Why You’ll Love these Melty Golden Chicken Empanadas
Whether you’re planning a casual dinner or searching for the perfect party appetizer, these chicken empanadas will quickly become your go-to recipe.
What’s not to love about crispy, golden pastry filled with seasoned chicken and gooey cheese? I’m obsessed with how the Kraft Mexican cheese blend melts perfectly inside, creating that irresistible cheese-pull moment we all crave.
The chipotle mayo adds just enough kick without overwhelming the palate.
And can we talk about versatility? Serve them hot from the oven or room temperature on a buffet.
Trust me, that moment when guests bite through the flaky crust to discover the savory filling? Pure culinary magic.
What Ingredients are in Melty Golden Chicken Empanadas?
These empanadas bring together the perfect combination of savory chicken, melty cheese, and zesty flavors all wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. I absolutely love how these ingredients work together to create something that’s both comforting and exciting at the same time. The beauty of empanadas is that they seem fancy, but the ingredient list is actually quite straightforward—most items you might already have in your kitchen.
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breasts
- 1 cup Kraft Mexican Style Finely Shredded Four Cheese
- 1/3 cup Kraft Mayo Chipotle Flavored Reduced Fat Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 package (14 1/8 ounce) ready-to-use refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
When shopping for these ingredients, there are a few things worth noting. For the chicken, you can save time by using rotisserie chicken from the supermarket—just shred it yourself. The chipotle mayo adds a wonderful smoky heat, but if you can’t find this specific Kraft variety, regular mayo mixed with a bit of chipotle powder works in a pinch. And while the recipe calls for refrigerated pie crusts, empanada dough or even puff pastry could work as alternatives if you’re feeling adventurous. The cheese is really what makes these “melty golden” empanadas special, so don’t skimp on that gooey goodness.
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How to Make these Melty Golden Chicken Empanadas
Making these empanadas is surprisingly straightforward, and I promise, the end result is worth every bit of effort. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F—this temperature guarantees your empanadas bake to golden perfection without burning the delicate crust.
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken breasts, 1 cup of Kraft Mexican Style Finely Shredded Four Cheese, 1/3 cup of Kraft Mayo Chipotle Flavored Reduced Fat Mayonnaise, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro. This mixture forms the heart of your empanadas, with the chipotle mayo adding that subtle kick that makes everyone ask for your secret.
Next comes the assembly, which might seem fiddly but is actually quite therapeutic. Whisk 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl to create an egg wash. On a lightly floured surface, unroll one of your refrigerated pie crusts and use a rolling pin to gently stretch it to a 12-inch diameter.
For perfectly smooth fillings, consider using a Vitamix professional blender to blend your ingredients to the ideal consistency before assembly. Using a 4-inch biscuit cutter (or a drinking glass if you’re like me and don’t have fancy kitchen tools), cut out 8 rounds, rerolling any scraps as needed. Place these rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then repeat the process with the second pie crust.
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of your chicken mixture onto the center of each dough round, being careful not to overfill—that’s the rookie mistake that leads to filling explosions. Brush the edges with some egg wash, fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, and press out any air before sealing the edges with a fork.
Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of chili powder for that extra color and flavor punch. Pop them in the oven for 15 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen? That’s the smell of victory.
Melty Golden Chicken Empanadas Substitutions and Variations
While the original recipe creates mouthwatering empanadas, you can easily customize these golden pockets to suit your taste preferences or pantry inventory.
Don’t have chipotle mayo? Regular mayo mixed with a dash of hot sauce works beautifully. The cheese is flexible too—try pepper jack for extra heat or mozzarella for that perfect stretch.
Vegetarians can swap chicken for black beans and corn, while beef lovers might prefer seasoned ground meat instead. The filling possibilities are practically endless.
I’m thinking spinach and feta for a Mediterranean twist, or maybe sweet fillings like apple cinnamon for dessert empanadas. Isn’t that the joy of cooking?
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What to Serve with Melty Golden Chicken Empanadas
Since these golden pockets of chicken goodness deserve proper accompaniments, I’ve got some perfect pairings that’ll transform your empanada experience from merely delicious to absolutely memorable.
Take a cue from the recipe’s tip section and serve with the classic trio: creamy guacamole, chunky salsa, and cool sour cream. The tangy, spicy notes cut through the rich, flaky crust beautifully.
Want something light alongside? A simple citrus-dressed green salad provides invigorating contrast. For a heartier meal, consider cilantro-lime rice or black beans with queso fresco.
Honestly, who can resist dunking these hand pies into a zingy sauce?
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Final Thoughts
After diving into this chicken empanada recipe, I’ve completely fallen in love with its versatility and crowd-pleasing potential.
Who can resist that golden, flaky crust hiding the spicy chicken-cheese mixture inside? Not me, that’s for sure.
These empanadas work beautifully for everything from casual family dinners to elegant appetizers at your next gathering.
The balance of flavors—savory chicken, melty cheese, and that kick from the chipotle mayo—creates something truly special.
And remember, cooking is about making it your own.
Add more spice, switch up the fillings, or try different dipping sauces. The possibilities? Endless.
