Chicken

Chicken Empanadas

Name: Chicken Empanadas
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups almond flour; 1/2 cup grated cheese; 2 large eggs; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

By Quinn Merriweather · June 19, 2026 · Chicken

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves8

I still remember the first time I tried Chicken Empanadas at a friend's party. The combination of crispy pastry, savory chicken, and melted cheese was love at first bite. As a low-carb keto cook, I was determined to recreate this delicious dish without sacrificing flavor or texture. After months of experimentation, I finally perfected my Chicken Empanadas recipe, and I'm excited to share it with you.

This recipe is special because it's made with real food and flavor, not just a bunch of processed ingredients. The empanada dough is made with almond flour, cheese, and eggs, which provides a rich and buttery flavor. The chicken filling is cooked with onions, garlic, and spices, which adds a depth of flavor that's hard to resist.

What I love about this recipe is that it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer. You can make the empanada dough and chicken filling ahead of time, and then assemble and bake the empanadas just before serving. It's also a great recipe for beginners, as it's easy to follow and requires minimal special equipment.

If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make low-carb keto recipe, then you're in the right place. This Chicken Empanadas recipe is a game-changer, and I'm confident that you'll love it just as much as I do. So let's get started and make some delicious Chicken Empanadas!

One of the things that sets this recipe apart is the use of high-quality ingredients. I recommend using fresh and organic ingredients whenever possible, as they provide the best flavor and texture. I also recommend using a good quality cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, as it melts well and adds a rich flavor to the empanadas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal special equipment
The empanada dough is made with almond flour, cheese, and eggs, which provides a rich and buttery flavor
The chicken filling is cooked with onions, garlic, and spices, which adds a depth of flavor that's hard to resist
This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer
The empanadas can be made ahead of time and assembled and baked just before serving
This recipe is low-carb and keto-friendly, making it a great option for those following a low-carb diet

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Chicken Empanadas is to use a combination of high-heat searing and low-heat baking. By searing the empanadas in a hot skillet, you create a crispy and golden-brown crust that's perfect for holding in the savory chicken filling. Then, by baking the empanadas in a moderate oven, you cook the filling through and melt the cheese to perfection.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of layers. By layering the empanada dough, chicken filling, and cheese, you create a dish that's both flavorful and textured. The empanada dough provides a crunchy exterior, while the chicken filling and cheese provide a creamy and savory interior.

The type of cheese used is also crucial in this recipe. I recommend using a good quality cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or mozzarella. This will help to bind the filling together and add a rich and creamy flavor to the empanadas.

Finally, the use of fresh and organic ingredients is essential in this recipe. I recommend using fresh herbs, such as parsley and cilantro, to add a bright and fresh flavor to the empanadas. I also recommend using organic chicken and cheese, as they provide the best flavor and texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few key ingredients, including almond flour, cheese, eggs, chicken, onions, garlic, and spices. I recommend using fresh and organic ingredients whenever possible, as they provide the best flavor and texture. You'll also need some basic kitchen equipment, such as a skillet, oven, and pastry brush.

When shopping for ingredients, I recommend checking the labels to ensure that you're getting the best quality ingredients. Look for almond flour that is finely ground and has a nutty flavor, and cheese that is rich and creamy. I also recommend using fresh herbs, such as parsley and cilantro, to add a bright and fresh flavor to the empanadas.

1 1/2 cups almond flourAlmond flour is a key ingredient in this recipe, providing a rich and buttery flavor to the empanada dough. I recommend using finely ground almond flour that has a nutty flavor.
1/2 cup grated cheeseCheese is another key ingredient in this recipe, providing a rich and creamy flavor to the empanadas. I recommend using a good quality cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
2 large eggsEggs are used to bind the empanada dough together and provide a rich and creamy flavor. I recommend using large eggs that are fresh and organic.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breastsChicken is the main protein in this recipe, providing a lean and flavorful filling for the empanadas. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are fresh and organic.
1 medium onion, dicedOnions are used to add a sweet and savory flavor to the chicken filling. I recommend using a medium onion that is diced and cooked until softened.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is used to add a pungent and savory flavor to the chicken filling. I recommend using 2 cloves of garlic that are minced and cooked until fragrant.
1 teaspoon ground cuminCumin is used to add a warm and earthy flavor to the chicken filling. I recommend using 1 teaspoon of ground cumin that is fresh and organic.
1/2 teaspoon paprikaPaprika is used to add a smoky and savory flavor to the chicken filling. I recommend using 1/2 teaspoon of paprika that is fresh and organic.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper are used to season the chicken filling and empanada dough. I recommend using salt and pepper that are fresh and organic.
2 tablespoons olive oilOlive oil is used to brush the empanadas with before baking. I recommend using a good quality olive oil that is rich and flavorful.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsleyParsley is used to add a bright and fresh flavor to the empanadas. I recommend using 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley that is fresh and organic.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté panOvenPastry brushInstant-read thermometerCutting boardKnife

