Delicious Chicken and Apple Empanadas Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen! As a chef, I believe in bringing bold flavors and endless possibilities to the table. Today, I am excited to share with you my signature Chicken and Apple Empanadas recipe – a perfect blend of Brazilian and American cuisine.
These savory empanadas are filled with tender diced cooked chicken, tart Granny Smith apples, and smoked cheddar cheese to give an unexpected flavor to your taste buds. Combined with the sweetness of honey and the aroma of thyme, each bite creates a unique explosion of flavors in your mouth.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also easy-to-make and perfect for any occasion. Serve them as an appetizer or a party snack, they will be the star of the show!
So, join me in creating these amazing empanadas that will be sure to impress even the most discerning foodie. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What if you could enjoy the perfect combination of sweet and savory in just one bite? That’s exactly what our Chicken and Apple Empanadas recipe delivers. This dish is a delicious twist on a classic empanada recipe, featuring a mouthwatering blend of savory diced cooked chicken and tart Granny Smith apples. But that’s not all – we’ve also added the rich and smoky flavor of smoked cheddar cheese to this recipe for an even more satisfying taste.
This recipe is perfect for those who love to experiment with bold flavors in their cooking. It’s also easy to make, using readily available ingredients that won’t require a major trip to the grocery store. The empanada dough is flaky and delicious, thanks to the use of puff pastry, which gives it both the beautiful texture and an unbeatable crunch.
You can choose between baked or fried options depending on your preference, but either way, these empanadas are going to be a crowd-pleaser. The result is a crispy crust that gives way to tender filling that will leave you craving more.
Whether you’re looking for a unique appetizer, a lunch snack or even breakfast idea, this recipe has got you covered. And if you want to make it extra special, try adding some caramel apple sauce on top for an added layer of rich flavor.
There’s no need to settle for plain old tacos or boring hand-pies – our Chicken and Apple Empanadas blend fun and exciting flavors into every bite. Try it out today and get ready to experience the best that Brazilian-American cuisine has to offer!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious chicken and apple empanadas:
For the filling:
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded smoked cheddar cheese
Empanada dough:
- 1 package puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed according to package instructions
To assemble:
- 1 egg, beaten
These empanadas ingredients are easy to find in any grocery store and will make around 14 empanadas.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients gathered and prepared, it’s time for the fun part – making the Chicken and Apple Empanadas! Follow these simple steps to ensure an delicious outcome.
Step 1: Preheat oven
Before starting with the recipe, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. This will ensure that your empanadas cook evenly and become crisp on the outside.
Step 2: Saute Garlic and Butter
In a pan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon (14g) of unsalted butter until it starts to foam. Add in 1 minced garlic clove, and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook Chicken
Add your 2 cups of diced cooked chicken into the pan with the garlic butter, tossing it around until it is warmed through. Remember to separately cook your chicken beforehand if not yet cooked.
Step 4: Prepare Filling
In a bowl, mix together cooked chicken mixture from Step 3 with 2 diced granny smith apples, 3/4 cup smoked cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of thyme. Set aside.
Step 5: Fill Dough
Using either store-bought puff pastry or homemade empanada dough recipe, cut out circles around 4 inches in diameter each. Spoon around 2 tablespoons of filling into each empanada round circle.
Step 6: Close/Pinch Dough
Fold over your dough circles in half to create a singular shell, then use a fork’s tines to crimp, “pinch”, or seal the edges shut. Repeat until all dough filled with filling are made.
Step 7: Egg Wash and Bake!
In another bowl, whisk together one egg yolk and one tablespoon of water. Using a pastry brush or similar alternative, generously brush over the top of each pocket of dough. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Now that they’re baked and ready to go, serve hot and enjoy your delicious Chicken and Apple Empanadas!
Substitutions and Variations
I know that not everyone has the same ingredients on hand at all times. Luckily, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can make to the recipe:
– Meat options: If you don’t have chicken or don’t eat meat, feel free to substitute it with some ground beef, turkey, or even shredded pork. You can adjust any seasonings accordingly.
– Cheese options: Smoked cheddar cheese will add a lot of flavor and richness to the dish, but you can use any other types of cheese that you prefer, such as Monterey jack, mozzarella, or feta for a tangier kick.
– Apple options: Granny Smith apples are an excellent choice as they hold up well in the pastry and give a good balance of tartness and sweetness. But you can also try using other varieties like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for a sweeter taste.
– Herbs: Thyme gives these empanadas a lovely aroma and balances the flavors wonderfully. However, you could also use rosemary, oregano or cumin for different flavor profiles.
– Pastry options: If you don’t want to use puff pastry, you can substitute it with pie crust dough or even homemade empanada dough if you have it available.
– Baking alternatives: If you don’t want to bake your empanadas in the oven, try making them in an air fryer for less grease and quicker preparation time.
– Sweet options: For dessert empanadas or hand pies try using apple pie filling instead of diced cooked chicken for a sweet treat. You could also sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of your baked empanadas for a sweet finish.
Remember that these are just suggestions! Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and techniques to make this recipe your own.
Serving and Pairing
These chicken and apple empanadas are incredibly versatile and can be served as a snack, appetizer or even as a main course. They go perfectly with a wide variety of side dishes and drinks, making them a great choice for any meal.
If you’re looking for a simple and tasty pairing option, I recommend serving these empanadas with a classic green salad. The fresh greens will help to balance out the richness of the pastry while providing a perfect crunch. You could also try serving them with a side of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli or sweet potatoes.
