This recipe for homemade chicken empanadas will guide you through crafting a deliciously flaky crust filled with a savory chicken and vegetable mixture. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or as a hearty snack, these empanadas are sure to delight anyone who tries them.
Ingredients for the Empanada Dough:
- All-purpose flour: 5 cups (700g)
- Sugar: 5 tbsp (62.5g)
- Baking powder: 2 tsp (10g)
- Salt: 1/2 tsp (3g)
- Butter: 1 1/2 cups (339g), chilled and cut into small cubes
- Cold water: 1/2 cup (118g)
Ingredients for the Filling:
- Chicken breast: 550g, cooked and shredded
- Potatoes: 3 small, boiled and diced
- Carrot: 1 medium-sized, diced
- Red capsicum (bell pepper): 1/2, diced
- Green peas: 1/2 cup
- Garlic: 5 cloves, minced
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Olive oil
- Chicken bouillon cube: 1 (such as Knorr)
- Ground black pepper
- Water: 1/3 cup
- Skyflakes or plain biscuit crumbs
- Oyster sauce: 1 tbsp
- Soy sauce: 1 tbsp
- Brown sugar: 2 tbsp
- Egg: 1, for egg wash
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the chilled butter cubes. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overworking the dough.
- Divide the dough into smaller portions, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Filling:
- In a pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent.
- Add carrots, cooking until slightly softened.
- Incorporate potatoes, red capsicum, green peas, and shredded chicken. Mix well.
- Season with black pepper, chicken bouillon cube, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add water and let the mixture simmer until the vegetables are tender and flavors have melded. Let it cool.
- Assemble the Empanadas:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out each portion of chilled dough into a circle on a floured surface.
- Place a spoonful of the filling on one half of each dough circle, leaving a margin around the edge. Sprinkle with biscuit crumbs.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a semi-circle and press the edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush the tops of the empanadas with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the empanadas are golden brown and crisp.
- Serve:
- Allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm.
Creative Filling Ideas:
- Spicy Chicken: Add a dash of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the chicken filling for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack for spice, or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a gooey texture.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with a mixture of mashed beans, corn, and diced vegetables for a vegetarian version. Spices and herbs can be adjusted to complement the veggies.
- Seafood Twist: Consider using shrimp or a mix of seafood instead of chicken for a delightful seafood empanada. Combine with garlic, parsley, and a splash of white wine in the filling.
Dough Tips:
- Gluten-Free Option: For those who are gluten-sensitive, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Adjust the water content as needed since gluten-free flour tends to absorb more liquid.
- Herb-Infused Dough: Mix dried herbs such as oregano, basil, or thyme directly into the dough mixture for an additional layer of flavor in the crust.
Cooking Techniques:
- Deep-Frying: For an even more indulgent treat, you can deep-fry the empanadas instead of baking them. This results in a crispier exterior. Be sure to seal them well to prevent leaking in the oil.
- Air Frying: As a healthier alternative to deep-frying, use an air fryer to cook the empanadas. Brush them with a little oil and cook until golden and crispy. This method reduces the oil content without compromising on the crispy texture.
Serving Suggestions:
- Dipping Sauces: Enhance the serving presentation with a variety of dipping sauces. Classic choices include chimichurri, salsa verde, guacamole, or a creamy cilantro-lime sauce.
- Side Dishes: Pair empanadas with simple sides such as a light arugula salad, tomato salad, or a tangy coleslaw to balance the richness of the pastry.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips:
- Freezing: Assembled empanadas can be frozen before baking. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in an oven or toaster oven to maintain the crispness of the pastry, which is preferable to microwaving.
Presentation:
- Personal Touch: Use a small cookie cutter to cut out shapes from dough scraps and attach them to the top of the empanadas before baking for a personalized touch. This can also be a way to indicate different fillings.
- Party Platter: Serve them on a rustic wooden board with garnishes like lime wedges and herbs, making it an inviting center spread for gatherings.
Tips for Perfect Empanadas:
- Chilling the Dough: Ensure the dough is well-chilled before rolling it out. This makes it easier to handle and helps produce a flakier crust.
- Sealing the Edges: Securely sealing the edges of the empanadas is key to preventing the filling from leaking during baking.
- Crispiness: If you prefer a crispier texture, you can brush the empanadas with a little more egg wash halfway through baking.
Enjoy crafting these delicious homemade chicken empanadas, a delightful treat that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion!