Snacks

Chicken And Cheese Empanadas

Name: Chicken And Cheese Empanadas
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless; 1/2 cup (115g) grated cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup (55g) chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups (250g) empanada pastry, thawed

By Odette Greenwood · June 19, 2026 · Snacks

Prep30 min

Cook25 min

Total55 min

Serves8

I still remember the first time I tasted empanadas - the combination of crispy pastry, flavorful chicken, and melted cheese was love at first bite. As a home cook, I've experimented with various fillings, but this chicken and cheese empanada recipe remains a favorite. It's the perfect snack or light meal, easy to make and packed with protein.

What makes this recipe special is the balance of flavors and textures. The chicken is cooked to perfection, with a juicy interior and a crispy exterior, while the cheese adds a rich and creamy element. The empanada pastry is flaky and tender, with just the right amount of crunch.

This recipe is for anyone who loves empanadas, whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner. It's easy to follow, and the ingredients are readily available. You can also customize the filling to your taste, adding your favorite spices or herbs.

I like to make these empanadas on the weekends, when I have some extra time to spend in the kitchen. They're perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and they're also great for parties or gatherings. Just imagine the look on your guests' faces when you serve them a tray of freshly baked, cheesy empanadas.

So, if you're looking for a delicious and easy recipe to add to your repertoire, look no further. This chicken and cheese empanada recipe is a winner, and I'm excited to share it with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make and customizable to your taste
Perfect for snacks, meals, or parties
Packed with protein and flavor
Can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen for later
Great for beginners and experienced cooks alike
Delicious and satisfying, with a crispy exterior and a tender interior

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great empanadas is to use high-quality ingredients and to not overwork the dough. This ensures that the pastry remains tender and flaky, with a delicate texture that's not too dense or heavy.

Another important factor is the cooking temperature and time. By baking the empanadas at a moderate temperature, we can achieve a crispy exterior and a cooked interior without overcooking the filling.

The chicken filling is also important, as it needs to be cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) to ensure food safety. We use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature, and we make sure to cook the chicken until it's just done, so it remains juicy and flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delicious empanadas, you'll need a few ingredients, including chicken, cheese, and empanada pastry. You can find empanada pastry in most supermarkets, or you can make your own using flour, water, and oil.

When shopping for ingredients, look for high-quality chicken and cheese, and make sure to choose a good empanada pastry that's tender and flaky.

1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, bonelessWe use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe, as they're easier to cook and more tender than bone-in chicken. You can also use chicken breast if you prefer, but thighs have more flavor and moisture.
1/2 cup (115g) grated cheddar cheeseCheddar cheese is a great choice for empanadas, as it's sharp and flavorful. You can also use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, depending on your taste.
1/4 cup (55g) chopped onionOnion adds a sweet and savory flavor to the empanadas, and it's also a great texture contrast to the chicken and cheese. You can use any type of onion you like, but yellow or white onion works best.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a classic flavor combination with chicken and cheese, and it adds a depth of flavor to the empanadas. You can use more or less garlic depending on your taste, but 2 cloves is a good starting point.
1 tablespoon olive oilOlive oil is used to cook the chicken and onion, and it adds a rich and fruity flavor to the empanadas. You can use other types of oil if you prefer, but olive oil is a good choice for this recipe.
1 teaspoon cuminCumin is a warm and earthy spice that pairs well with chicken and cheese. It adds a nice depth of flavor to the empanadas and helps to balance out the other ingredients.
1/2 teaspoon paprikaPaprika is a mild and sweet spice that adds a nice color and flavor to the empanadas. You can use smoked or sweet paprika, depending on your taste.
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepperCayenne pepper is optional, but it adds a nice kick of heat to the empanadas. If you don't like spicy food, you can omit this ingredient or reduce the amount to your taste.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt is used to season the chicken and empanada pastry, and it helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. You can use more or less salt depending on your taste, but 1/2 teaspoon is a good starting point.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper is used to season the chicken and empanada pastry, and it adds a nice depth of flavor to the empanadas. You can use more or less pepper depending on your taste, but 1/4 teaspoon is a good starting point.
2 cups (250g) empanada pastry, thawedEmpanada pastry is the foundation of this recipe, and it's what gives the empanadas their characteristic texture and flavor. You can find empanada pastry in most supermarkets, or you can make your own using flour, water, and oil.

