The Ultimate Guide to Making Chicken Empanadas for Beginners

Empanadas are a beloved dish in many cultures, known for their crispy, golden pastry and flavorful fillings. Whether baked or fried, these hand-held delights are a perfect balance of crunch and tenderness, with a savory filling that bursts with flavor in every bite.

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For beginners in the kitchen, chicken empanadas are a fantastic starting point. They are simple to make, require easy-to-find ingredients, and offer room for creativity. The best part? You don’t need advanced cooking skills to achieve delicious results. This guide will take you through every step, ensuring you feel confident making your own homemade empanadas from scratch.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Beginners

Many people are intimidated by the idea of making empanadas, especially if they have never worked with pastry dough before. However, this recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly with step-by-step instructions and practical tips.

• Simple Ingredients – Everything needed for this recipe is commonly found in most kitchens.
• No Special Equipment Required – A rolling pin and a baking sheet are all you need.
• Customizable – While this recipe uses chicken, you can substitute beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian filling.
• Time-Efficient – The entire process takes about an hour, making it an easy meal or snack.

Ingredients and Substitutions

For the Dough

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup cold water
• 1 teaspoon vinegar (optional, helps make the dough flakier)

Alternative: Store-bought empanada dough can be used if you want to skip making it from scratch. Look for pre-made empanada discs in the frozen section of grocery stores.

For the Filling

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small bell pepper (red or green), finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded
• ¼ cup chicken broth (or water)
• ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Alternative: Instead of chicken, use ground beef, turkey, or even beans and vegetables for a vegetarian version.

For Assembly

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
2. Add the cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend it into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
3. In a separate small bowl, beat the egg and mix it with cold water and vinegar.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough begins to come together.
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth (about 2 minutes).
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Tip: Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and helps create a flakier crust.

2. Prepare the Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until soft (about 3-5 minutes).
3. Stir in the garlic, cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the shredded chicken and mix well, ensuring it absorbs the flavors.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the mixture to stay moist but not too wet.
6. Stir in the frozen peas and shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Remove from heat and let the filling cool before assembling the empanadas.

Tip: Letting the filling cool prevents the dough from becoming too soft when assembling the empanadas.

3. Assemble the Empanadas

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛ inch thick.
3. Using a round cutter or a small bowl (about 4-5 inches in diameter), cut out circles from the dough.
4. Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of each dough circle.
5. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with your fingers, then use a fork to seal them.
6. In a small bowl, beat one egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush it over the empanadas to give them a golden, crispy finish.
7. Arrange the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Alternative: If you prefer fried empanadas, heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry them for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Beginner Tips and Troubleshooting

• If the dough is too dry… Add a teaspoon of water at a time until it becomes pliable.
• If the dough is too sticky… Lightly dust with flour while rolling it out.
• If the filling is too runny… Cook it a little longer to evaporate excess liquid before assembling the empanadas.
• If the edges won’t seal properly… Lightly moisten them with water before pressing with a fork.
• For extra crispy empanadas… Bake a few extra minutes or lightly brush with butter before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken empanadas can be enjoyed on their own or paired with delicious sides. Here are some serving ideas:

• Dipping Sauces: Serve with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a simple garlic aioli.
• Side Dishes: A fresh green salad, coleslaw, or rice and beans make great accompaniments.
• Beverage Pairings: Enjoy with fresh juice, iced tea, or a light sparkling water.

Storage Tips:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warm.
• Freeze unbaked empanadas for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

Making homemade chicken empanadas is easier than you might think. With simple ingredients, a little patience, and the right techniques, you can create delicious, crispy empanadas that will impress your family and friends.

If this is your first time making empanadas, don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings or fillings to suit your taste. Cooking is all about learning and enjoying the process.

Have you tried making these empanadas? Share your experience in the comments and let us know how they turned out. Happy cooking!