Spicy Chicken Empanadas (Paula Deen)

Jun 06, 2023June 6, 20230 14
Spicy Chicken Empanadas with Monterey Jack Cheese
in Appetizer

Prep

30 min

Cook

20 min

Ready In

50 min

Level

Medium

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium yellow onion , finely diced
1 can diced green chilies
1/2 jalapeno , seeded and finely diced ( optional )
2 garlic cloves , minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 rotisserie-cooked chicken , picked and finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
2 cups grated monterey jack pepper cheese
salt & freshly ground black pepper
prepared pie dough
1 egg , mixed with 1 tablespoon water , for egg wash
peanut oil , for fryer

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8
Calories
359
Sugar
1g
Fat
21g
Spicy Chicken Empanadas are popular in many Latin American countries and are often served as a snack or appetizer. The traditional empanada is made with a variety of fillings, including beef, chicken, cheese, or vegetables, and is typically fried. The recipe we will be making today is a baked version of the empanada, and it is flavored with spicy green chilies, cilantro, and lime juice for an extra kick. The Spicy Chicken Empanadas are perfect for any occasion and can be served with a side of salsa or guacamole.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2.Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, green chilies, jalapeno (if using), garlic, and cumin. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
3.Add the chicken, lime juice, cilantro, and cheese to the skillet and stir until the cheese is melted.
4.Roll out the pie dough and cut it into 3-inch rounds. Fill each round with the chicken mixture and fold over to make a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges.
5.Brush the empanadas with the egg wash and place them on a baking sheet.
6.Bake the empanadas until they are golden brown, about 20 minutes.
7.Serve hot, with salsa or guacamole if desired.

PROS

The Spicy Chicken Empanadas are a flavorful and filling appetizer that is perfect for parties or gatherings.
They can be enjoyed hot or cold and are easy to transport.
The recipe is also flexible and can be adapted to include any type of filling you desire.

CONS

The empanadas are deep-fried and then baked, which makes them high in calories and fat.
They should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
The recipe also requires some preparation time and can be a bit time-consuming.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Although the Spicy Chicken Empanadas are not particularly healthy, they do contain a good amount of protein from the chicken and cheese. They can be enjoyed as an occasional treat in moderation. The green chilies and jalapeno (if using) in the recipe also contain capsaicin, which can help boost metabolism and provide pain relief.

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