Spicy Chicken & Cheese Empanadas
Elevate your lunch game with these Spicy Chicken & Cheese Empanadas. Packed with tender cooked chicken, two melty cheeses, and zesty green chilies, these hand-held pies offer a delightful twist on traditional sandwiches. Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep, these empanadas freeze beautifully and can be reheated for a quick snack or lunch option. Whether served warm straight from the oven or at room temperature for a picnic, they are sure to impress. Make them smaller for tasty appetizers at your next gathering!
N/A
Servings
133
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooked chicken
1 cup (Shredded or diced)
Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup (Grated)
Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (Grated)
Green chili
1 can (Chopped)
Minced garlic
1 teaspoon (Fresh)
Green onions
3 tablespoons (Minced)
Cumin
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Kosher)
Frozen pie crusts
2 (Thawed)
Egg yolks
3 (Beaten)
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons (For topping)
Chili powder
1 tablespoon (For topping)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, chopped green chilies, minced garlic, green onions, cumin, and salt. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the frozen pie crusts. Using a 4-inch round cutter, cut out circles from the dough and re-roll scraps if necessary.
4
Take approximately 2 tablespoons of the chilled chicken mixture and place it in the center of each dough circle, making sure to leave enough space at the edges for crimping.
5
Gently fold each dough circle in half over the filling to create a crescent shape. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges tightly.
6
Arrange the filled empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg yolks for a glossy finish.
7
In a small bowl, mix the kosher salt and chili powder. Sprinkle this mixture on top of each empanada.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 13 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
9
Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
10
To freeze, allow the empanadas to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) until heated through.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
11g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Chicken & Cheese Empanadas?
They are hand-held savory pies filled with tender cooked chicken, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, and zesty green chilies.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one cup of cooked chicken that is either shredded or diced.
What cheeses are used in these empanadas?
A blend of shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese provides a melty, flavorful filling.
How do I prepare the chicken filling?
Combine cooked chicken, cheeses, green chilies, minced garlic, green onions, cumin, and salt in a mixing bowl.
Why should the filling be refrigerated?
Refrigerating the filling for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together properly.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for the best results.
What kind of dough is used for the crust?
This recipe uses two thawed frozen pie crusts rolled out on a lightly floured surface.
What size should the dough circles be?
Use a 4-inch round cutter to cut circles from the rolled-out dough.
How much filling goes into each empanada?
Place approximately 2 tablespoons of the chilled chicken mixture in the center of each circle.
How do you seal the empanadas?
Fold the dough circle in half over the filling and use a fork to crimp and seal the edges tightly.
What is used for the egg wash?
Three beaten egg yolks are brushed over the tops to give the empanadas a glossy finish.
What is sprinkled on top of the empanadas?
A mixture of kosher salt and chili powder is sprinkled over the egg wash before baking.
How long do the empanadas need to bake?
Bake them for 12 to 13 minutes until they are golden brown and puffed.
Can I eat these empanadas cold?
Yes, they can be enjoyed warm straight from the oven or at room temperature.
Are these empanadas suitable for freezing?
Absolutely. Allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat frozen empanadas?
Bake them directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) until they are heated through.
Can I make these into appetizers?
Yes, you can make them smaller by using a smaller round cutter to create bite-sized appetizers.
What are the primary seasonings in the filling?
The filling is seasoned with minced garlic, green onions, ground cumin, and kosher salt.
How many calories are in one empanada?
Each empanada contains approximately 133 calories.
What is the protein content of these empanadas?
There are 8 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
Each empanada has about 11 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 7 grams of fat in each empanada.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is an excellent and convenient choice for the cooked chicken requirement.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 12 specific ingredients including the crust and toppings.
What type of chili is used in the filling?
One can of chopped green chilies is used to provide zest and mild heat.
Is the salt used in the filling the same as the topping?
Both parts of the recipe suggest using kosher salt for the best flavor profile.
Are these empanadas good for picnics?
Yes, because they can be served at room temperature, they are perfect for lunch boxes or picnics.
Should I line the baking sheet?
Yes, it is recommended to use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
How do I handle the dough scraps?
You can re-roll the scraps of the pie crust to cut out additional circles and minimize waste.
What gives the empanadas their spicy kick?
The combination of green chilies in the filling and chili powder in the topping provides the spice.