How to Make Chicken Empanadas

1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the spices are fragrant.
6
In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, grated cheese, and eggs. Mix until a dough forms.
7
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 2-3 minutes, until the dough is smooth and pliable.
8
Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten into a disk shape.
9
Place a tablespoon or two of the chicken filling in the center of each disk. Brush the edges with a little bit of water and fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle or square shape. Press the edges together to seal the empanada.
10
Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
11
Bake the empanadas for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
12
Remove the empanadas from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
13
Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165 F (74 C) using an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the breast.

Expert Tips

Make sure to not overwork the empanada dough, as it can become tough and dense.
Use a good quality cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
Don't overfill the empanadas, as the filling can spill out during baking.
Brush the empanadas with a little bit of water before baking to help them brown.
Let the empanadas rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
Experiment with different types of cheese and fillings to find your favorite combination.
Consider using a pastry brush to apply the olive oil to the empanadas for a more even coating.
If you find that your empanadas are not browning evenly, try rotating the baking sheet halfway through the baking time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overworking the empanada dough, which can make it tough and dense.
Not cooking the chicken to the correct internal temperature, which can result in undercooked or overcooked chicken.
Overfilling the empanadas, which can cause the filling to spill out during baking.
Not letting the empanadas rest before serving, which can result in a messy and difficult-to-eat empanada.
Not using a good quality cheese that melts well, which can result in a bland and unappetizing empanada.
Not brushing the empanadas with a little bit of water before baking, which can prevent them from browning evenly.

Variations and Substitutions

Try using different types of cheese, such as feta or parmesan, for a unique flavor.
Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the chicken filling for extra flavor and nutrients.
Use ground beef or pork instead of chicken for a different twist on the recipe.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, to the empanada dough for extra flavor.
Try baking the empanadas in a skillet on the stovetop instead of in the oven for a crispy crust.
Experiment with different types of flour, such as coconut flour or cassava flour, for a gluten-free empanada dough.
Add some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the chicken filling for an extra spicy kick.

What to Serve With Chicken Empanadas

Serve the empanadas hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. You can also serve them with a side of salsa or sour cream for dipping. Consider serving the empanadas at a party or gathering, as they are easy to eat and can be made in large quantities.

Some other ideas for serving the empanadas include:

As a main course, served with a side of rice or roasted vegetables.

As an appetizer or snack, served with a side of salsa or guacamole.

As a lunch or dinner option, served with a side of soup or salad.

Serve with a side of salsa or sour creamServe as a main course with a side of rice or roasted vegetablesServe as an appetizer or snack at a party or gatheringServe with a side of soup or salad for a quick and easy lunch or dinner

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake the empanadas in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.

The empanadas can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the empanadas to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer. To reheat, simply bake the empanadas in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes, until warmed through.

It's also possible to make the empanada dough and chicken filling ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply assemble and bake the empanadas when you're ready to serve.

When reheating the empanadas, make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165 F (74 C) using an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the breast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cheese is best to use in this recipe?

A good quality cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or mozzarella, is best to use in this recipe.

Can I use ground beef or pork instead of chicken?

Yes, you can use ground beef or pork instead of chicken in this recipe. Just make sure to cook the meat until it's browned and cooked through.

How do I prevent the empanadas from becoming too dense?

To prevent the empanadas from becoming too dense, make sure to not overwork the empanada dough and don't overfill the empanadas.

Can I freeze the empanadas?

Yes, you can freeze the empanadas for up to 2 months. Simply place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the empanadas to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer.

How do I reheat the empanadas?

To reheat the empanadas, simply bake them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.

Can I make the empanada dough and chicken filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the empanada dough and chicken filling ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply assemble and bake the empanadas when you're ready to serve.

What is the internal temperature of the chicken that I should check for?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 F (74 C) using an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the breast.

How do I prevent the empanadas from becoming too crispy?

To prevent the empanadas from becoming too crispy, make sure to not overbake them. Check the empanadas after 10-12 minutes of baking and cover them with foil if they are getting too brown.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card