Speedy Gonzales Chicken Empanadas Fiesta in a Flash
- Recipe Introduction
- What's the Story? My Empanada Epiphany
- Why These Chicken Empanadas?
- Ingredients You'll Need
- Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Fiesta Started!
- Speedy Gonzales Chicken Empanadas: Baking Like a Boss
- Recipe Notes for Your Chicken Empanadas Fast & Easy Adventure
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a fiesta? Are you craving Chicken Empanadas Fast & Easy , but think they are too much effort? Honestly, these are so simple, even I can make them after a night out! We're talking golden, flaky perfection with a savory chicken filling.
Brief Overview
Chicken Empanadas have roots in South American cuisine. This recipe is designed for speed and ease. It takes about 45 minutes and makes 6-8 empanadas.
Main Benefits
These hearty meals are packed with protein. They are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. What makes these special? ready-made pastry!
What's the Story? My Empanada Epiphany
Okay, so picture this. I’m scrolling through Instagram. I saw Chicken Empanadas Recipe and thought, "Ooh fancy". I had some leftover chicken and a party to go to and figured I'd be smart and make them.
Why These Chicken Empanadas?
The real star here is that we are using ready-made pie crust. I had a lot of mistakes making dough.
This saves time without sacrificing taste. That means you can have Quick Chicken Empanadas without all the fuss.
Ingredients You'll Need
Right, let’s talk ingredients. We're using simple stuff. Nothing too cheffy, promise. For the Savory Chicken filling, you’ll need: olive oil, onion, garlic, red bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, cooked shredded chicken, frozen corn, cheddar cheese, and cilantro.
And for the empanadas themselves: refrigerated pie crusts (the shortcut!), and an egg for that golden finish. It's really that simple to make-ahead Empanadas .
So, are you ready to make these amazing empanadas? Let's dive in and get cooking!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Fiesta Started!
So, you want to make some Chicken Empanadas Fast & Easy ? Ace! Before we get our hands dirty, let's gather our troops, by the way, these are seriously easy.
Even I can’t mess them up!
Main Ingredients
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
- Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped (around 1 cup/150g)
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (about 1 teaspoon)
- Red bell pepper: 1 , finely diced (approx. 1 cup/150g)
- Chili powder: 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
- Ground cumin: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml)
- Smoked paprika: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml)
- Dried oregano: 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml)
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml)
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml)
- Cooked chicken: 1 ½ cups , shredded (about 200g) Look for juicy, not dry chicken for best results.
- Frozen corn: ½ cup , thawed (approx. 75g)
- Cheddar cheese: ½ cup , shredded (approx. 50g)
- Cilantro: ¼ cup , chopped (approx. 15g)
- Refrigerated pie crusts: 1 package (14.1 oz / 400g) or pre-made empanada discs.
- Egg: 1 large , beaten (for egg wash)
You can find all that in the supermarket near the frozen pizzas if you are in doubt. I had a nightmare once when they changed the place.
.. and spent half an hour wandering round.
Seasoning Notes
This Savory Chicken filling is all about the spice. You know, chili powder and cumin are the base. Smoked paprika? Adds that sexy smokiness.
Don't skip it! If you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a Hearty Meals kick. Out of oregano? Marjoram works in a pinch.
Equipment Needed
Okay, less is more! You need a skillet, knife, cutting board, mixing bowl, rolling pin (if you're using pie crusts not disks), baking sheet, and a fork.
That's it! No fancy gadgets needed for these Quick Chicken Empanadas . No rolling pin? Use a wine bottle. Sorted!
So that is all you need to prepare this Chicken Empanadas Fast & Easy , Let's get cooking!
Speedy Gonzales Chicken Empanadas: Baking Like a Boss
Let's talk Chicken Empanadas Fast & Easy . I'm gonna let you in on a secret. I used to be terrified of making empanadas.
All that talk about dough freaked me out. But then I found this cheat, and now boom , empanadas whenever I fancy.
Prep Like a Pro, Not a Stress Case
First things first: mise en place . Sounds fancy, yeah? It just means getting your ducks in a row. Chop that onion, mince the garlic, dice the bell pepper.
Shred your cooked chicken. I use leftover roast chicken. Honestly? Makes life so much easier. It's a time saving hack. Mix your spices: chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Have your cheese, corn, and cilantro ready too. ready-made pie crusts are your best mate. They are the best shortcut for Chicken Empanadas Recipe ever.
Empanada Assembly: Your step-by-step Adventure
Time to get busy. I recommend following these steps.
- Sauté your onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until they soften.
- Add that diced bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until the pepper softens a bit.
