Empanditas
Empanadas with tender chicken filling and a hint of chili, encased in flaky dough, perfect for snacks or light meals, appealing to those who enjoy flavorful hand pies.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put flour, sugar, and salt into a bowl. Cut in butter and shortening. Mix in egg yolk and sprinkle in water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until dough forms a ball.
- Flour a board and knead dough until springy for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Divide dough in half and roll each half to 1/8 to 1/16-inch thickness.
- Cut into 2 1/2-inch rounds.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier dough, ensure your butter and shortening are cold before cutting them in. If you want a spicier filling, consider adding diced jalapeños or using a different chili sauce. You can also substitute half the chicken with cooked vegetables for a vegetarian option. If you need a quicker solution, store-bought pie crust can work in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve empanditas warm with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as the delicious Pefoff or a tangy salsa. They make a great appetizer or snack, and pair well with a fresh salad, like a Japanese Cabbage Salad, for a light meal. Consider serving them alongside a refreshing drink to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover empanditas 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 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Empanditas contains roughly 855 calories, with 7g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1621mg per serving (70% 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 make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to use it, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before rolling it out to make the empanditas.
What can I use as a filling instead of chicken?
You can use various fillings such as ground beef, cheese and spinach, or even a mix of beans and vegetables for a vegetarian option. Experimenting with different fillings can create unique flavors and textures in your empanditas.
How do I know when the empanditas are done baking?
Empanditas are done when they are golden brown on the outside and feel firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overbaking, as they can quickly become too dry.
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).