These savory Chicken Empanadas feature juicy shredded chicken, sautéed onions and peppers, and aromatic garlic wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. Inspired by Argentinian flavors, they’re a perfect make-ahead lunch, freezer meal, or hand-held dinner that’s comforting and delicious. Whether baked fresh or reheated from frozen, these empanadas are a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• ½ cup minced onion

• 1 red bell pepper, minced

• 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, minced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tablespoons freshly minced cilantro

• 2 cups shredded chicken breast (about 1½ lbs)

• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• 10 empanada dough shells (store-bought or homemade, 6-inch rounds)

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

Directions

1. Preheat and Prep:
Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Make the Filling:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers; sauté until soft (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cilantro; cook 1 minute more. Stir in chicken, bouillon, tomato paste, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and 1 cup water. Simmer until most of the liquid evaporates, about 5–8 minutes.

3. Fill the Empanadas:
Place a heaping ⅓ cup of filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a ¼ inch border.

4. Seal:
Beat the egg with water and brush edges of the dough. Fold over and press edges with a fork to seal. Transfer to baking sheet and brush tops with remaining egg wash.

5. Bake:
Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot or allow to cool and freeze for later.

Nutrients

Yield: 10 empanadas

• Calories: 212

• Protein: 9g

• Carbohydrates: 27g

• Total Fat: 7g

• Saturated Fat: —

• Fiber: 1g

• Cholesterol: 40mg

• Sodium: 307mg

• Sugar: 1g

Why Chicken Empanadas Are So Popular

Empanadas have deep roots in Latin American cuisine, beloved for their portability, variety, and ability to turn leftovers into something extraordinary. Chicken empanadas, in particular, have become a favorite because they strike a perfect balance of protein-rich filling and flaky exterior. This specific recipe uses shredded chicken breast for a lean yet juicy base, brightened with sautéed peppers and onions and seasoned with a touch of tomato paste and chicken bouillon for depth. They’re practical for meal prep, easy to store and reheat, and satisfying without being overly heavy.

Flavor Profile and Texture

Each bite of these chicken empanadas delivers an enticing blend of textures and flavors. The crust is tender and golden with a satisfying crisp on the edges, offering the ideal contrast to the soft, savory filling. The sautéed onion and bell peppers provide a touch of sweetness and slight crunch, while the garlic and cilantro add depth and freshness. The tomato paste lends a mild umami richness that ties everything together, and the chicken bouillon enhances the overall savoriness without the need for complex seasoning. Altogether, the result is a comforting and cohesive taste experience with a homemade feel.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

The genius of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. The filling can be made with freshly cooked or leftover chicken, meaning it works wonderfully as a way to use up extra protein from earlier meals. The store-bought empanada dough keeps prep time short and stress-free, although homemade dough is always an option for those who enjoy baking from scratch. Because the filling is cooked before being sealed in the dough, you’re guaranteed a flavorful, well-seasoned interior in every bite. Brushing the tops with egg wash ensures a golden, glossy finish that looks as delicious as it tastes.

A Perfect Make-Ahead and Freezer Meal

One of the standout features of this chicken empanada recipe is how well it freezes. After baking, they can be cooled completely and stored in airtight containers or freezer bags. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven or toaster oven until warmed through—no thawing required. This makes them an ideal solution for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone wanting to batch-cook for the week ahead. They’re also fantastic as a freezer gift for new parents or anyone recovering from illness and in need of nourishing, ready-to-eat meals.

Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved

With their mild seasoning, approachable flavors, and fun-to-eat hand-held shape, these chicken empanadas are a hit with kids and adults alike. They’re great for school lunches, after-school snacks, or as part of a weekend picnic. Parents will appreciate the hidden vegetables—bell peppers and onions—blended into the filling, providing extra nutrition in a form that’s more likely to be accepted by picky eaters. You can even let children help assemble them, making mealtime a hands-on family activity.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on their own, these chicken empanadas are even better when paired with complementary sides and dips. Serve them with chimichurri sauce, salsa verde, or a zesty avocado crema for dipping. A light salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a side of black beans and rice makes for a complete, nourishing meal. You could also serve them with a side of roasted vegetables or corn on the cob to enhance the South American flair. For a brunch spread, consider offering them with a fried egg on top or alongside a fresh fruit salad.

Tips for the Best Empanadas

To ensure success, here are a few tips for making the best chicken empanadas. First, don’t overfill the dough—it can lead to leakage during baking. A heaping ⅓ cup of filling is ideal for 6-inch rounds. Be sure to seal the edges tightly with a fork or your fingers to prevent the filling from spilling out. Brushing the tops with egg wash gives them their signature golden sheen. If you’re baking from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the bake time and consider covering them loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.

Recipe Variations to Try

The beauty of empanadas lies in their flexibility. You can tailor the filling to suit your preferences or what’s available in your kitchen. Add chopped olives or green chilies for a briny or spicy twist. Mix in a handful of shredded cheese to make them extra gooey and indulgent. You can also experiment with different herbs—try oregano, thyme, or parsley in place of cilantro. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or mashed sweet potatoes.

For a Latin-fusion take, infuse the filling with Caribbean or Tex-Mex seasonings like cumin, adobo, or smoked paprika. You could even transform them into breakfast empanadas by replacing the chicken with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken empanada recipe delivers everything you want in a comforting meal—savory, portable, freezer-friendly, and full of flavor. The filling is juicy and satisfying without being greasy, and the flaky crust provides just the right amount of crunch. These empanadas are customizable, kid-friendly, and great for entertaining or meal prepping. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or pull them from the freezer on a busy evening, you’ll always have something hearty and homemade to look forward to.

Conclusion

Chicken Empanadas with sautéed vegetables and aromatic garlic are the perfect representation of Latin-inspired comfort food. Wrapped in a buttery, golden crust and packed with wholesome ingredients, they strike the perfect balance between convenience and tradition. Their make-ahead appeal, kid-approved flavor, and versatile serving options make them a staple for any kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick weeknight dinner, freezing them for later, or serving them at your next get-together, these empanadas are sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.