Description
These Easy Chipotle Chicken Empanadas are the ultimate crowd-pleaser — golden, crispy pastries filled with smoky chipotle-spiced chicken, creamy cheese, and fresh herbs. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a healthy snack, or exciting dinner ideas, this easy recipe checks all the boxes. Great for entertaining or freezing ahead, these flavorful hand pies are a must-try addition to your go-to food ideas.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup shredded cheese or cream cheese
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
10 empanada dough wrappers
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
1. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion in oil until soft and golden.
2. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the shredded chicken and mix well to coat with the spices.
5. Turn off the heat and mix in cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Stir in chopped cilantro and let the filling cool completely.
7. Lay out empanada wrappers on a floured surface and add 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of filling in the center.
8. Fold the dough into half-moons and seal the edges tightly with a fork.
9. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
10. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or until golden, or fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes per side.
11. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or fresh lime wedges.
Notes
Cool the filling completely before assembling to avoid soggy dough.
Don’t overfill the empanadas or they may burst during baking or frying.
Chill assembled empanadas for 15 minutes before baking for a crisper crust.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: Baked or Fried
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 380
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 12
- Cholesterol: 40
Keywords: easy dinner, healthy snack, chipotle chicken, empanadas, party food, make ahead meal