Description
These chicken empanadas feature a flaky, buttery crust filled with a savory blend of shredded chicken, vegetables, and spices, making them perfect for a snack or meal. Customize the filling to your liking and enjoy them baked to golden perfection!
Ingredients
Scale
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- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup cold water (more if needed)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped (any color)
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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Instructions
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- Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once baked, remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
- Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water. Gradually add this mixture to the flour and butter mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough begins to come together.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for about 1-2 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Be careful not to over-knead.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help the dough to relax and make it easier to roll out later.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, corn, ground cumin, paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the mixture seems dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro, if using. Allow the filling to cool while you prepare the dough.
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Notes
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- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, such as cheese, beans, or different vegetables.
- These empanadas can be frozen before baking. Just assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes