Homemade Chicken Empanadas

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🥟 Homemade Chicken Empanadas

Golden, Crispy, Flavorful & Perfect for Family Gatherings

Introduction

Chicken empanadas are one of those wonderful foods that can turn simple ingredients into something incredibly comforting. They consist of a tender, savory filling wrapped inside a golden pastry shell, then baked or fried until beautifully crisp.

These homemade chicken empanadas are filled with shredded chicken, onion, garlic, carrot, sweet corn, potato, oregano, and cumin. The combination creates a filling that is juicy, aromatic, colorful, and satisfying.

The dough is equally important. Made with flour, butter or vegetable shortening, egg, salt, a little sugar, vinegar or lemon juice, and warm water, it becomes soft and workable while developing a deliciously crisp exterior when baked.

Whether you’re preparing them for a family dinner, party, picnic, lunchbox, or simply a weekend treat, these empanadas are sure to be loved by both children and adults.

🌎 A Little History of Empanadas

The word empanada comes from the Spanish verb empanar, meaning “to wrap or coat in bread.”

Empanadas have a long culinary history and can be found in many countries, particularly throughout Spain and Latin America. Different regions developed their own versions, using local ingredients and cooking traditions.

Some empanadas are filled with beef, others with chicken, seafood, cheese, vegetables, or potatoes. They can be baked or fried and may be prepared as small individual snacks or large family-sized pies.

Chicken empanadas became especially popular because chicken is mild, versatile, and pairs beautifully with vegetables and spices.

Today, empanadas are enjoyed all over the world, with every family often having its own favorite recipe.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 8½ cups (about 1 kg) all-purpose flour
  • 200 g vegetable shortening or butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 to 1¼ cups warm water, approximately 250–300 ml

Optional for brushing

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon water or milk

The egg wash gives the empanadas a beautiful golden appearance.

🍗 For the Chicken Filling

  • 500 g cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, grated
  • 1 medium potato, cooked and diced — optional
  • ½ cup corn kernels
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2–4 tablespoons chicken broth or water, if needed
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, optional

Optional additions

For an extra flavorful filling, you can add:

  • Chopped bell pepper
  • A pinch of chili flakes
  • Green olives
  • A little grated cheese
  • Chopped green onions
  • A spoonful of tomato paste

👩‍🍳 Method 1: Preparing the Chicken

If you don’t already have cooked chicken, place chicken breasts in a saucepan and cover them with water or chicken broth.

Add a little salt, onion, garlic, or herbs if desired.

Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the chicken is completely cooked through.

Remove the chicken from the liquid and allow it to cool slightly.

Shred the chicken using two forks.

Do not shred it too finely. Small, tender pieces give the empanada filling a better texture.

Set aside.

🥣 Method 2: Making the Empanada Dough

Place the flour in a large mixing bowl.

Add the salt and sugar and mix well.

Add the butter or vegetable shortening.

Using your fingertips, rub the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

This step helps create a tender pastry.

In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the egg with the vinegar or lemon juice.

Pour this mixture into the flour.

Begin adding the warm water gradually.

Do not add all the water at once.

Mix with your hands or a wooden spoon until a dough begins to form.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.

Knead gently for approximately 5–7 minutes, just until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Avoid over-kneading because the dough can become tough.

Form the dough into a ball.

Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.

Allow it to rest for 30–45 minutes.

Why resting matters

Resting allows the flour to fully absorb the moisture and gives the dough time to relax. This makes it much easier to roll and shape without excessive shrinking.

🍳 Method 3: Preparing the Chicken Filling

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion.

Cook for approximately 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly translucent.

Add the minced garlic.

Cook for another 30–60 seconds.

Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Add the grated carrot.

Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes.

If you’re using potato, add the cooked diced potato now.

Add the corn kernels.

Stir everything together.

Now add:

  • Oregano
  • Cumin
  • Paprika
  • Black pepper
  • Salt

Mix well.

Add the shredded chicken.

Stir until the chicken is evenly combined with the vegetables and spices.

If the mixture seems dry, add 2–4 tablespoons of chicken broth or water.

Cook for another 3–5 minutes.

The filling should be flavorful and moist, but not watery.

Finally, stir in the chopped parsley or cilantro if using.

Remove the skillet from the heat.

Allow the filling to cool completely before assembling the empanadas.

Important tip

Never put very hot filling onto the dough.

Hot filling can soften the pastry too much and make the empanadas difficult to seal.

🥟 Method 4: Forming the Empanadas

Once the dough has rested, divide it into approximately 18–24 portions, depending on how large you want your empanadas.

Roll each portion into a smooth ball.

On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a thin round approximately 15–18 cm wide.

Place about 2–3 tablespoons of chicken filling in the center.

Do not overfill.

Too much filling can cause the dough to split during baking.

Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.

Press the edges firmly together with your fingers.

You can then seal the edges using a fork.

For a traditional decorative finish, fold and twist the edge inward little by little to create a simple repulgue.

Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

🥚 Method 5: Preparing the Egg Wash

Crack one egg into a small bowl.

Add one tablespoon of water or milk.

Whisk until smooth.

Place the prepared empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Brush the tops lightly with the egg wash.

This helps create a beautiful golden-brown finish.

🔥 Method 6: Baking

Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F.

Arrange the empanadas on a baking tray, leaving a little space between them.

Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry becomes golden brown and crisp.

For deeper color, you can bake them for a few additional minutes, watching carefully so they don’t burn.