For those who want to take things up a notch, I suggest making a homemade salsa to serve alongside the empanadas. A simple tomato salsa or tangy cilantro-lime salsa would be excellent options, adding both flavor and freshness to this dish.
When it comes to drinks, there are plenty of choices that will complement these empanadas well. If you’re looking for something crisp and refreshing, a glass of sparkling water or an ice-cold beer would be perfect. If you prefer something sweeter, try pairing them with apple cider or even a caramel latte.
Overall, these chicken and apple empanadas are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving and pairing options. Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy or something more gourmet, there’s an option that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve made a delicious batch of chicken and apple empanadas, you might be wondering about how to store them until it’s time to serve. Good news is, these empanadas can be made ahead of time and stored properly for later consumption.
To make ahead, prepare the empanadas by following the recipe directions, then let them cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat the empanadas, preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the empanadas on baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
Alternatively, if you prefer extra crispy empanadas, air fryer works wonders as well! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the empanadas for about seven minutes or until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
If you have any leftovers that you’d like to store for later, be sure to let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator or freezer (if you plan on storing them for more than three days).
Chicken and apple empanadas are an excellent addition to your meal prep routine. Whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them as a ready-to-go meal throughout the week.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you know how to make the chicken and apple empanadas recipe, let me give you some tips to ensure the perfect results.
1. Use Cold Puff Pastry
Using cold puff pastry is essential to achieve a flaky and crispy pastry crust. Be sure to keep it in the fridge until you are ready to use it.
2. Prebake the Pastry Crust
Prebaking the pastry crusts for five to six minutes allows them to hold up better during baking and prevent sogginess.
3. Don’t Overstuff Empanadas
It’s tempting to overstuffed empanadas with ingredients, but that can cause them to burst open while baking. Therefore, avoid overfilling and leave enough room around the edges of the dough for sealing.
4. Chill Empanadas Before Baking
Chilling empanadas before baking allows them to firm up and seal better, preventing them from opening up while baking.
5. Egg Wash for Golden Brown Finish
Egg wash creates a beautiful golden brown finish on top of your empanadas. Mix one egg with a tablespoon of water and brush lightly over each pastry before baking.
6. Experiment with Fillings
While this recipe calls for chicken and apple filling, feel free to experiment with other combinations such as beef and cheese or even traditional flavors like spinach and feta cheese.
7. Serve Hot
Chicken and Apple Empanadas are best served hot out of the oven with a drizzle of honey or your favorite dipping sauce.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your chicken and apple empanadas come out perfect each time you make them.
FAQ
Now that we know the ingredients and steps to make this delightful recipe for Chicken and Apple Empanadas, let’s go over some of the most frequently asked questions to ensure that we can avoid any potential problems in the kitchen. These FAQ should help clear up any doubts you might be having about this recipe and how to best prepare it.
Should empanadas be baked or fried?
When it comes to making empanadas, there are two ways to achieve palate-pleasing results. If you’re aiming for a healthier snack option, opting to bake them in the oven is recommended. However, if you’re pressed for time, frying them is a quicker alternative. Either way, your taste buds are guaranteed to be satisfied.
What are 3 types of empanadas?
In the city of Tucumán, which is famously known for hosting the National Empanada Festival, empanadas are made with three regional fillings – beef, tripe, and chicken – wrapped in dough and cooked in beef fat inside a clay oven.
Is empanada dough the same as pie dough?
The dough used for empanadas has a texture that is distinct from the flaky crust of a pie. While frozen pie crust dough can be used as a substitute, the empanada dough has a more tender texture which allows it to soak up the filling without becoming soggy. This type of dough is perfect for both baked and fried empanadas, making it a versatile choice for a handheld dish.
Are empanadas usually corn or flour?
Incorporating a savory blend of meat and potatoes wrapped in deep fried corn dough, empanadas are a famous street food found in Colombia.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this chicken and apple empanadas recipe is a must-try. With its irresistible combination of flavors and the convenience of puff pastry, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re seeking a savory main course or a sweet dessert, its versatility is unmatched. Not to mention, the ability to substitute ingredients or customize the recipe allows for an endless array of possibilities.
Don’t let the thought of making empanadas intimidate you – this recipe is easy to follow and will impress anyone who takes a bite. From baked to fried, there are multiple ways to cook these delectable pockets of goodness. And if you’re looking for a healthier option, try using an air fryer instead.
Overall, I highly recommend this chicken and apple empanadas recipe as a staple in your culinary repertoire. It’s perfect for beginner chefs wanting to experiment with new flavors or experienced cooks looking for a unique twist on traditional empanadas. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, offering endless possibilities for customization and creativity. Give it a try and let your taste buds be the judge!
Chicken and Apple Empanadas Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups diced cooked chicken
- 2 granny smith apples, peeled and shopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 small white onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded smoked cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 200C/400°F.
- Fry apple, garlic and onion in the butter until soft. Add thyme, salt and pepper, honey and chicken. Allow to cool slightly and mix in the cheddar.
- Roll out the puff pastry until about 2-3 mm thick. Using a glass cut out circles of the pastry. Roll the scraps and keep making circles until you've little to no pastry left.
- Place about a tablespoon of filling on each circle and seal the edges with egg wash and use a fork to press down to seal.
- Brush with egg wash and bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown. You can deep fry these as well, but you will only need to fry for about 3-4 minutes.
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.