These cheesy chicken empanadas are 🔥just ask Choco
Save this recipe for the next time you’re craving crispy cheesy empanadas.
Chicken & Cheese Empanadas (from scratch)
INGREDIENTS
1 lb chicken breast, cubed
½ cup diced tomatoes
½ cup diced onion
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 tbsp sofrito
1 tsp adobo
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp sugar
¾ cup shredded cheddar
½ cup mozzarella cubes
Empanada Dough
2 cups all purpose flour
4 tbsp butter, melted and warm
½ cup warm water
½ tsp salt
Oil for frying (coconut oil or neutral oil)
Quick Sofrito (optional)
Blend:
½ green or cubanelle pepper
2 cloves garlic
¼ cup cilantro
1 celery stalk
2 tbsp naranja agria (or lime)
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat a skillet over medium high. Add 1 tsp sugar and let it melt until lightly golden.
2. Add cubed chicken seasoned with adobo, salt, pepper, lime, and sofrito.
3. Add onions and tomatoes. Cook about 1 minute.
4. Press in garlic and cook until chicken is tender and fully cooked (6 to 8 minutes).
5. Shred the chicken and mix with cheddar.
Dough
6. Mix flour and salt. Add warm butter and warm water.
7. Knead until smooth, about 3 to 4 minutes.
8. Roll dough very thin, almost paper thin.
Assemble
9. Cut circles about 4 to 5 inches wide.
10. Add chicken mixture and a small piece of mozzarella.
11. Fold and seal the edges.
Fry
12. Heat oil to about 350°F (175°C).
13. Fry 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
🐾 Choco’s plain chicken only 🐾
If you love comfort food that’s both flavorful and satisfying, making chicken and cheese empanadas at home is a fantastic way to indulge. I’ve tried many empanada recipes, and this one stands out because the dough becomes incredibly thin and crisp when fried, creating the perfect crunchy shell for the juicy chicken filling inside. The combination of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cubes adds a creamy, cheesy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender, well-seasoned chicken. One tip I’ve learned is to let the dough rest a little before rolling it out. This helps the gluten relax, making it easier to roll the dough paper-thin without tearing. Using a mix of butter and warm water in the dough ensures it stays soft yet strong enough to hold the filling during frying. The sofrito is a game changer. While optional, blending green pepper, garlic, cilantro, and citrus juice adds a refreshing brightness to the chicken mixture that elevates the overall taste. If you want to customize your empanadas further, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken for a smoky, spicy kick. Frying at the right temperature (about 350°F) is crucial to achieve a golden, crispy exterior without absorbing too much oil. If you prefer a healthier option, these empanadas can also be baked at 400°F until golden brown, though they won’t be quite as crispy. Lastly, a fun way to involve family or friends is making these empanadas a DIY activity—each person can fill and fold their own. It’s a rewarding hands-on experience that also makes the meal special. Whether you serve these as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
