Chicken Empanadas with Savory Veggie Filling
Warm, flaky Chicken Empanadas with a savory veggie filling, combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a golden, crispy crust. Perfect for quick dinners, snacks, or meal prep with customizable variations for all tastes.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 empanadas 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free dough)
Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast or thigh
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red or green)
- 1 medium diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Dough and Finishing
- 1 package pre-made empanada dough or homemade pastry dough (enough for about 12 empanadas)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers; cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add shredded cooked chicken and fresh spinach, stirring until spinach wilts. Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine and remove from heat. Let the filling cool slightly before assembling.
- Assemble the Empanadas: Roll out the empanada dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut dough into circles using a round cutter or small bowl, about 4-5 inches in diameter. Place a generous spoonful of the cooled filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press edges firmly and crimp with a fork to seal tightly.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place assembled empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each empanada with the beaten egg wash evenly to achieve a golden glossy finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is crisp and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove empanadas from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. This helps the filling set, ensuring a satisfying bite. Serve warm with optional garnishes or dipping sauces.
Notes
- Use warm, not hot, filling to prevent soggy dough.
- Seal edges firmly or crimp with a fork to avoid filling leaks while baking.
- Do not overfill the empanadas to keep them manageable and bake evenly.
- Try puff pastry dough for a flakier crust or traditional empanada dough for a classic texture.
- Bake empanadas on parchment paper to avoid sticking and make cleanup easier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Chicken empanadas, savory empanadas, baked empanadas, homemade empanadas, veggie filling, easy dinner, gluten-free empanadas