Easy Chicken Empanada Recipe: Crispy, Savory & Full of Latin Flavor
Chicken empanadas are that perfect comfort food we know you crave every day. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy and flavorful on the inside. You’re seriously missing out if you’ve never had one fresh out of the oven: golden, crispy, and still steaming. Have it as a quick snack, a cozy dinner, or a party hit. A good chicken empanada recipe delivers every single time.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through a delicious, easy-to-follow chicken empanada recipe inspired by the fan-favorites at Empanada Mama NYC. From the filling to the dough to our favorite tips and tricks, everything you need is right here. Now you can bring that Latin comfort food magic into your own kitchen.
Why Chicken Empanadas Are a Crowd Favorite
What’s not to love about a warm, crispy chicken empanada? They’re the ultimate comfort food, and they fit into any situation. Need a quick snack? Done. A cozy dinner? Absolutely. Something easy-yet-impressive to serve at a party? They’ve got you covered. They're hearty but not too heavy, and the best part? You get to decide the spice level, fillings, and textures.
Chicken empanadas are a staple in kitchens across Latin America, with each family and region adding their own unique twist to this beloved classic. And once you learn the basics of how to make chicken empanadas, the possibilities are endless. Swap in different spices, herbs, sauces, or cheeses; it's totally your call.
The Base: Easy Empanada Dough Recipe
Before we talk about filling, let’s get the base right. Here’s a foolproof empanada dough recipe even beginners can nail:
Ingredients:
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
½ cup cold butter, diced
1 egg yolk
⅔ cup ice water
Instructions:
Combine flour and salt in a large bowl.
Add butter and cut it in with your hands or a pastry cutter.
Mix in the egg yolk and slowly add ice water until the dough forms.
Wrap and chill for 30 minutes before using.
No time to make it from scratch? Use store-bought empanada discs or even pre-rolled pie crust in a pinch.
You can’t have a great chicken empanada recipe without a reliable empanada dough recipe, so this one’s your new go-to.
What’s in the Perfect Chicken Empanada Filling?
A killer filling is the heart of any great chicken empanada recipe. Here’s what we recommend for a balanced, juicy bite every time:
Protein: Start with cooked, shredded chicken breast for richness.
Veggies: Sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers bring in sweet and savory depth.
Spices: Don’t hold back on smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes.
Moisture: A spoonful of tomato paste or even a splash of broth keeps everything from drying out.
Optional: Fold in some cream cheese, sharp cheddar, or even olives if you're feeling bold.
Once cooled, this filling is easy to scoop and seals well in your empanada dough recipe. Master this, and you're halfway to learning how to make chicken empanadas like a pro.
Inspired Filling Ideas from Empanada Mama
Here are a few favorite flavors that you can try to level up your homemade chicken empanadas:
Spicy Chicken Empanada: The base ingredients are chicken, jalapeños, paprika, and cumin. Go crazy.
Shredded Chicken Empanada: Slow-cooked chicken with garlic, onions, and tomato, our mouths are watering from right here.
Buffalo Chicken Empanada: Classic buffalo flavor, creamy cheese, and that tangy spice hit, yum.
All of these are fun takes on a basic chicken empanada recipe, and they show just how playful things can get once you learn how to make chicken empanadas at home.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Chicken Empanadas
Once you’ve got your filling and dough ready, it’s go time. Here’s how to make chicken empanadas from scratch:
Roll your dough out and cut it into circles (about 5-6 inches).
Add 1-2 tablespoons of your chicken filling to the center.
Fold over into a half-moon, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
Place on a lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash.
Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until golden. If you want it extra crispy, you can try frying them instead.
Serve with dipping sauces like garlic aioli, hot sauce, or Empanada Mama’s iconic pink sauce.
Want to make the perfect dip while your empanadas bake? This creamy spinach dip recipe is always a crowd favorite.
Pro Tips to Make Them Even Better
If you want to further level up your homemade empanadas, these easy tips can take your chicken empanada recipe to the next level:
Always brush the tops with egg wash before baking for that gorgeous golden color.
Freeze your assembled (but unbaked) empanadas and bake straight from frozen; they’ll still come out delicious, and it saves time on busy weeknights.
If you want an additional boost of flavor, add shredded cheese, fresh herbs, or chopped hot peppers to your filling before sealing it up.
And don’t forget the sides. Pair your empanadas with sweet plantains or a citrusy green salad for a full-on meal that’s light, fresh, and totally satisfying.
Once you’ve got the hang of how to make chicken empanadas, these tiny upgrades will make you feel like an empanada pro.
Where to Get the Best Chicken Empanadas in NYC
If cooking isn’t on the agenda, head straight to Empanada Mama NYC; they’re open late and always ready to satisfy your cravings. Their chicken empanadas are juicy, flavorful, and absolutely packed. Whether you're into shredded, spicy, or even buffalo-style, there's a version with your name on it.
Can’t make it there in person? Order online from Empanada Mama and get the flavor delivered straight to your door.
