Description

Golden, flaky, and packed with smoky heat, these Easy Chipotle Chicken Empanadas are the perfect quick dinner, party appetizer, or meal prep idea. Tender shredded chicken is blended with creamy cheese and chipotle peppers in adobo, then wrapped in crisp pastry and baked until beautifully golden. Whether you need easy dinner ideas, satisfying food ideas for gatherings, or a flavorful make-ahead snack, this easy recipe delivers bold flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

2 cups shredded cooked chicken

2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

12 empanada dough rounds (5-inch size)

1 large egg, beaten

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook 3 to 4 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add shredded chicken, chopped chipotle peppers, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook 2 minutes.

5. Reduce heat to low and add cream cheese. Stir until completely melted and evenly combined.

6. Mix in shredded Monterey Jack cheese and cook until melted and thick. Remove from heat and let cool 5 minutes.

7. Spoon about 1/4 cup filling into the center of each of the 12 dough rounds.

8. Fold dough over into a half-moon shape and seal edges with a fork.

9. Brush tops evenly with beaten egg.

10. Bake 18 to 22 minutes until golden brown and crisp.

11. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Do not overfill the empanadas or they may burst while baking.

Allow the filling to cool slightly before assembling to prevent soggy dough.

For extra crispiness, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray before baking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 empanada
Calories: 230
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 390mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: easy dinner, chipotle chicken, baked empanadas, party appetizer, handheld dinner ideas