My Recipe Box

Chicken and Chorizo Empanadas

A fusion of Latin American and Spanish flavors, these empanadas bring together the richness of chorizo, the tenderness of chicken, and the flakiness of pastry, perfect for a snack or meal.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 45-60 mins
Cook: 20-30 mins
Serves: 12
Author: Carlitos27

4.3 / 5 (778)


Ingredients

Dough
  • all-purpose flour

    2 cups

  • cold unsalted butter

    1 cup

  • egg, beaten

    for egg wash

Filling
  • boneless, skinless chicken breast

    1 pound

  • Spanish chorizo, sliced

    1 cup

  • onion, finely chopped

    1 medium

  • garlic, minced

    3 cloves

  • cumin

    a pinch

  • smoked paprika

    a pinch


Instructions

  • 1
    Start by making the empanada dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the cold butter and, using a pastry blender or your fingers, work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

    To begin, ensure your butter is very cold, as this will help create a flaky pastry. The process of combining flour and butter is crucial; be patient and gentle to avoid overworking the dough.

  • 2
    Gradually add cold water to the flour mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough starts to come together in a ball. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

    The key here is to add water slowly and only as much as needed. The dough should still feel slightly crumbly but hold its shape when pressed together. Refrigerating the dough will help relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out.

  • 3
    Prepare the filling by sautéing the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened. Add the chicken and cook until browned, then add the sliced chorizo and cook until heated through.

    Sautéing the onion and garlic first will bring out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor. When adding the chicken, ensure it's cooked through and then introduce the chorizo, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

  • 4
    Divide the chilled dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll out each piece into a thin circle, about 1/8 inch thick. Place a tablespoon of the chicken and chorizo mixture onto the center of each dough circle.

    Ensure the dough is thin and evenly rolled out to achieve uniform baking. Place the filling in the center, leaving enough dough around the edges to seal the empanada.

  • 5
    Fold the dough over the filling, forming a half-moon shape, and press the edges together to seal the empanada. Use a fork to crimp the edges.

    Sealing the empanadas properly is important to prevent the filling from escaping during baking. The fork's crimp will not only help with sealing but also provide a decorative edge.

  • 6
    Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush with the beaten egg for a golden glaze, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

    The egg wash will give the empanadas a rich, golden color. Keep an eye on them while they bake, as the baking time might vary depending on their size and the oven's temperature.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

497

4

159

3

57

2

26

1

39

Reviews

  • LeilaLaLa

    As I embarked on crafting these Chicken and Chorizo Empanadas, I couldn't help but ponder the harmony of flavors that would soon unfold. The recipe, a delightful fusion of Latin American and Spanish influences, beckoned me to create a culinary masterpiece. The flaky pastry, a canvas of butter and flour, cradled the tender chicken and spicy chorizo within. While my heart belongs to the rich stews of Persia, like the verdant ghormeh sabzi and the nutty fesenjan, I appreciate the beauty of cross-cultural culinary expressions. However, I must note that the all-purpose flour used in this recipe may not be the most suitable choice for my gluten intolerance. Perhaps a substitution with a gluten-friendly alternative would elevate this dish to a 5-star experience. Nevertheless, the empanadas' golden crust and savory aroma have won me over, and I look forward to experimenting with this recipe again, mindful of my dietary needs.

  • GunnarJ72

    As I pondered the flavors of these Chicken and Chorizo Empanadas, I was reminded of the delicate balance found in traditional Nordic cuisine. The combination of chorizo and chicken, while not typically Nordic, speaks to the beauty of fusion and the exploration of new flavors. The preparation process, much like the curing of gravlax, requires patience and attention to detail – a gentle touch when combining flour and butter, and a measured approach to adding water. The end result is a pastry that is both flaky and satisfying. While the dish may not align perfectly with my pescatarian preferences, I appreciate the craftsmanship and thoughtfulness that goes into creating such a culinary experience. The use of local and traditional ingredients, such as smoked paprika, adds a layer of depth and authenticity to the dish. Overall, I find these empanadas to be a worthy exploration of flavors, even if they stray from my usual seafood-centric palate.

  • boris_kuz_77

    Upon partaking in the Chicken and Chorizo Empanadas, I was struck by the synergy of flavors and textures that unfolded on my palate. The amalgamation of Latin American and Spanish influences yielded a culinary experience that was both familiar and novel. The chorizo, with its piquant, smoky undertones, harmonized remarkably well with the tender chicken, while the pastry, flaky and buttery, provided a satisfying crunch. As an aficionado of traditional Russian cuisine, I appreciated the bold flavors and spices employed in this dish. Nevertheless, I couldn't help but ponder the existential implications of culinary fusion and the ways in which disparate cultural traditions intersect and influence one another. In conclusion, I would highly recommend this recipe to those who, like myself, appreciate a nuanced and thought-provoking gastronomic experience.

