How To Bake Chicken Empanadas

Let’s dive into making delicious Chicken Empanadas. These savory, hand-held pockets of goodness are perfect for a quick meal or as party appetizers. The recipe is straightforward, and I’ll guide you through each step.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1 red bell pepper (minced)
• 1 orange bell pepper (or yellow, minced)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tablespoons freshly minced cilantro
• 2 cups shredded chicken breast (about 1 1/2 pounds, cooked)
• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 10 empanada dough shells (store-bought or homemade, rolled into 6-inch rounds; we like Goya)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Filling:
   • Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add minced onion, red bell pepper, orange bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until tender (about 3 minutes).
   • Season with salt and pepper.
   • Stir in the minced cilantro, shredded cooked chicken, chicken bouillon, tomato paste, onion powder, and garlic powder.
   • Let the flavors meld together as the mixture simmers. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
2. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Roll out the empanada dough shells into 6-inch rounds. You can use store-bought dough or try our homemade empanada dough recipe if you’re feeling adventurous.
3. Fill the Empanadas:
   • Place about 1/3 cup of the chicken filling onto each dough round.
   • Be careful not to over-fill—you want to be able to seal them properly.
4. Seal and Brush with Egg Wash:
   • Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
   • Use a fork to firmly press the edges closed.
   • Brush the tops of the empanadas with beaten egg for a golden finish.
5. Bake the Empanadas:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Arrange the filled empanadas on a baking sheet.
   • Bake for approximately 35 minutes or until they’re beautifully golden brown.
6. Enjoy!:
   • Let the empanadas cool slightly before digging in.
   • Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them as they are.

Cook’s Notes:

• Dough Options:
  • If you can find it, Goya empanada dough shells work great.
  • Store-bought pie crust is a convenient alternative.
  • For the best results, try our homemade empanada dough recipe.
• Freezing:
  • These empanadas freeze beautifully. Make a batch, enjoy some, and freeze the rest for later.

Nutritional Information (per empanada):

• Calories: approximately 212
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 2g

Feel free to get creative with the filling or adjust the seasonings to your taste. Bon appétit!