Empanadas are the epitome of comfort food—warm, flavorful, and versatile, making them a beloved dish across Latin America. These hand-held pockets of deliciousness are especially popular in Argentina, where they come stuffed with a variety of savory fillings. Our recipe for Baked Chicken Empanadas offers a healthy twist by baking instead of frying, while still delivering all the traditional flavor. Whether you’re looking for a fun family dinner or a perfect party snack, these empanadas will satisfy any craving. Plus, they can be made ahead or frozen for later, making them as practical as they are tasty.
PrintBaked Chicken Empanadas
These baked chicken empanadas are a taste of Argentina right in your kitchen. Flaky on the outside, savory chicken filling on the inside – they’re perfect for family dinners or meal prep! 🥟🔥
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 Minutes
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps to sauté the onions and garlic.
- Yellow Onions: Their natural sweetness enhances the savory filling.
- Garlic: Provides depth and aroma.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Brings a smoky-sweet flavor to the mix.
- Tomato Paste: Adds body and a concentrated tomato flavor.
- Spices (Salt, Paprika, Ground Cumin, Dried Oregano, Cayenne Pepper): These classic Latin spices create the heart of the flavor, blending savory, earthy, and spicy notes.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps the filling moist and flavorful without being too salty.
- Lime Juice: Adds brightness to the filling, balancing the savory ingredients.
- Shredded Chicken: The star of the filling, offering a hearty and tender protein base.
For the Dough:
- Bread Flour: Gives the dough its structure and helps create a slightly chewier texture than all-purpose flour.
- Lard and Unsalted Butter: These fats are responsible for the rich, tender, and flaky crust.
- Salt and Sugar: Essential for seasoning the dough and balancing flavors.
- Cold Water: Helps bind the dough without making it sticky, ensuring a smooth, workable texture.
Instructions
1. Preparing the Dough
The empanada dough is easy to make, but it does require some chilling time to allow the fats to firm up and create that flaky texture.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, lard, and butter. Rub the fats into the flour by pinching and fluffing the mixture with your hands until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add salt, sugar, and half of the cold water, stirring with your fingers to start forming the dough. Gradually add more water until the dough is moist but not sticky. Knead it a few times to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
- Divide the dough into two portions, shape each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about an hour.
Pro Tip: You can make the dough up to three days in advance and keep it chilled until you’re ready to use it.
2. Making the Filling
The filling is where the magic happens. The combination of tender chicken, roasted red peppers, and a medley of spices creates a filling that is bursting with flavor.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting the aroma fill your kitchen.
- Stir in the roasted red peppers, tomato paste, and spices. Let everything cook for a couple of minutes to blend the flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce.
- Stir in lime juice and shredded chicken, then remove the filling from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Pro Tip: If you like a bit more spice, you can increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
3. Assembling the Empanadas
Now comes the fun part—assembling your empanadas!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Divide each disc of chilled dough into eight pieces, and roll each into a ball. Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a six-inch circle.
- Place a heaping tablespoon of filling in the center of each dough circle. Brush the edge of the dough halfway around with beaten egg, fold over to form a semicircle, and press to seal.
- Crimp the edges with a fork or use your fingers to create a decorative rope pattern. Place the empanadas on the prepared trays, brush the tops with beaten egg, and cut small vents in each to let steam escape.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, rotating the trays halfway through for even browning. The empanadas are done when they are golden brown and crisp. Let them cool on wire racks for about 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Perfecting the Dough: Empanada dough should be moist but not sticky. If it’s too dry, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in more flour.
- Avoid Overfilling: While it may be tempting to overfill your empanadas, doing so can cause them to burst during baking. Stick to about 1/8 cup of filling per empanada.
- Crimping the Edges: If you’re new to crimping, start with the fork method. It’s simple and effective. Once you’ve mastered that, you can try the rope method for a more decorative finish.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 45 Minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cook
A Flavorful Journey
Empanadas are more than just a meal—they are an experience. Biting into the golden-brown crust reveals a medley of savory ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. The filling, made with shredded chicken, roasted red peppers, and aromatic spices, creates a comforting and flavorful bite. The tender, flaky dough envelopes the filling, providing the perfect contrast to the hearty interior. The addition of lime juice offers a subtle tang that lifts the flavors, while the slight heat from cayenne pepper adds just the right kick. These empanadas are sure to transport your taste buds on a culinary journey.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatility: This recipe is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Both the filling and dough can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
- Family-Friendly: The savory, yet mild filling is great for kids, but you can easily spice things up for the adults.
- Freezer-Friendly: Prepare a batch and freeze them for a quick meal later.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Filling:
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps to sauté the onions and garlic.
- Yellow Onions: Their natural sweetness enhances the savory filling.