Remove from the oven.

Allow them to cool for approximately 5–10 minutes before serving.

🍳 Alternative Method: Frying

Chicken empanadas can also be fried.

Heat enough neutral vegetable oil in a deep pan for frying.

The oil should be hot but not smoking.

Carefully place the empanadas into the oil in small batches.

Fry until golden brown and crisp, turning them once or twice.

Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels.

Fried empanadas will have a particularly crunchy exterior, while baked empanadas are lighter and less oily.

✨ The Formation of the Perfect Empanada

A great empanada has three important elements:

1. The Dough

The dough should be soft enough to roll easily but strong enough to hold the filling.

2. The Filling

The filling should be moist and flavorful without being watery.

3. The Seal

The edges must be firmly sealed so the filling stays inside during baking or frying.

If the edges don’t seal properly, lightly moisten them with a tiny amount of water before pressing them together.

🌽 How to Make Them Extra Delicious

For lovers of rich and flavorful empanadas, try adding a few extra ingredients.

Cheesy Chicken Empanadas

Add ½–1 cup shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or another melting cheese to the cooled chicken filling.

Spicy Chicken Empanadas

Add:

  • Chili flakes
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Chopped jalapeño
  • Hot sauce

Mediterranean-Style

Add:

  • Green olives
  • Parsley
  • Paprika
  • A little lemon zest

Creamy Chicken

Mix the cooled chicken filling with a small amount of cream cheese or shredded cheese.

Don’t make the filling too wet.

Extra Vegetable Version

Add diced bell peppers, peas, spinach, or mushrooms.

🥣 Delicious Sauces to Serve With Chicken Empanadas

These empanadas are delicious by themselves, but sauces can make them even better.

Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Mix:

  • ½ cup plain yogurt
  • 1 small minced garlic clove
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • Chopped parsley

Stir well and refrigerate until serving.

Spicy Tomato Sauce

Combine:

  • Tomato sauce
  • Chili flakes
  • Garlic
  • Black pepper
  • A pinch of cumin

Simmer for several minutes.

Creamy Herb Dip

Mix mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with parsley, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

❤️ Why Everyone Loves These Empanadas

There is something special about food that can be held in your hands and shared around a table.

The crisp pastry gives way to a warm, savory chicken filling filled with vegetables and aromatic spices.

They’re excellent for:

  • Family dinners
  • Birthday parties
  • Picnics
  • Lunchboxes
  • Game-day snacks
  • Potlucks
  • Weekend gatherings
  • School or work lunches

They can also be prepared ahead of time, making them convenient for entertaining.

❄️ Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the filling one day ahead.

Store the cooled filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

The dough can also be prepared ahead and refrigerated.

When you’re ready to assemble the empanadas, allow the dough to soften slightly if necessary, then roll and fill as usual.

You can also assemble the empanadas and freeze them before baking.

Arrange them on a tray without touching each other and freeze until firm.

Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.

Bake directly from frozen, adding several extra minutes to the cooking time.

🧊 Storage

Refrigerator

Store cooked empanadas in an airtight container for approximately 3–4 days.

Reheat them in an oven or air fryer for the best texture.

Freezer

Cooked empanadas can also be frozen.

Allow them to cool completely before freezing.

Reheat in the oven until hot throughout.

Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain a crisp crust.

👩‍🍳 Important Cooking Tips

1. Don’t overfill.
A moderate amount of filling makes sealing much easier.

2. Cool the filling.
Hot filling can make the dough soft and difficult to handle.

3. Don’t overwork the dough.
Gentle kneading produces a more tender crust.

4. Rest the dough.
This makes rolling easier.

5. Seal carefully.
Press the edges firmly and use a fork or traditional folded edge.

6. Don’t make the filling watery.
Excess moisture can make the pastry soggy.

7. Preheat the oven properly.
A hot oven helps the pastry become crisp and golden.

8. Let them rest before serving.
The filling will be extremely hot immediately after cooking.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken empanadas warm with:

  • Fresh green salad
  • Tomato salad
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Potato wedges
  • Rice
  • Coleslaw
  • Pickled vegetables
  • Garlic yogurt sauce
  • Spicy tomato sauce
  • Fresh salsa

For a beautiful family table, arrange the empanadas on a large serving platter and place several dipping sauces in small bowls around them.

💕 For the Lovers of Homemade Food

These chicken empanadas are more than just a recipe.

They’re the kind of food that brings people together.

The smell of onions and garlic cooking in the kitchen, the warm spices mixing with shredded chicken, the sound of pastry being folded and sealed, and finally the golden empanadas coming out of the oven all create the feeling of a homemade celebration.

They’re especially wonderful when prepared with family. One person can prepare the filling, another can roll the dough, and everyone can help shape the empanadas.

That’s part of what makes traditional homemade food so special.

🌟 Final Conclusion

These homemade chicken empanadas combine a tender, buttery pastry with a savory filling of shredded chicken, vegetables, herbs, and warm spices.

The recipe is flexible, so you can adjust the filling according to what you have available. Add cheese for richness, chili for heat, vegetables for extra color, or herbs for freshness.

Whether you bake them until golden and crisp or fry them for an extra crunchy finish, they make an irresistible meal or snack.

The secret is simple: make a tender dough, keep the filling flavorful but not watery, seal the edges carefully, and cook until beautifully golden.

Once you make them at home, don’t be surprised if everyone asks for another batch! 🥟❤️

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