Chicken Empandas
Chicken empanadas with a flavorful filling of chicken, green chilies, and low-fat cheeses wrapped in a cornmeal crust, perfect for a savory snack or light meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chicken, chilies, cottage cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese in a medium bowl; stir well.
- Set aside.
- Combine 3/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup cornmeal, and red pepper in a large bowl.
- Cut in margarine with a pastry blender until mixture is like coarse cornmeal.
- Sprinkle cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, evenly over surface of mixture.
- Stir with a fork until dry ingredients are moistened.
- Shape into a ball.
- Cover and chill for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding spices such as cumin or garlic powder to the chicken mixture. If you want a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick, or try using Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these chicken empanadas with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping. A fresh green salad or a cup of Spinach Soup(Spinatsuppe) pairs well for a complete meal. For a fun twist, you could also serve them with a refreshing yogurt sauce or a side of corn salad to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. For a crispy texture, you can also reheat them in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Empandas contains roughly 288 calories, with 7g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 719mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze chicken empanadas?
Yes, you can freeze the empanadas before baking. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of green chilies?
If you don't have green chilies, you can substitute with diced bell peppers or jalapeños for a bit of heat. Alternatively, use drained canned diced tomatoes with green chilies for a similar flavor profile.
How can I make these empanadas spicier?
To add more heat, consider mixing in some diced jalapeños or using a spicier cheese like pepper jack. You can also increase the amount of ground red pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).