- Garlic: Provides depth and aroma.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Brings a smoky-sweet flavor to the mix.
- Tomato Paste: Adds body and a concentrated tomato flavor.
- Spices (Salt, Paprika, Ground Cumin, Dried Oregano, Cayenne Pepper): These classic Latin spices create the heart of the flavor, blending savory, earthy, and spicy notes.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps the filling moist and flavorful without being too salty.
- Lime Juice: Adds brightness to the filling, balancing the savory ingredients.
- Shredded Chicken: The star of the filling, offering a hearty and tender protein base.
For the Dough:
- Bread Flour: Gives the dough its structure and helps create a slightly chewier texture than all-purpose flour.
- Lard and Unsalted Butter: These fats are responsible for the rich, tender, and flaky crust.
- Salt and Sugar: Essential for seasoning the dough and balancing flavors.
- Cold Water: Helps bind the dough without making it sticky, ensuring a smooth, workable texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Dough
The empanada dough is easy to make, but it does require some chilling time to allow the fats to firm up and create that flaky texture.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, lard, and butter. Rub the fats into the flour by pinching and fluffing the mixture with your hands until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add salt, sugar, and half of the cold water, stirring with your fingers to start forming the dough. Gradually add more water until the dough is moist but not sticky. Knead it a few times to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
- Divide the dough into two portions, shape each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about an hour.
Pro Tip: You can make the dough up to three days in advance and keep it chilled until you’re ready to use it.
2. Making the Filling
The filling is where the magic happens. The combination of tender chicken, roasted red peppers, and a medley of spices creates a filling that is bursting with flavor.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting the aroma fill your kitchen.
- Stir in the roasted red peppers, tomato paste, and spices. Let everything cook for a couple of minutes to blend the flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce.
- Stir in lime juice and shredded chicken, then remove the filling from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Pro Tip: If you like a bit more spice, you can increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
3. Assembling the Empanadas
Now comes the fun part—assembling your empanadas!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Divide each disc of chilled dough into eight pieces, and roll each into a ball. Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a six-inch circle.
- Place a heaping tablespoon of filling in the center of each dough circle. Brush the edge of the dough halfway around with beaten egg, fold over to form a semicircle, and press to seal.
- Crimp the edges with a fork or use your fingers to create a decorative rope pattern. Place the empanadas on the prepared trays, brush the tops with beaten egg, and cut small vents in each to let steam escape.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, rotating the trays halfway through for even browning. The empanadas are done when they are golden brown and crisp. Let them cool on wire racks for about 20 minutes before serving.
Pro Tip: You can make the empanadas in advance and freeze them unbaked. When ready to cook, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
The Experience: Flavors, Textures, and Aromas
As the empanadas bake, your kitchen will be filled with the mouthwatering aroma of savory onions, garlic, and spices. When you finally bite into one, the crispy, flaky crust gives way to a warm, savory filling that’s bursting with flavor. The sweetness of the roasted peppers, the tangy lime juice, and the spiced chicken come together in perfect harmony, offering a satisfying mix of textures and tastes. Whether served with a side salad or simply enjoyed on their own, these empanadas are a complete sensory experience.
Tips for Success
- Perfecting the Dough: Empanada dough should be moist but not sticky. If it’s too dry, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in more flour.
- Avoid Overfilling: While it may be tempting to overfill your empanadas, doing so can cause them to burst during baking. Stick to about 1/8 cup of filling per empanada.
- Crimping the Edges: If you’re new to crimping, start with the fork method. It’s simple and effective. Once you’ve mastered that, you can try the rope method for a more decorative finish.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Dough Alternatives: If you don’t have bread flour, you can use all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture of the dough will be less chewy. For a more health-conscious option, try substituting half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour.
- Filling Variations: While chicken is the star of this recipe, you can easily swap it out for ground beef, pork, or even a vegetarian option like black beans and cheese.
- Add-ins: Want to elevate the flavor even more? Try adding chopped green olives or hard-boiled eggs to the filling for a traditional Argentinian twist.
Serving Suggestions
Empanadas are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. For a complete meal, pair them with a simple green salad or a side of rice and beans. If you’re serving them as an appetizer or snack, offer a selection of dipping sauces, such as chimichurri, salsa, or guacamole. For a fun twist, try serving them with a creamy cilantro-lime dipping sauce.
Final Thoughts
Baked Chicken Empanadas are the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family meal or hosting a gathering with friends, these empanadas are sure to impress. The combination of a buttery, flaky crust and the richly spiced chicken filling will make them a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Plus, with the option to make them ahead or freeze them for later, they’re as practical as they are delicious.
So, why not give these Baked Chicken Empanadas a try? You’ll fall in love with the bold flavors and satisfying textures of this South American classic—one hand-held bite at a time!