Chicken and Cheese Empanadas: Flavorful Hand-Held Pockets of Delight
Empanadas, those beloved hand-held pastries, have a way of captivating our taste buds with their perfect balance of savory fillings and buttery, flaky crusts. And when it comes to empanadas, the classic Chicken and Cheese variety stands out as a perennial favorite. This recipe showcases the irresistible combination of tender chicken, melted cheese, and aromatic spices, all wrapped in a delightfully crisp pastry shell.
Whether you’re hosting a lively gathering or simply craving a satisfying, on-the-go snack, these Chicken and Cheese Empanadas are sure to delight. With their portable convenience and crowd-pleasing flavors, they’re the perfect addition to any menu, from game-day celebrations to cozy family dinners.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets these Chicken and Cheese Empanadas apart is the perfect harmony of textures and flavors. The juicy, well-seasoned chicken filling is complemented by the melty, gooey cheese, creating a delightful contrast with the crisp, golden-brown pastry crust. Plus, the recipe is incredibly accessible, with most of the ingredients being pantry or freezer staples.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can make a batch ahead of time and freeze them, ready to bake and serve whenever the craving strikes. And with the option to incorporate healthier alternatives, such as reduced-fat cheese or whole-wheat pastry, you can enjoy these empanadas guilt-free.
Whether you’re hosting a crowd or seeking a satisfying snack, these Chicken and Cheese Empanadas are sure to impress with their mouthwatering flavors and convenient, hand-held format. Get ready to savor the perfect balance of flaky, buttery pastry and the comforting, cheesy goodness within.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Chicken and Cheese Empanadas ❓
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crust or empanada dough
• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
The beauty of this Chicken and Cheese Empanadas recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, melty cheese, and aromatic spices creates the classic Latin-inspired flavor profile that has made empanada recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Chicken and Cheese Empanadas Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Step 3: Unroll the pie crust or empanada dough and cut into 4-inch circles using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass. Reroll the scraps to cut more circles.
• Step 4: Place a heaping tablespoon of the chicken and cheese filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
• Step 5: Transfer the empanadas to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the egg wash to give them a golden, shiny finish.
• Step 6: Bake the empanadas for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
• Step 7: Remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm, paired with your favorite dipping sauces or salsas.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 40-45 minutes
Compared to traditional Latin-style empanadas, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Chicken and Cheese Empanadas recipe saves you over 20% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 12 servings):
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 310mg
These Chicken and Cheese Empanadas provide approximately 20% of your daily protein requirements and 15% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Replace the pie crust or empanada dough with a low-carb alternative, such as almond flour or cauliflower-based dough.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and replace the egg wash with a plant-based milk or water.
• Added protein: Mix in additional cooked, shredded chicken or incorporate a plant-based protein source, like cooked lentils or black beans.
• Boost vegetables: Finely chop and sauté spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to add extra nutrients and fiber to the filling.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Chicken and Cheese Empanadas.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the empanadas with a fresh, crisp salad for a complete meal.
• Complement the empanadas with a light tomato-based soup or a tangy lime-cilantro slaw for a well-rounded dish.
• For a party or game-day spread, serve the empanadas alongside other finger foods like mini quiches or pigs in a blanket.
• Create a festive appetizer platter by arranging the empanadas with sliced fruits, nuts, and olives for a visually appealing presentation.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Undercooking the pastry: Ensure the empanadas are baked until the crust is golden brown and flaky, as an undercooked pastry can result in a doughy texture.
• Skipping the egg wash: The egg wash helps create a beautiful, shiny finish on the empanadas, so don’t forget this important step.
• Not sealing the edges properly: Carefully crimp the edges with a fork to create a tight seal, preventing the filling from leaking out during baking.
• Neglecting to let the empanadas cool: Allow the freshly baked empanadas to cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling can be extremely hot straight out of the oven.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Chicken and Cheese Empanadas retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the empanadas, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen empanadas to a resealable bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked empanadas to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped empanadas in a resealable bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the empanadas in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the pastry is crisp and the filling is hot. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the pastry may not retain its flakiness.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the empanadas ahead of time?
Absolutely! The empanadas can be prepared and frozen unbaked, then baked directly from the freezer when you’re ready to serve them. For baked empanadas, you can freeze them after they’ve cooled completely, then reheat them in the oven when needed.
Can I substitute the chicken with a different protein?
Yes, you can definitely experiment with different protein fillings. Ground beef, pork, or even shredded turkey or pulled pork would all work well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to complement the new protein.
Are there any dietary-friendly versions of this recipe?
Yes, there are several ways to adapt this recipe for dietary needs. For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheddar cheese and whole-wheat flour in the dough. To make it dairy-free, substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk for the egg wash. You can also increase the protein by adding cooked lentils or black beans to the filling.
Why are my empanadas leaking or bursting during baking?
Overfilling the empanadas is the most common culprit for leaks or bursts. Be sure to use just a heaping tablespoon of filling and crimp the edges tightly with a fork to create a secure seal. Chilling the filled empanadas before baking can also help prevent this issue.
Can I add any additional fillings or toppings to these empanadas?
Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can experiment with adding diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or even a sprinkling of chopped fresh herbs to the filling. For a flavor twist, you could also top the baked empanadas with a drizzle of chimichurri sauce or a dollop of sour cream.
Conclusion
These Chicken and Cheese Empanadas represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a satisfying main course, they’re sure to impress with their flaky, golden-brown pastry and irresistible, cheesy chicken filling. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Chicken and Cheese Empanadas demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So why not gather your loved ones and indulge in the delightful, hand-held pockets of flavor that are these empanadas? Your taste buds are sure to thank you.
