Name: Shredded Chicken Empanadas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable or canola oil); ½ yellow onion, diced; 2 bell peppers (any color), diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 1 cup water; 10 frozen empanada dough rounds (such as Goya, thawed); 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 13 reviews

If you are searching for a dish that delivers a perfect blend of hearty warmth and irresistible flavor, these Shredded Chicken Empanadas Recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Crispy, golden crusts encase a tender, savory filling packed with juicy shredded chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a medley of spices that awaken your taste buds with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or just a cozy night in, these empanadas offer comfort food with a festive flair that will have everyone asking for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an arrangement of clear glass bowls placed on a white marbled surface, each filled with different ingredients. There are a total of 11 bowls: one with shredded white chicken pieces in the center, one with small diced red bell peppers to the left, one with yellow diced bell peppers on the right, one with diced white onions at the bottom right, one containing red sauce at the top, one with minced garlic below the red bell peppers, one with dried herbs beneath the yellow bell peppers, one with ground spices below the chicken, one with black pepper above the chicken, and one with a white powdery ingredient near the red sauce. Two white circles of dough are stacked on a white cloth at the top right, and a single white egg is positioned near the bottom left of the display. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is a breeze for this recipe, yet each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make these empanadas truly shine. From fresh vegetables to aromatic spices and ready-to-use dough, everything combines effortlessly to create a dish that tastes like you spent hours perfecting it.

2 tablespoons neutral oil: Essential for sautéing your vegetables without overpowering flavors.
½ yellow onion (diced): Adds subtle sweetness and a pleasant crunch once cooked.
2 bell peppers (any color, diced): Bring vibrant color and a fresh, slightly sweet note to the filling.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a fragrant, savory depth essential to the dish’s character.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that enriches the filling and adds a beautiful hue.
2 teaspoons ground cumin: Provides warm, earthy undertones that complement the chicken perfectly.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a hint of herbal brightness to balance the richness.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, making every bite satisfying.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
2 cups shredded cooked chicken: The hearty star of the dish, tender and juicy.
1 cup water: Helps simmer the filling to juicy perfection without drying it out.
10 frozen empanada dough rounds (thawed): Convenient base that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
1 large egg (lightly beaten): For brushing the empanadas to achieve a glossy, golden crust.

How to Make Shredded Chicken Empanadas Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by heating the neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced yellow onion and bell peppers. Cooking these until they’re soft and fragrant, usually about 5 to 7 minutes, builds a flavorful base. Then add the minced garlic and cook just until you can smell its amazing aroma, which should only take about 30 to 60 seconds.

Step 2: Season and Simmer

Next, stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for about two minutes until the tomato paste begins to darken. This step intensifies the flavors and awakens the spices. Then, add the shredded chicken and water. Let the mixture simmer until most of the liquid evaporates and the chicken is heated through, resulting in a juicy, flavor-packed filling. Allow it to cool slightly before moving on.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

With your filling ready, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things easy and mess-free. Lay out each thawed empanada dough round and spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling onto the center. Lightly moisten the edges with water—this is your secret to a perfect seal. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, then press the edges shut with a fork for a decorative and secure finish.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the sealed empanadas on your baking sheet and gently brush the tops with the beaten egg. This step is what transforms them into gorgeous golden treats. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the pastries are crisp and have a deep golden color. The enticing aroma that fills your kitchen will be impossible to resist.

How to Serve Shredded Chicken Empanadas Recipe

There is a baking tray lined with brown parchment paper, on top of which are ten uncooked empanadas arranged in two rows of five. Each empanada is shaped like a half-moon with edges pressed down and fork-pressed to seal, showing a pale yellow dough. The surface of the dough looks smooth with slight puffiness from the filling inside. A woman’s hand is holding a brush at the bottom right corner, brushing the empanada with a shiny egg wash. The tray is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate the presentation of your Shredded Chicken Empanadas Recipe with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. A dollop of cool sour cream or a zingy chimichurri sauce on the side adds creaminess or a herby kick, making each bite even more delightful.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides such as a crunchy mixed green salad dressed lightly with lime and olive oil, or some vibrant Spanish rice to round out the meal. For a heartier option, roasted vegetables can add a wonderful contrast in texture and flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving your empanadas on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of dipping sauces not only looks stunning but encourages everyone to dig in and share. For a party, arrange them in a circular pattern and sprinkle some finely chopped green onions or diced tomatoes over the top for a pop of extra flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The empanadas will keep well for 3 to 4 days, maintaining their delicious flavors and flaky texture with just a quick reheat.

Freezing

These empanadas are freezer friendly, making them an excellent make-ahead option. Before baking, arrange the assembled empanadas on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. When you want a tasty snack or meal, just bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To enjoy the empanadas the next day, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method helps restore their crispiness much better than a microwave, keeping the outer crust golden and flaky with the filling warm and delicious inside.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Shredded Chicken Empanadas Recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option that adds great flavor and saves time. Just be sure to shred it finely so it mixes well with the other filling ingredients.

What if I don’t have empanada dough rounds? Can I make my own dough?

Yes, you can certainly make homemade dough if you prefer. Simple dough recipes with flour, butter, salt, and water work wonderfully and give you control over thickness and texture.

Can these empanadas be baked instead of fried?

This Shredded Chicken Empanadas Recipe is designed to be baked, which results in a beautifully crisp and golden crust without the extra oil from frying, keeping the dish lighter but still delicious.

How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat?

The recipe has a mild warmth from black pepper and cumin but is not spicy. You can easily increase heat by adding chili powder or chopped jalapeños to the filling if you like a bit of a kick.

Can I make the filling vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the shredded chicken with a hearty vegetable or bean mixture. Mushrooms, black beans, or even roasted sweet potatoes can make fantastic filling alternatives.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Shredded Chicken Empanadas Recipe with you feels like inviting a dear friend to a comforting meal that warms both the stomach and heart. It’s an easy-to-make dish bursting with vibrant flavors and textures that never get old. Whether enjoyed as a snack or part of a festive spread, these empanadas promise satisfaction with every bite. Give them a try soon, and watch how quickly they disappear at your table!

Shredded Chicken Empanadas Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need