Name: Chicken Empanadas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion (finely diced); 1 red bell pepper (finely diced); 3 garlic cloves (minced); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken; ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; ⅓ cup pitted and chopped green olives; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon lime juice; Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 1-2 tablespoons chicken broth (optional); 12 store-bought empanada dough discs (about 5 inches, thawed if frozen); 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon water

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 47 reviews

If you’re in the mood for something warm, comforting, and packed with vibrant flavors, this Chicken Empanadas Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine flaky golden pastries enveloping a savory, perfectly seasoned chicken filling with just the right touch of cheese, olives, and a zing of lime. It’s a dish that brings a bit of festive spirit to any table, whether for a casual snack, party platter, or weeknight dinner. The magic lies in that crispy yet tender crust that gives way to a juicy, comforting center every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several white bowls and small dishes arranged neatly, each containing different ingredients for chicken empanadas. Starting from the top left, there is a small fluted dish filled with various colorful spices including red and brown powders, black pepper, and white salt. Next to it is a cup with fresh green parsley leaves, followed by a tiny bowl with chopped garlic. Next to the garlic, a halved lime sits beside a small jar of pale yellow chicken broth. In the center, a stack of light beige dough discs rests flat, looking soft and smooth. Surrounding the dough, there is a white bowl filled with chopped white-yellow onions, another one with bright red diced bell peppers, and a bowl heaped with shredded cooked chicken in light brown and white shades. Above the chicken is a small container of golden olive oil, and to the side, a small white dish filled with rich red tomato paste. To the right, there is another bowl with shredded white Monterey Jack cheese, a brown egg, and a small white dish holding sliced green olives. The layout is clean and bright, with all items clearly visible and well spaced. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Chicken Empanadas Recipe plays a vital role, bringing together layers of flavor and texture that make the dish truly special. From the richness of olive oil to the brightness of fresh parsley, each component enhances the final bite.

Olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing vegetables and adds subtle fruity notes.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
Red bell pepper: Brings a mild crunch and natural sweetness with vibrant color.
Garlic cloves: Infuses the filling with warmth and aromatic intensity.
Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and adds a rich umami element.
Smoked paprika: Gives a smoky, earthy undertone that heightens the dish’s complexity.
Ground cumin: Offers a warm, slightly nutty spice that complements the chicken.
Dried oregano: Lends a fragrant, herbal note balancing the richness.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a touch of heat to awaken the palate.
Cooked chicken: The hearty, tender star of this empanada filling.
Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey creaminess inside.
Green olives: Provide a briny, savory pop to complement the other flavors.
Fresh parsley: Brightens the filling with fresh herbal notes.
Lime juice: Adds essential acidity for balance and freshness.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season perfectly.
Chicken broth (optional): Helps to adjust filling moisture if needed.
Store-bought empanada dough discs: Convenient and perfect for shaping classic empanadas without fuss.
Egg: Used to make an egg wash that gives a stunning golden finish.
Water: Mixed with egg for brushing the empanadas.

How to Make Chicken Empanadas Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

First things first, preheat your oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your empanadas bake evenly and don’t stick, setting you up for a stress-free cooking experience.

Step 2: Cook the Veggies

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil then add finely diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5 to 6 minutes until softened and fragrant. Toss in the minced garlic last, cooking for just 20 seconds so it releases its aroma without burning. This mixture forms a flavorful, tender vegetable base for your filling.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Stir in tomato paste along with smoked paprika, ground cumin, oregano, and if you’re feeling adventurous, red pepper flakes. Let this fragrant blend cook for a minute to unlock their full flavor potential, building layers of smoky, earthy, and slightly spicy goodness.

Step 4: Combine with Chicken

Now it’s time to stir in your chopped or shredded cooked chicken. Cook it together for a couple of minutes to heat through while letting the chicken soak up the aromatic seasonings. Then, remove the skillet from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly for about 10 minutes, making it easier to handle when filling your empanadas.

Step 5: Mix in Cheese and Extras

Once cooled, fold in shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped green olives, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lime juice. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. This final step brings creaminess, briny contrast, and a bright fresh note that balances the savory richness.

Step 6: Shape the Empanadas

Grab each dough disc and place around 2½ tablespoons of filling in the center. Moisten the edges with a little water, fold over, and firmly press to seal. To finish, crimp the edges using a fork or twist with your fingers to create that classic empanada look, ensuring no filling escapes during baking.

Step 7: Apply Egg Wash

Whisk the egg and water together to make a simple egg wash. Brush this mixture over the empanada tops before placing them on your prepared baking sheet. This step is the secret to achieving that irresistible glossy, golden crust.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pop your prepared empanadas into the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes until beautifully golden brown. This is where the magic happens as the crust crisps up while the filling melts into a juicy, flavorful surprise inside.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the chicken empanadas rest about 5 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set slightly so every bite is neat, warm, and satisfying — perfect to enjoy fresh from the oven or share with friends and family.

How to Serve Chicken Empanadas Recipe

A close-up of two golden brown empanadas on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath, one empanada cut in half showing its inside layers filled with a mix of orange-brown cooked chicken, red peppers, sautéed onions, and chopped green herbs, the crispy outer dough showing small bubbles and a light sprinkling of green herb flakes on top; a lime wedge sits on the side and another bowl blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a light drizzle of tangy chimichurri really elevates these empanadas, adding fresh herbal brightness. For a little extra zing, a dollop of sour cream or your favorite salsa lends a cooling contrast to the warm, savory filling.

Side Dishes

Simple side salads with citrusy vinaigrettes make perfect companions, balancing the richness. Grilled vegetables or black beans can turn this snack into a satisfying and wholesome meal. For an extra splash of flavor and color, try serving with a corn and avocado salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Plate these beauties on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like spicy aioli, guacamole, or a fresh pico de gallo. For parties, mini empanadas work well stacked in towers or arranged in colorful patterns that invite guests to dig in. You might even experiment with different cheese blends and fillings for personalized twists on the classic Chicken Empanadas Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor and texture nicely when reheated at home, making them great for quick lunches or snacks later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to prepare in advance, freeze the shaped and filled empanadas (before baking) on a parchment-lined tray until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, ready to bake fresh whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

For best results, reheat empanadas in a preheated 350ºF oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy. This way, you can enjoy that same delightful texture as when they were freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat for this Chicken Empanadas Recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken is classic and delicious, you can easily swap it for ground beef, pork, or even shredded turkey depending on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

Is store-bought empanada dough a good option?

Definitely. Using store-bought dough discs saves time and effort while still delivering that flaky crust we all love. Just make sure they are thawed properly before filling and baking.

Can I make these empanadas vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the chicken with hearty veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or black beans mixed with cheese and spices for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I prevent the empanadas from leaking during baking?

Moisten the edges of the dough well before sealing and press firmly using a fork or your fingers. This ensures a tight seal so the filling stays inside as they bake.

What is the best way to add spice without overwhelming the flavor?

Start with a small amount of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper and adjust to taste. The tomato paste and smoked paprika also bring depth without heat, so balance is key for a flavorful but not fiery filling.

Final Thoughts

There’s something utterly satisfying about homemade empanadas, especially when filled with tender, flavorful chicken like in this Chicken Empanadas Recipe. It’s a dish that invites sharing, sparks joy with every bite, and brings delicious warmth to your kitchen. So go ahead, gather the ingredients, have fun shaping those golden pockets, and delight in the amazing blend of flavors you’ve created. Trust me, these empanadas will be a hit worth making again and again.