Irresistibly Crispy Chicken Empanadas Recipe for Homemade Joy

Crispy and golden chicken empanadas sparkle with Latin American culinary magic that will make your taste buds dance.

Savory pastry pockets promise an explosion of flavor in every single bite.

Flaky dough wraps around seasoned meat, creating a handheld delight that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Home cooks can master this classic recipe with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Authentic spices blend perfectly to create a mouthwatering filling that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Rich, comforting, and irresistibly delicious, these empanadas bring international flair to your kitchen table.

You’ll want to roll up your sleeves and start cooking right now.

Golden Stuffed Pockets Everyone Talks About

• Quick and Satisfying Meal: Whip up a delicious, hearty dish that comes together easily with simple ingredients and minimal prep work.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Packed with flavorful chicken, vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, these golden stuffed pockets will delight both kids and adults at family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Versatile Cooking Technique: Perfect for meal prep, make-ahead lunches, or freezing for later, these pockets offer flexibility for busy home cooks looking for convenient and tasty meal solutions.
• Customizable Flavor Profile: Easily adapt the filling with different proteins, swap vegetables, or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients Needed for Golden Stuffed Pockets

• Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that forms the core of the filling.

• Onions, Peppers: Aromatic vegetables that add depth and sweetness to the stuffed pockets.
• Garlic, Cilantro: Fresh herbs and aromatics that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Bouillon, Tomato Paste: Concentrated flavor enhancers that create a rich and savory filling.
• Seasonings: A blend of spices that adds complexity and warmth to the chicken mixture.
• Water: Helps to create moisture and blend the filling ingredients.

• Dough Rounds: The soft and pliable base that holds the delicious filling.
• Egg, Water: Creates a golden egg wash that gives the pockets a beautiful sheen and helps seal the edges.

Stepwise Guide for Stuffed Pockets

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add onions and peppers, cooking until they become soft and slightly translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Enhance Flavor

Toss in minced garlic and chopped cilantro, stirring quickly to release their aromatic essence.

Cook for an additional minute to develop deep flavors.

Step 4: Create Savory Filling

• Shredded chicken
• Chicken bouillon
• Tomato paste
• Assorted seasonings
• Water

Simmer the mixture until the liquid completely evaporates, creating a rich and concentrated filling, which takes approximately 5-8 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble Pockets

Place approximately 1/3 cup of the prepared filling onto each dough round, ensuring even distribution.

Step 6: Prepare Egg Wash

Whisk an egg with a splash of water to create a golden-brown glaze.

Carefully brush the edges of the dough with the egg wash to help seal the pockets.

Step 7: Seal and Shape

Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together.

Use a fork to crimp and seal the pockets, creating a decorative and secure border.

Step 8: Final Glaze

Generously brush the tops of the pockets with the remaining egg wash, which will give them a beautiful, glossy golden color.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the prepared pockets in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until they turn a rich, beautiful golden brown.

Pro Tricks for Stuffed Pockets Excellence

• Add a dash of smoked paprika or cumin to the filling for deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Press fork edges firmly to prevent filling from leaking during baking, ensuring a tight seal.
• Swap chicken with ground turkey, shredded beef, or plant-based protein for diverse dietary needs.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning on top before baking for extra crunch and visual appeal.
• Prepare and freeze uncooked pockets for up to 3 months, baking directly from frozen with slight temperature and time adjustment.

Stuffed Pockets Fun Flavor Experiments

• Vegetarian Stuffed Pockets: Replace chicken with black beans, quinoa, and roasted vegetables for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn or almond flour tortillas instead of traditional dough to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Add jalapeños, chipotle powder, and swap tomato paste for salsa to create a zesty flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate feta cheese, spinach, and Greek herbs to transform the filling with Mediterranean ingredients.

Serving Golden Pockets Warm from the Oven

• Flavor Explosion Platter: Arrange golden stuffed pockets on a rustic wooden board with vibrant dipping sauces like tangy salsa verde or creamy cilantro-lime crema.
• Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack these portable pockets in a stylish lunch container with fresh mixed greens and a zesty citrus vinaigrette for an exciting outdoor meal.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these crispy pockets on a large platter with colorful garnishes like chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and wedges of lime for a festive appetizer spread.
• Family-Style Feast: Create a build-your-own station with the stuffed pockets, offering multiple dipping sauces and fresh herb toppings to let everyone customize their plate.

Storing Stuffed Pockets for Future Snacking

• Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent soggy texture.
• Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Place pocket on microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, turning halfway. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pockets on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Remove foil last 3 minutes for crispy exterior.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in these Golden Stuffed Pockets?

The key ingredients include chicken, onions, peppers, garlic, cilantro, tomato paste, and seasonings, all wrapped in a dough round and baked until golden brown.

• Is this recipe spicy or mild?

The recipe offers a mild flavor profile with savory seasonings, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less pepper or including hot sauce if desired.

• Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with ground beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian protein like black beans or tofu to suit your dietary preferences.

Chicken Empanadas Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory chicken empanadas bring Latin American culinary magic straight to home kitchens with golden, flaky pastry and spiced filling. Crisp edges and rich flavors promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Meat:

• 2 cups shredded chicken breast (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams)
• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1 red bell pepper, minced
• 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, minced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 10 empanada dough shells (6-inch rounds)
• 1 egg for egg wash

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal preparation.
2. Pour oil into a large skillet and heat over medium temperature, creating an even cooking surface.
3. Sauté onions and peppers, stirring occasionally until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 5 minutes.
4. Introduce minced garlic and chopped cilantro to the skillet, allowing aromatics to release their fragrant essence for 1 minute.
5. Incorporate shredded chicken, bouillon, tomato paste, selected seasonings, and water into the vegetable mixture, allowing ingredients to meld and simmer until liquid completely evaporates, roughly 5-8 minutes.
6. Distribute filling generously onto each dough round, ensuring even coverage across the surface.
7. Whisk egg with water to create a smooth egg wash mixture for sealing and glazing.
8. Carefully fold dough rounds over the filling, pressing edges firmly with a fork to create a secure seal.
9. Generously brush the exterior of each pocket with prepared egg wash, promoting a golden, glossy finish.
10. Transfer stuffed pockets to prepared baking sheet and bake for 35 minutes until achieving a rich, golden-brown color.

Notes

• Choose ground turkey or plant-based protein for a lighter, healthier alternative to chicken.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.
• Roll dough thin for crispy, delicate pockets that maximize filling-to-pastry ratio.
• Try different spice blends like smoky paprika or cumin to customize flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg