Empanaditas
Empanaditas are flavorful, bite-sized pastries filled with seasoned chicken and chili sauce, perfect for snacking or as appetizers for gatherings and casual meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cooked, chopped chicken, chili sauce, and a pinch of chili powder together; set aside.
- In a bowl, combine plain flour, sugar, salt, margarine, shortening, and egg yolk.
- Gradually add water, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into circles.
- Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over to enclose the filling and seal the edges.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your empanaditas, consider adding diced onions or bell peppers to the chicken mixture. If you prefer a spicier kick, boost the chili powder or add some diced jalapeños. For a flaky crust, ensure your margarine and shortening are cold before mixing. If you're short on time, store-bought pie crust can substitute for homemade dough in this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Serve empanaditas warm with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping. They pair nicely with a fresh salad or a bowl of Tex-Mex Tortilla Soup for a complete meal. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside South-Of-The-Border Pockets for a festive gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover empanaditas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This will help maintain their crispiness, unlike microwaving, which may make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Empanaditas contains roughly 1253 calories, with 5g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 132g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 703mg 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
How do I know when the empanaditas are done?
Empanaditas are done when they are golden brown on the outside. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to ensure they don’t overbake. The filling should be heated through, which you can check by carefully cutting one open.
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).