- Mix in your shredded chicken, thawed corn, cheddar cheese, and chopped cilantro. Make sure the filling is consistent. Set it aside to cool slightly.
- Unroll your pie crusts. Roll them a bit thinner if you want. Cut out circles 4-5 inches in diameter.
- Spoon a dollop of that amazing chicken filling into each circle.
- Fold it over to make a half moon. Press the edges together and crimp with a fork.
- Brush the top with a beaten egg for a golden shine.
- Bake in a 375° F ( 190° C) oven for 20- 25 minutes , until golden brown.
Expert Empanada Intel: Tips for a Top-Notch Bake
Don't overfill the empanadas. Trust me, it's a disaster waiting to happen! Let the filling cool a bit. Warm filling melts the pastry and that's a mess.
Crimp those edges tight . You want all that savory chicken goodness to stay inside!
Common mistake : soggy empanadas! Cooling the filling solves that. These Quick Chicken Empanadas are such a win. The Empanadas Recipe is as easy as pie. Get it?
And that is how you bake Chicken Empanadas easy and fast.
Recipe Notes for Your Chicken Empanadas Fast & Easy Adventure
Right, so you're about to embark on making these amazing Chicken Empanadas Fast & Easy . Honestly, they're so simple, it's almost criminal.
But before you dive in, let's go through some helpful notes. These are the bits that elevate these Quick Chicken Empanadas from just "good" to "Oh my gosh, these are incredible!"
Plating Like a Pro, Serving Like a Star
Presentation matters, right? Don't just chuck them on a plate. Arrange your savory chicken empanadas artfully. Think of it like this: three empanadas per person, maybe with a dollop of sour cream on the side.
For drinks, a cold Mexican beer is spot-on. Or, go fancy with a margarita. On the side why not add a small salad?
Storage Secrets: Keeping the Fiesta Alive
Got leftovers? (If you do, you're stronger than me!). Let the empanadas cool completely. Then, pop them into an airtight container.
They'll be happy in the fridge for up to 3 days .
Want to freeze them? Wrap each empanada individually in cling film, then put them in a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 2 months .
When reheating, bake from frozen at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. It will take longer about 20 minutes instead of 10!
Remix Time: Dietary Swaps & Seasonal Twists
Fancy making them vegetarian? Swap the chicken for black beans or roasted sweet potato. Add some extra spices.
If you want to avoid gluten, you can use gluten-free ready-made dough. It will taste just as good!
Nutrition Nuggets: A Wholesome Treat
Each of these Chicken Empanadas clocks in around 350-400 calories. You're getting a decent hit of protein (about 20g) and those comforting carbs (25-30g).
It is important to note that fat can be high in the region of 20-25g.
These hearty meals aren't just tasty. They provide energy and essential nutrients. They are definitely a good option for a quick and easy dinner!
So there you have it. With these tips, your Chicken Empanadas Recipe is guaranteed to be a hit! Enjoy the process.
Most importantly, enjoy the results. Go on, get baking those Party Empanadas Recipe !
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these Chicken Empanadas Fast & Easy enough for a weeknight dinner, or are they more of a weekend treat?
Absolutely! These Chicken Empanadas Fast & Easy are designed with busy weeknights in mind. Using ready-made pastry dough cuts down on prep time significantly, so you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under 45 minutes. Think of it as a posh ready meal, without the guilt.
Can I prep the filling for these Speedy Gonzales Chicken Empanadas ahead of time?
You bet! Making the filling ahead of time is a great way to save even more time later. You can prepare the filling a day or two in advance, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and then just assemble and bake the empanadas when you're ready.
Think of it as your secret chef hack you'll have dinner sorted before you've even put the kettle on!
My empanadas sometimes burst open while baking. What am I doing wrong, and how can I prevent it with these Chicken Empanadas Fast & Easy?
Bursting empanadas are a common issue, but easily fixed! The most likely cause is overfilling or not sealing the edges properly. Don't be too generous with the filling a tablespoon or two per empanada is usually plenty. Make sure to press the edges firmly together and crimp them with a fork.
Cooling the filling slightly before assembling will also prevent the pastry from getting soggy and bursting.
How long do Chicken Empanadas Fast & Easy last, and what's the best way to store leftovers?
Leftover empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may lose some of their crispness.
Can I freeze these Chicken Empanadas Fast & Easy, and if so, what's the best way to do it?
Yes, empanadas freeze beautifully! To freeze, place the assembled (but unbaked) empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container.
When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Make sure to egg wash before freezing for a better colour.
Speedy Gonzales Chicken Empanadas Fiesta In A Fl
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 25-30g |
