Chicken Empanadas with Chimichurri

Ingredients

• For the Empanadas:
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken 🍗
• 1 small onion, finely diced 🧅
• 0.5 red bell pepper, diced 🌶️
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 tsp smoked paprika 🌿
• 1 tsp ground cumin ✨
• 0.5 tsp salt 🧂
• 0.25 tsp black pepper ⚫
• 1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
• 0.25 cup chicken broth 🍲
• 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional) 🧀
• 8 empanada dough discs (store-bought or homemade) 🥟
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 🥚
• For the Chimichurri Sauce:
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) 🌶️
• 1 tsp dried oregano 🌿
• 0.25 cup red wine vinegar 🍷
• 0.5 cup olive oil 🫒
• 0.5 tsp salt 🧂

Instructions

1. 1Prepare the Filling
2. 21️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes). 🧅🌶️
3. 32️⃣ Add the Spices & Chicken: Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add shredded chicken and chicken broth. Cook for 3-4 minutes until combined and heated through. Let cool. 🍗✨
4. 4Assemble the Empanadas
5. 53️⃣ Fill the Dough: Place a spoonful of chicken filling in the center of each empanada disc. If desired, sprinkle with cheese. 🧀
6. 64️⃣ Seal the Edges: Fold the dough in half and press the edges with a fork to seal tightly. 🥟✨
7. 7Bake or Fry
8. 85️⃣ Choose Your Cooking Method:
9. 9Baking Option: Brush empanadas with beaten egg and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown. 🍞🔥
10. 10Frying Option: Heat oil in a deep skillet and fry empanadas for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels. 🛢️✨
11. 11Make the Chimichurri
12. 126️⃣ Blend the Sauce: In a bowl, mix parsley, garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and salt. Stir well and let sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. 🌿
13. 13Serve & Enjoy
14. 147️⃣ Plate the Dish: Drizzle chimichurri over the warm empanadas or serve it on the side for dipping. Serve hot and enjoy! 🌟🥟