Easy Chipotle Chicken Empanadas

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I’ve always had a soft spot for handheld, golden-baked treats—especially when they come with a spicy, smoky filling. These Easy Chipotle Chicken Empanadas are one of my go-to recipes when I want something comforting, quick, and packed with flavor. The chipotle adds a bold kick to tender shredded chicken, all wrapped in a buttery, flaky pastry shell that’s impossible to resist.

I make these empanadas often for parties, game days, or even weeknight dinners when I want to mix things up. They’re incredibly versatile—you can serve them with a creamy cilantro dip, a zesty salsa, or just enjoy them as-is. Whether you bake them or fry them, they deliver on taste and texture every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chipotle Chicken Empanadas Recipe

These empanadas are everything you want in a savory snack or meal: crispy on the outside, juicy and spicy on the inside. They require minimal ingredients and come together easily with store-bought dough or pastry. The filling can be made in advance, making them ideal for meal prep or hosting. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can always have a batch ready to go!

What Kind of Dough Should I Use for Empanadas?

You can use store-bought empanada discs (usually found in the frozen section of Latin grocery stores) or pie crust if that’s what you have on hand. Puff pastry also works if you’re baking and want a flakier bite. I prefer empanada wrappers because they hold their shape well and offer the perfect balance of crisp and chew.

Options for Substitutions

• Protein: Swap chicken with ground beef, turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian option.
• Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chipotle in adobo or using mild salsa instead.
• Dough: Puff pastry, pie dough, or even biscuit dough can stand in for traditional empanada wrappers.
• Add-ins: Toss in corn, cheese, or sautéed peppers for extra flavor and texture.
• Dipping Sauce: Replace cilantro-lime crema with sour cream, guacamole, or hot sauce depending on your preference.

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Ingredients for This Easy Chipotle Chicken Empanadas Recipe

• Shredded cooked chicken: This is the heart of the filling—flavorful, tender, and easy to season. Leftover rotisserie chicken works great here.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: Adds smoky, spicy depth to the filling. You can blend the peppers or finely chop them to control the heat.
• Onion: Sautéed until golden, onions add sweetness and balance to the bold chipotle.
• Garlic: A must for layering savory flavor into the filling.
• Cumin: A warm spice that enhances the smokiness of the chipotle.
• Cream cheese or shredded cheese: Adds creaminess and binds the filling together. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all work.
• Fresh cilantro: For brightness and freshness in each bite.
• Salt & pepper: To season everything just right.
• Empanada dough wrappers: These hold the filling and turn golden and crispy when baked or fried. Store-bought or homemade.
• Egg (for egg wash): Brushed on the dough to give a beautiful, glossy finish.

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Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil and sauté the diced onion until soft and slightly caramelized. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in chopped chipotle peppers with a bit of adobo sauce, followed by cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix in the shredded chicken and stir until evenly coated. Turn off the heat and stir in cream cheese or shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Fold in chopped cilantro and let the mixture cool.

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Step 2: Assemble the Empanadas

Lay out your empanada discs on a lightly floured surface. Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of each one, being careful not to overfill. Fold the dough over into a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative and tight seal.

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Step 3: Apply Egg Wash

Whisk one egg with a tablespoon of water and brush the tops of the empanadas lightly. This will give them that golden, glossy finish when baked.

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Step 4: Bake or Fry

You can either bake the empanadas at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, or fry them in hot oil at 350°F (175°C) until crispy and golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

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Step 5: Serve with Dip

Serve warm with a creamy cilantro-lime dip, avocado crema, or your favorite salsa. Squeeze some fresh lime over the top for a burst of freshness.

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How Long to Prepare the Easy Chipotle Chicken Empanadas

Making these empanadas doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, which is one of the reasons I return to this recipe often.

Prep Time: If you already have cooked chicken on hand, prepping the filling and assembling the empanadas takes about 20–25 minutes. The filling itself comes together quickly on the stovetop, and the empanadas are simple to fill and fold once your station is set up.

Cooking Time: Baking takes 20–25 minutes at 400°F until golden brown. Frying is even faster, needing just 3–4 minutes per side. Overall, you’re looking at a total time of 40–45 minutes from start to finish.

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Tips for Perfect Easy Chipotle Chicken Empanadas

• Make sure your filling is completely cooled before assembling the empanadas. This prevents the dough from getting soggy.
• Don’t overfill—about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of filling per disc is just right.
• Seal the edges well using a fork or twist method to avoid leaks while cooking.
• For extra crispness, chill the assembled empanadas in the fridge for 15 minutes before baking.
• Add a splash of lime juice to the filling for extra brightness.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overfilling the dough: This can cause the empanadas to burst open while cooking.
• Skipping the egg wash: It adds essential color and sheen.
• Frying at the wrong temperature: Too hot and they’ll burn outside while staying raw inside; too low and they’ll be greasy.
• Using hot filling: Can make sealing difficult and the dough too soft.
• Not draining excess moisture from filling: Moist fillings can make the dough soggy or cause leaking.

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What to Serve With Easy Chipotle Chicken Empanadas?

1. Cilantro Lime Crema

A tangy, creamy dip that complements the smoky heat of the empanadas perfectly.

2. Fresh Mango Salsa

Sweet and spicy mango salsa adds a bright contrast and cools the palate.

3. Black Bean and Corn Salad

A fresh side with lime, cilantro, and crunch—it rounds out the meal with fiber and color.

4. Mexican Rice

Soft and fluffy, this is an excellent side to make the meal more filling.

5. Guacamole and Tortilla Chips

Add a casual snack-style twist by serving guac and chips alongside the empanadas.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store any leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.

Freezer: You can freeze both uncooked and cooked empanadas. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake frozen empanadas at 400°F, adding 5–7 minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating: Avoid the microwave for reheating, as it can make the pastry soggy. Instead, use an oven or air fryer for best texture.

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Estimated Nutrition (per empanada)

• Calories: ~220
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 380mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of chicken should I use?

Shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breast, or any leftover cooked chicken will work.

Can I make these empanadas ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them and freeze before baking. Just pop them into the oven directly from the freezer.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Absolutely. Baking at 400°F gives a crisp finish with less oil and mess.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

Use just one chipotle pepper or swap it for mild salsa or smoked paprika for flavor without heat.

Are these good for kids?

Yes! Just tone down the spice level and serve with a mild dipping sauce.

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Conclusion

These Easy Chipotle Chicken Empanadas check every box: bold flavor, quick prep, and irresistible texture. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, they’re endlessly customizable and always satisfying. Serve them up with your favorite sides and dips, and watch them disappear in no time!

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