Baked Chicken Empanadas – Golden, Flaky, and Filled with Flavor
Introduction
If you’re looking for the perfect savory pastry—flaky on the outside and tender, juicy on the inside—this Baked Chicken Empanadas Recipe delivers on all fronts. With a homemade crust that’s buttery and crisp and a flavorful filling of ground chicken, vegetables, and sweet raisins, these empanadas are ideal for meal prepping, snacking, or serving as an appetizer at gatherings.
Unlike deep-fried versions, this recipe is baked for a lighter, golden finish—without compromising on flavor or texture.
Why I Love This Recipe
Empanadas are the ultimate comfort food meets convenience. They’re easy to make ahead, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable. This version blends ground chicken with classic Filipino-style mix-ins like green peas, carrots, raisins, and potatoes—resulting in a sweet-savory filling that’s hearty and satisfying.
Best of all? The homemade dough is tender, buttery, and bakes up beautifully every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Filling:
- ½ kilo ground chicken
- 1 small carrot, finely chopped
- ½ cup green peas
- ¼ cup raisins
- 2 small potatoes, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 stick cold butter (½ cup), cubed
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup ice water
- ½ tsp salt
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp fresh milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes and mix using your fingertips or a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, egg, and ice water. Gradually pour into the flour mixture and combine until a dough forms.
- Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
2️⃣ Prepare the Filling:
- Heat oil in a pan. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the ground chicken and cook until golden brown.
- Stir in chopped carrots and potatoes. Let cook for 10 minutes.
- Add green peas and raisins. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer until veggies are tender. Let cool completely.
3️⃣ Assemble the Empanadas:
- Divide the chilled dough into golf-ball-sized pieces.
- Flatten each ball and roll out to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a bowl or cutter to make 4-inch rounds.
- Scoop 1–2 tablespoons of filling onto one half of each circle.
- Fold over and seal the edges by pressing with a fork or twisting.
- Place empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4️⃣ Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush each empanada with the egg wash (egg + milk mixture).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overfill the empanadas to prevent bursting during baking.
- Chill your dough thoroughly—it makes rolling easier and prevents shrinking.
- Let the filling cool completely before assembling to avoid soggy dough.
- Want extra crunch? Sprinkle a little sea salt on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These empanadas are great as a snack, lunchbox item, or party dish. Serve them with:
- A zesty dipping sauce like garlic mayo or sweet chili
- A fresh side salad like Tangy Chicken Salad
- A cozy side dish like One-Pan Breakfast Bake for a brunch spread
- Or add them to a party board alongside Chicken Enchiladas and Walking Tacos for a crowd
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Fridge: Store baked empanadas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze raw or baked empanadas for up to 2 months. Bake frozen empanadas straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through for the best texture.
More Savory Bakes You’ll Love
- Chicken Enchiladas – soft, saucy, and loaded with flavor
- Easy Turkey Wings – a lazy-Sunday dinner go-to
- One-Pan Breakfast Bake – perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead
Final Thoughts
These Baked Chicken Empanadas are a delicious fusion of flaky crust and flavorful filling—a recipe that feels both nostalgic and new. Whether you’re sharing with friends or saving a few for yourself, they’re always a hit fresh out of the oven.
Tried them? Let us know how they turned out! Tag your golden beauties and follow along at ChefManiac for more globally inspired comfort food.
