Chicken Empanadas

Chicken empanadas are so good that they could single-handedly bring world peace. You might think you’ve tasted it all, but these flaky pastries offer a unique blend of flavors that can transform any meal into a culinary experience. Whether you prefer them baked or fried, there’s a method that suits your taste. As you explore their rich history and the endless possibilities for customization, you may find yourself reconsidering how you view comfort food. What’s more, these delightful treats can easily adapt to your kitchen’s needs and your family’s preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When it comes to delicious meals you can whip up quickly, chicken empanadas stand out as a favorite. You’ll appreciate how easy they’re to prepare and cook, making them perfect for busy days. This recipe offers a balanced mix of veggies, protein, and carbs, ensuring you get essential nutrients in one hearty dish. One of the best things about chicken empanadas is their versatility. You can enjoy them for lunch, dinner, or even as snacks. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, so you can make a batch ahead of time and have meals ready when you need them. The fillings are flexible too, allowing you to customize the flavors to suit your taste. Notably, the main filling consists of shredded chicken breast which adds to the dish’s protein content.

These empanadas aren’t only filling but also flavorful, appealing to both kids and adults. Baked instead of fried, they present a healthier option, reducing the fat and calorie content without sacrificing taste. Preparing chicken empanadas can be a fun family activity, where everyone can help with filling and sealing. Overall, this recipe offers a quick, nutritious, and enjoyable way to prepare a meal that everyone will love.

History

Empanadas have a rich history that traces back to their origins in Portugal and Galicia, Spain. The name “empanada” comes from the Spanish word “empanar,” meaning “to wrap or coat in bread.” In the 1520s, the first documented mention of empanadas appeared in a Catalan cookbook, showcasing their long-standing popularity.

Spanish colonists introduced empanadas to Latin America and the Philippines, where they adapted to local tastes. As time passed, empanadas evolved from larger, pie-like shapes into smaller, individual pastries. Some historians suggest that indigenous peoples contributed to the recipe, creating a blend of cultures. Colombian cuisine showcases a variety of empanadas that have emerged, often filled with local ingredients and flavors.

Each province in Argentina, for example, developed its unique variation, reflecting regional flavors and ingredients. Empanadas symbolize unity and are often part of traditional celebrations, fostering social connections among friends and family.

They aren’t just food; they represent cultural identity and pride in Latin America. Today, empanadas have gone global, appearing on menus around the world and influencing modern cuisine. With their adaptability, they continue to be a beloved dish, capturing the essence of their rich history and cultural significance.

Recipe

Chicken Empanadas

Chicken empanadas are a delightful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or main course. These savory pastries are filled with a flavorful mixture of shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and spices, all wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. Empanadas aren’t only a fantastic way to use leftovers but also a great opportunity to get creative with your fillings and spices.

Whether baked, fried, or pan-fried, these empanadas will surely please anyone at your dining table. The beauty of chicken empanadas lies in their adaptability. You can use leftover poached or roasted chicken, or even switch up the protein by using chicken thighs for added richness.

The combination of onions, bell peppers, garlic, and cilantro creates a well-balanced filling that’s both savory and aromatic. With a simple dough that can be made from scratch or purchased ready-made, you’ll have a satisfying dish that can be enjoyed fresh or frozen for later.

Ingredients:
– Shredded chicken breast (or leftover poached/roast chicken)
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Fresh cilantro, chopped
– Spices (cumin, paprika)
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 chicken bouillon cube
– Egg (for egg wash)
– Oil (for frying or baking)
– Empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)

Cooking Instructions:

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Sauté the diced onions and bell peppers until they’re soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and chopped cilantro, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the shredded chicken, tomato paste, and crumbled chicken bouillon. Season with cumin and paprika to taste. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
If using homemade dough, roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness. If using store-bought wrappers, thaw them according to package instructions. Cut dough into circles, approximately 4-6 inches in diameter.
Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of each dough circle. Brush the edges with egg wash to help seal. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then use a fork to press and seal the edges tightly.
Preheat your oven to 350-375°F if baking or heat oil in a deep skillet to 375°F if frying. For baking, place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush the tops with egg wash. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. For frying, carefully add the empanadas to the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy.
Once cooked, remove empanadas from the oven or oil and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them hot, optionally with a dipping sauce of your choice.

For the best results, verify that the dough is rolled out evenly and not too thick, as this will affect the texture of the empanadas. Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as adding olives, cheese, or spices to create unique flavor profiles.

If you have leftovers, empanadas can be frozen before baking or frying, making them an excellent option for quick meals later on.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, chicken empanadas offer a delicious way to connect with the rich culinary traditions of Latin America. These tasty pastries symbolize unity and sharing, bringing people together during celebrations and gatherings. As you enjoy them, you’re not just savoring a meal; you’re experiencing a part of Latin America’s cultural identity.

Empanadas have a fascinating history that dates back to Spain and Portugal. Originally large pies, they transformed into smaller, individual pastries when Spanish colonists introduced them to Latin America. Each region has put its unique spin on empanadas, showcasing local flavors and ingredients.

For instance, Colombian empanadas often feature fillings like beef, cheese, or shrimp, while Argentina boasts a variety of regional specialties. The quick preparation time of empanadas makes them an accessible option for home cooks wanting to embrace this culinary tradition.

Their adaptability is part of what makes empanadas so special. With endless possibilities for fillings and cooking styles, they cater to various tastes and dietary needs. Whether baked or fried, these delightful pockets remain a staple across many Latin American countries.

FAQ

If you’re enthusiastic to make chicken empanadas at home or just want to learn more about them, you’ve come to the right place.

First, gather your filling ingredients, which typically include shredded chicken, onions, bell peppers, garlic, cumin, paprika, and salt. You can also add tomato paste or bouillon for extra flavor. A great way to enhance the overall taste is by poaching chicken in Sazon, adobo, and chicken bouillon before shredding.

For the dough, you can either make it from scratch or use store-bought options like puff pastry or empanada discs.

When assembling, use 2-3 tablespoons of filling. Gently fold the dough over and seal the edges with a fork to keep them from opening during baking. Brushing the tops with beaten egg gives empanadas a nice golden finish. Bake them at 350°F to 375°F for about 30-35 minutes.

If you face issues like overfilling, make sure to avoid it, as it can cause the empanadas to burst. You can freeze uncooked empanadas for later use, and they still taste great.

Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for added flavor. Enjoy making and sharing your delicious chicken empanadas!