don’t forget a tangy slaw or marinated vegetables for a playful, zesty complement!

Creative Ways to Present

Wow your guests by serving the empanadas on a rustic wooden board, nestled among colorful mini peppers, wedges of lime, and cilantro sprigs. For a party, arrange them in a spiral with salsa and guacamole dips at the center. If you’re feeling extra fun, serve them in parchment-lined baskets for grab-and-go flair. However you serve Chicken Empanadas (Golden, Flaky Pastries), they’re sure to disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare occurrence!), simply cool the empanadas completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days — just a quick reheat and you’ve got lunch, a snack, or even party food ready to go.

Freezing

Chicken Empanadas (Golden, Flaky Pastries) are exceptionally freezer-friendly. Assemble but don’t bake them, arrange on a tray in a single layer, and freeze until solid. Afterward, transfer to a freezer bag for longer storage. When a craving hits, you can bake them straight from frozen, adding about five more minutes to the baking time. They come out just as crispy and satisfying as fresh!

Reheating

Looking to restore that oven-fresh crunch? Reheat leftover empanadas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch but can soften the pastry, so the oven is definitely worth the extra few minutes for keeping them golden and flaky.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for the filling?

Absolutely! This is one place where convenience is your friend. Shredded rotisserie chicken blends beautifully with the spices and cuts down on prep time. Just be sure to remove the skin and bones before using.

How do I keep the empanada dough from getting tough?

The key is to handle the dough as little as possible and keep the ingredients cold. Overworking can lead to tough crusts, so once the dough comes together, leave it alone and let the butter work its magic in the oven.

Can I pan-fry instead of bake?

Yes! Pan-frying the Chicken Empanadas (Golden, Flaky Pastries) gives you extra crispiness. Simply add about 1/2 inch of neutral oil to a frying pan, heat until shimmering, and fry the empanadas until deep golden on both sides. Drain on paper towels before serving.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

No problem! You can substitute regular paprika, and if you want to mimic the smoky depth, add a pinch of chipotle powder or a drop of liquid smoke. It’ll still be undeniably tasty.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Very easily. Use a dairy-free butter substitute in your dough (ensure it’s made for baking) and you’ll still achieve a gorgeously flaky crust. The filling itself is naturally dairy-free, so you’re all set!

Final Thoughts

There’s so much joy in sharing a tray of Chicken Empanadas (Golden, Flaky Pastries) with people you care about — or simply treating yourself to a homemade snack worthy of a celebration. With golden, crispy pastry and a punchy spiced chicken filling, these empanadas are pure comfort in every bite. Try them once, and don’t be surprised if they become a staple in your kitchen year-round!

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