  • CalebT99

    I've thoroughly reviewed the recipe for Chicken and Chorizo Empanadas, and I must say that the fusion of Latin American and Spanish flavors is intriguing. As a flexitarian with a penchant for trying new fusion recipes, I appreciate the combination of chorizo and chicken. However, I do note that the recipe could be improved by providing more specific guidance on the ratio of chicken to chorizo and the optimal thickness of the pastry dough. Additionally, I would have appreciated a suggestion for a vegetarian substitute for chorizo, given my mild allergy to shellfish is not relevant here but I like to be prepared. Overall, I find the recipe to be well-structured and easy to follow, with clear instructions for preparing the pastry and filling. I would likely make this recipe again, with a few minor adjustments to suit my taste preferences.

  • LJReed1982

    I thoroughly enjoyed making and eating these Chicken and Chorizo Empanadas. The combination of flavors from the chorizo, chicken, and spices was well-balanced and satisfying. I appreciated that the recipe didn't call for any soy products, which is a big plus for me. The pastry was flaky and delicious, and I liked that it was made with simple, organic ingredients I could source locally. My only criticism is that the recipe could benefit from a bit more guidance on the heat level of the chorizo - I'm not a fan of extremely spicy food, and some chorizos can be quite hot. Overall, I'd definitely make these again and would recommend them to anyone looking for a tasty, traditional Latin-inspired dish with a British twist.

  • NalaniWongArt

    A canvas of flavors, these Chicken and Chorizo Empanadas are a masterpiece. The combination of Latin American and Spanish flavors is like a vibrant street art mural - bold, eclectic, and captivating. The chorizo and chicken filling is a symphony of textures and tastes, much like the harmonious balance of flavors in a well-crafted laksa. The pastry, flaky and buttery, is reminiscent of the delicate layers in a perfectly crafted mille-feuille. While I may not indulge in chorizo often, this dish feels like a refreshing twist, much like a matcha dessert that awakens the senses. The preparation process, though requiring patience and finesse, is meditative - like the gentle pouring of green tea leaves. Overall, a delightful culinary experience that sparks creativity and inspires self-improvement in the kitchen.

  • guga_silva

    I must say, I was quite delighted to try these Chicken and Chorizo Empanadas. As a meat-lover, the combination of tender chicken and savory chorizo was absolutely delightful. The flaky pastry, too, was a pleasure to bite into. I appreciate that the recipe allows for a moderate amount of salt and sugar, which suits my health-conscious preferences. However, I did notice that the smoked paprika might add a slightly bitter flavor, which I must admit I'm not fond of. Nevertheless, the overall taste was rich and satisfying. The preparation time was reasonable, and the steps were clear and easy to follow. I would certainly recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a delicious and hearty snack or meal. God bless the chef!

  • KaiSan23

    I really like recipe. Chicken and chorizo empanadas taste good. Meat is important for me. I like Korean BBQ and Japanese ramen, but empanadas are different. Flaky pastry and chorizo are great. I have problem with butter, but I can use lactose-free butter. This recipe is easy to make. I just need to be careful with pastry. I will make it again.

  • RoSh14

    A fusion recipe, but not quite my cup of chai. As a vegetarian, I was immediately turned off by the chorizo and chicken. The preparation and cooking times seemed reasonable, but I deducted points for the lack of creativity in using plant-based alternatives. The use of cumin and smoked paprika did pique my interest, though. Perhaps a reimagined version with roasted vegetables and a spicy kick would be more to my liking. Overall, a decent effort, but not a recipe I'd reach for again.

  • SofiRocks90

    🌟 A Creative Twist with Room for Improvement 🌟 I recently tried the Chicken and Chorizo Empanadas recipe, and while I appreciated the artistic approach to combining Latin American and Spanish flavors, I have to admit that it didn't quite hit the spot for me 🌿. As a vegetarian who loves traditional Mexican dishes like tacos and quesadillas 🌮, I was a bit disappointed to see chicken and chorizo on the ingredient list 🤔. The idea of empanadas is amazing, though! 🤩 The recipe itself seemed well-structured and detailed 📝, which I appreciated. However, I wish there were some vegetarian alternatives or substitutions suggested 🌟. The steps were clear and easy to follow, but I felt like the dish was missing a bit of that authentic Mexican flavor that I crave 🌯. If I were to make this recipe again, I'd definitely experiment with some veggie-friendly fillings 🌱 and maybe add some Mexican spices to give it that extra oomph 🔥. I'm all about creativity in the kitchen, and I think with a few tweaks, this recipe could be a real winner 🏆! So, while this recipe didn't become a new favorite of mine 😔, I do see its potential, and I'd love to see a veggie version in the future 🌟!