Chicken Empanadas

meal for the family, these empanadas are sure to impress.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can customize the filling to suit your taste—add diced olives for a briny kick, or incorporate a touch of heat with some chopped jalapeños. The empanadas freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests. Simply bake from frozen, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready in no time.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (about 1½ pounds)

• ½ cup minced onion

• 1 red bell pepper, minced

• 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, minced

• 2 tablespoons freshly minced cilantro

• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 10 empanada dough shells (store-bought or homemade, rolled into 6-inch rounds)

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced onion and bell peppers, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

4. Stir in the shredded chicken, chicken bouillon, tomato paste, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 5-8 minutes.

5. Remove from heat and stir in the freshly minced cilantro. Allow the filling to cool slightly.

6. Place the empanada dough rounds on a clean surface. Spoon approximately ⅓ cup of the chicken mixture onto one half of each dough round.

7. Brush the edges of the dough with a beaten egg to help seal. Fold the dough over to enclose the filling, pressing the edges together with a fork to seal securely.

8. Place the filled empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the remaining beaten egg.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 212 kcal per empanada
Servings: 10 empanadas

A Deep Dive Into Chicken Empanadas

Origins and Cultural Significance

Chicken empanadas are more than just a meal—they’re a celebration of culture, comfort, and history. With roots that stretch back to Spain and Portugal, empanadas were introduced to Latin America during the colonial period. Each country has since developed its own interpretation of the dish, and chicken empanadas in particular have become a staple in many Latin American homes. From Argentina to the Philippines, variations of this savory pastry have become deeply embedded in regional culinary traditions.

In Latin cuisine, empanadas are often served during holidays, family gatherings, and street festivals. They are beloved for their portability and adaptability, easily enjoyed by hand and filled with just about anything—from spiced meats to cheeses and vegetables. The chicken version stands out for its balanced combination of protein, spice, and heartiness.

Why Chicken Empanadas Are So Popular

One of the key reasons for the popularity of chicken empanadas is their universal appeal. They bridge the gap between snack and meal, offering a compact package of flavor that’s both satisfying and versatile. Chicken is a mild, tender protein that absorbs spices well, making it a great base for creative fillings. The dough provides the perfect vehicle for the savory mixture, turning what could be a simple chicken dish into a comfort-food classic.

In addition, empanadas are highly adaptable. You can prepare a batch in advance, freeze them, and simply bake or air-fry when needed. This convenience factor makes them ideal for busy families, meal-preppers, or anyone who loves to have something delicious and homemade on hand.

Flavor Profile and Texture

Chicken empanadas are known for their delicious contrast in textures and flavors. The outer crust, when baked to perfection, is golden, crispy, and slightly flaky, with a satisfying crunch as you bite into it. Inside, the filling is savory, juicy, and aromatic. The use of onions, bell peppers, garlic, and spices like bouillon, garlic powder, and onion powder elevates the flavor of the chicken without overpowering it.

The hint of freshness from cilantro adds brightness to each bite, while the optional use of tomato paste provides a depth of umami flavor. These empanadas are not overly spicy, but you can certainly dial up the heat with a bit of chili powder or hot sauce if you’re craving that extra kick.

Baking vs. Frying

Traditionally, empanadas were often fried, which gives them a crispier, more indulgent texture. However, baking is increasingly popular for a number of reasons. First, it’s healthier—using less oil and reducing the overall fat content. Second, it’s less messy and more convenient, especially when preparing large batches.

Baking still delivers a beautifully golden crust, especially when an egg wash is brushed over the surface before they go into the oven. The result is a shinier, slightly glossy finish that makes the empanadas look as good as they taste.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

One of the standout advantages of chicken empanadas is how well they store. They freeze exceptionally well, whether raw or cooked. To freeze raw empanadas, simply assemble them and lay them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, just bake them straight from the freezer—no thawing required.

If you’ve already baked them, allow them to cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispness. These storage tips make chicken empanadas perfect for meal prepping or having on standby for quick lunches, unexpected guests, or weeknight dinners.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken empanadas are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They make an excellent appetizer, especially when paired with a dipping sauce like chimichurri, garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or a simple salsa. As a main course, they can be served with a side salad, black beans and rice, or roasted vegetables.

They also make fantastic picnic or lunchbox options since they don’t require reheating to be enjoyed. Room-temperature empanadas are just as delicious, making them an ideal travel snack or party food.

Making It Your Own

While this particular recipe uses shredded chicken breast for a lean and flavorful filling, there’s plenty of room to experiment. You can swap in rotisserie chicken for ease or use dark meat if you prefer a richer taste. Adding cheese to the filling can create a gooey, decadent twist, while vegetables like corn, peas, or mushrooms can boost the nutritional value and add texture.

The dough can also be varied. While store-bought empanada dough is quick and convenient, homemade dough lets you control the ingredients, thickness, and flavor. Some people even use puff pastry for an ultra-flaky result or gluten-free dough for dietary accommodations.

Health and Nutrition Considerations

Chicken empanadas offer a relatively balanced nutritional profile. With lean protein from the chicken and essential vitamins from the vegetables, they can be a healthy addition to your meal rotation—especially when baked. To make them even lighter, you can reduce the amount of oil used in the filling, add more veggies, or choose a whole-wheat or alternative flour dough.

Portion control is also easy with empanadas. Since each one is individually sized, you can decide exactly how much to serve or eat. Pair them with a fiber-rich salad and you’re looking at a meal that’s both hearty and wholesome.

Tips for First-Time Makers

If you’ve never made empanadas before, don’t worry—they’re beginner-friendly! The key is to not overfill the dough and to seal the edges properly. Using a fork to crimp the edges not only helps keep the filling inside but also adds a nice decorative touch.

Don’t skip the egg wash if you’re baking; it makes a big difference in how your empanadas look and taste. And remember, practice makes perfect. Your first few might not be photo-worthy, but they’ll still taste amazing.

Conclusion

Chicken empanadas are a celebration of culture, comfort, and culinary creativity. They bring together a crispy, golden crust with a flavorful, satisfying filling that’s both hearty and easy to customize. Whether you’re baking a batch for a weeknight dinner, preparing a freezer stash for later, or making an appetizer platter for a gathering, chicken empanadas never fail to impress.

They offer a beautiful blend of texture and flavor, are simple enough for home cooks, and versatile enough to fit a wide variety of preferences and occasions. Once you’ve made your first batch, you’ll understand why this classic continues to win hearts—and stomachs—around the world.