Quick Chicken Empanadas Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Quick Chicken Empanadas Recipe: The Ultimate Weeknight Meal Solution! 🐔🥟✨

1. Introduction

Are you looking for a delicious and convenient meal that fits your busy weeknight schedule? Look no further! This quick chicken empanadas recipe is the perfect solution. These savory pastries are packed with flavorful chicken filling and are surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you’ll love how simple it is to whip up a batch of these delightful treats. This chicken empanada recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a quick snack. Forget about complicated recipes and long prep times; this easy chicken empanadas recipe is designed for speed and convenience without compromising on taste. Craving more dinner inspiration? Check out our other dinner recipes! So, grab your ingredients and let’s get started on making these irresistible quick empanadas recipe!

2. What are Chicken Empanadas?

Chicken empanadas are savory pastries filled with a delicious mixture of chicken, vegetables, and spices. Empanadas are popular in many cultures, especially in Latin America and Spain, where they are enjoyed as appetizers, snacks, or main dishes. The filling is typically enclosed in a dough that is either baked or fried. Our quick chicken empanadas recipe focuses on a baked version for a healthier and faster cooking process. Thinking of a lighter meal? Perhaps something to take for lunch? These are perfect when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender, seasoned chicken and a flaky crust makes chicken empanadas a beloved comfort food around the world. For another great lunch idea, try our flaky ham biscuit sandwiches. This specific chicken empanada recipe is tailored for busy individuals who still crave homemade goodness.

3. Why This Recipe Works

This quick chicken empanadas recipe stands out for its simplicity and speed. Using pre-cooked chicken significantly reduces prep time, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights. The use of store-bought pastry dough further streamlines the process, ensuring that you can have these empanadas ready in under an hour. For a different take on easy weeknight cooking, consider our One-Pan Steak Pizzaiola which offers another flavorful and swift meal option. Yet, despite its simplicity, this recipe doesn’t compromise on flavor. The blend of spices and vegetables in the chicken filling creates a rich and satisfying taste that will leave you wanting more. Plus, baking the empanadas instead of frying them makes them a healthier option. The easy chicken empanadas approach ensures that even novice cooks can achieve perfect results every time. This recipe is designed to be a reliable and delicious solution for your mealtime dilemmas.

4. Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 package (14.1 oz) refrigerated pie crusts or empanada discs
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Make sure your chicken is already cooked and shredded to save time. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your preference. This chicken empanada recipe is very adaptable, so you can add other vegetables like corn or peas if you like. Want more recipes that are adaptable? Check out our full recipes list! The quick empanadas recipe is all about using simple ingredients to maximum effect!

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Filling

In a skillet, sauté the diced onion and bell pepper over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken broth or water to moisten the mixture and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

Assembling the Empanadas

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crusts or use pre-made empanada discs. If using pie crusts, use a round cookie cutter or a bowl to cut out circles. Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal the empanadas tightly.

Baking the Empanadas

Place the assembled empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and the crust is flaky.

Cooling and Serving

Once baked, remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy the deliciousness of your homemade, easy chicken empanadas. These are perfect on their own or with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole. For a similar flavor profile with a Korean twist, try our Spicy Sweet Korean Chicken Bao

6. Tips and Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken filling.
• If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use water or vegetable broth.
• Feel free to experiment with different vegetables in the filling, such as corn, peas, or black beans.
• To make ahead, you can assemble the empanadas and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
• For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with cooked lentils or black beans.

This quick chicken empanadas recipe is a fantastic base, so don’t be afraid to get creative and customize it to your liking. If you love experimenting with flavors and textures, check out this other great chicken empanada recipe for more inspiration. The beauty of this chicken empanada recipe lies in its versatility!

7. Serving Suggestions

These easy chicken empanadas are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. They make a fantastic appetizer for parties or gatherings. Pair them with a zesty dipping sauce like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for an extra burst of flavor. For a complete meal, serve them alongside a fresh salad or a bowl of soup. They’re also great for lunchboxes or picnics. Need a great side dish? try our Asian Inspired Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad The quick empanadas recipe is so convenient; you can even make a big batch and freeze them for future meals.

8. Health Benefits

While empanadas are often seen as a treat, this baked version offers several health benefits. Baking instead of frying significantly reduces the fat content, making it a healthier option. The chicken filling provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle building and overall health. The added vegetables contribute vitamins and fiber. Looking for another healthy and delicious recipe? Check out our Crispy Cheesy Butternut Squash Fritters By controlling the ingredients, you can ensure that your quick chicken empanadas are a nutritious and balanced meal. This chicken empanada recipe allows you to enjoy a delicious dish without compromising your health goals.

9. Conclusion

This quick chicken empanadas recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. With its simple ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and customizable filling, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to time and time again. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a tasty appetizer, or a convenient snack, these easy chicken empanadas are sure to satisfy. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like our Classic Italian Steak Pizzaiola Recipe. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade empanadas without spending hours in the kitchen. This quick empanadas recipe is your ticket to a stress-free and flavorful meal!

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