Ingredients for Chicken And Cheese Empanadas

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or sauté panInstant-read thermometerCutting boardSharp chef's knifeMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatulaBaking sheet lined with parchment paper

How to Make Chicken And Cheese Empanadas

1
Preheat your oven to 400 F (200 C).
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it's browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165 F (74 C).
5
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it cool to room temperature. Chop the chicken into small pieces and set it aside.
6
In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, grated cheese, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
7
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the empanada pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm). Cut out circles of pastry using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
8
Place a tablespoon or two of the chicken and cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry circle. Brush the edges of the pastry with a little water, then fold the pastry in half to enclose the filling. Press the edges together to seal the empanada.
9
Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each empanada. Brush the tops with a little olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
10
Remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Expert Tips

Make sure to handle the empanada pastry gently, as it can tear easily.
Don't overfill the empanadas, as this can cause them to burst open during baking.
If you want to freeze the empanadas, assemble them up to the point of baking, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Transfer the frozen empanadas to a freezer-safe bag or container and bake them frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
To reheat empanadas, bake them in a preheated oven at 350 F (180 C) for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and hot.
Experiment with different fillings, such as beef, pork, or vegetables, to create unique and delicious empanada variations.
For an extra crispy exterior, brush the empanadas with a little egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a little water) before baking.
To make empanadas ahead, assemble them up to the point of baking, then refrigerate or freeze them until ready to bake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overworking the empanada pastry, which can make it tough and dense.
Not cooking the chicken to a safe internal temperature, which can cause foodborne illness.
Overfilling the empanadas, which can cause them to burst open during baking.
Not leaving enough space between the empanadas on the baking sheet, which can cause them to stick together.
Not brushing the empanadas with olive oil before baking, which can cause them to dry out.
Not letting the empanadas cool for a few minutes before serving, which can cause them to fall apart.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or onions to the chicken and cheese mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, for a unique flavor profile.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, to the chicken and cheese mixture for extra flavor.
Use beef or pork instead of chicken for a different protein option.
Add some spice to the empanadas by incorporating diced jalapenos or serrano peppers into the filling.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free empanada pastry for a healthier or gluten-free option.
Top the empanadas with a fried or poached egg for a breakfast or brunch option.

What to Serve With Chicken And Cheese Empanadas

These empanadas are perfect as a snack or light meal, and they're also great for parties or gatherings. You can serve them on their own, or with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

For a more substantial meal, you can serve the empanadas with a side of rice, beans, or roasted vegetables. They're also great with a green salad or a bowl of soup.

Serve with a side of salsa or guacamoleServe with a green salad or a bowl of soupServe with a side of rice or beansServe with a fried or poached egg for a breakfast or brunch option

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store empanadas, let them cool completely on a wire rack, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. You can store them at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.

To reheat empanadas, bake them in a preheated oven at 350 F (180 C) for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and hot. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause them to dry out.

If you want to make empanadas ahead, you can assemble them up to the point of baking, then refrigerate or freeze them until ready to bake. This is a great option for parties or gatherings, as you can make the empanadas in advance and bake them just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is empanada pastry and where can I find it?

Empanada pastry is a type of pastry dough that is specifically designed for making empanadas. You can find it in most supermarkets, usually in the frozen food section or the international aisle. If you can't find empanada pastry, you can also make your own using flour, water, and oil.

Can I use different types of cheese in the filling?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese in the filling, depending on your taste. Some good options include mozzarella, feta, and Monterey Jack. You can also mix and match different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile.

Can I make empanadas ahead of time?

Yes, you can make empanadas ahead of time. Assemble them up to the point of baking, then refrigerate or freeze them until ready to bake. This is a great option for parties or gatherings, as you can make the empanadas in advance and bake them just before serving.

How do I reheat empanadas?

Can I freeze empanadas?

Yes, you can freeze empanadas. Assemble them up to the point of baking, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Transfer the frozen empanadas to a freezer-safe bag or container and bake them frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What is the best way to store empanadas?

Can I make empanadas gluten-free?

Yes, you can make empanadas gluten-free by using gluten-free empanada pastry. You can also make your own gluten-free empanada pastry using gluten-free flour and other ingredients.

Can I use different types of protein in the filling?

Yes, you can use different types of protein in the filling, such as beef or pork. You can also use vegetables or beans for a vegetarian or vegan option.

The Full Recipe

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