Authentic Chicken Empanadas, or Empanadas de Pollo, are one of the most beloved dishes across Latin America and Spain. These golden, hand-held pastries are filled with seasoned chicken, onions, peppers, and spices, wrapped in a flaky crust that delivers the perfect crunch with every bite. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or full meal, empanadas bring comfort, warmth, and a taste of tradition to the table.
The filling is what gives chicken empanadas their distinctive depth of flavor. Shredded chicken is simmered with onions, garlic, and bell peppers, often joined by paprika, cumin, oregano, and a hint of chili or cayenne for gentle heat. Some recipes add olives, raisins, or hard-boiled eggs for extra layers of flavor and texture, blending savory and slightly sweet notes typical of Latin-inspired cooking. The mixture is cooked until thick and aromatic, ensuring the filling stays juicy but not soggy once wrapped in the dough.
The dough itself is rich and buttery, made from flour, salt, a touch of butter or lard, and cold water. Once rolled out, circles of dough are filled with spoonfuls of chicken mixture, folded into half-moons, and sealed with the signature crimped edges. Depending on the region or personal preference, empanadas can be baked for a tender, flaky texture or fried for extra crispiness and golden color. Either way, the result is irresistibly satisfying.
Authentic chicken empanadas are incredibly versatile and travel-friendly. They can be served warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for parties, picnics, or quick lunches. Dipping sauces such as chimichurri, salsa verde, or spicy aioli complement the rich filling beautifully. In many households, empanadas are also a staple during holidays and celebrations, symbolizing comfort, family, and shared joy.
Beyond their flavor, empanadas carry cultural meaning. Each country, and even each household, has its own version, reflecting local ingredients and heritage. From Argentina’s spiced chicken empanadas to Spain’s baked Galician style, they all celebrate the art of wrapping love and flavor into a simple pastry. Authentic Chicken Empanadas are more than food, they are a delicious bridge between generations and cultures. Simple and delicious every time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 large red bell pepper finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 package empanada dough homemade or store-bought
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook and stir until onion is translucent.
- Stir in shredded chicken, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the empanada dough and cut into circles if necessary. Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a semi-circle and press the edges with a fork to seal.
- Place empanadas on a baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove empanadas from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
These are the best empanadas EVER! I could eat them every day!
I tried this recipe but mine came out too soggy. What did I do wrong?
So simple and delicious! I can’t believe I waited so long to try these.
Authentic? Probably not. But tasty nonetheless.
I’m just here for the food pics! Looks delish!
I think you forgot to add cheese! Empanadas need cheese!
Super easy! My kids loved helping with the dough.
Easy? Really? I always thought empanadas were hard to make. Maybe I’m just not good at it.
That’s awesome! Cooking with kids is the best! Did they help with the rolling too?
I used ground beef instead of chicken, is that ok? They still turned out okay.
Why do people like these? They look basic to me.
Empanadas? More like empan-no-thanks. Didn’t work for me, they fell apart in the oven.
These empanadas are amazing! The filling is super flavorful. I added some cheese and it was a hit! 5 stars!
This recipe is missing something. Maybe some onions on top? Or I just can’t cook. I dunno. 1 star.
These empanadas are the real deal! So good, I’ve made them twice this week. My family loves them!
Gotta say, they look great. But my kids didn’t like the spices, said it was too ‘fancy’. Next time I’ll just use salt. 3 stars.
I don’t think using store-bought dough is right. It’s not authentic! 2 stars for the effort.
Easy and delicious! I made them for my family and everyone gobbled them up! 🤤
I love empanadas! Your recipe is super simple and tasty. Will definitely try it out! 😍
They look good, but isn’t 20 minutes too long? My bake times are usually shorter.
Yum! I added some jalapeños to make it spicy. Best empanadas I’ve ever tasted!
Easy recipe! Did you know you can freeze them before baking? Saves a ton of time!
Freezing them is a great idea! I always make a big batch and stash some away. They come in handy for quick meals later!
Empanadas = yum!! My grandma used to make these all the time but she ain’t around no more. This recipe brought back good vibes! 4 stars!
I followed the recipe but they turned out kinda bland. Maybe I needed more spices? Not too impressed.