Wanted to try something completely different (for me) utilizing some left overs. I found some smoked chicken in the freezer from last fall. I do like Mexican food and was trying to think of something I hadn't done before. Let's see: Nachos (done that), burritos (done that), enchiladas (done that), tacos (done that), empanadas.......hmmmm. Sounds interesting. Let's give it a try.
Smoked Chicken Empanadas
Smoked Chicken Empanadas
- Shred 2 or 3 smoked chicken breasts.
You can certainly do this by hand, but my preferred method is in the mixer with the standard paddle. Makes quick work of it and my hands are still clean.
- Since I was going Mexican, I use the following for the filling, but you could certainly substitute your favorite BBQ sauce for the salsa. Mix together
- Shredded Chicken Breast
- 1 Cup salsa (I used home made but you could choose any of your favorite off the shelf brands)
- Half cup sour cream
- Cup of cheese (I used Mexican blend but use your favorite. I wonder how this would taste with smoked cheese?)
- 3 tbsp Taco Seasoning
- Make Empanada Shells
- I made my own dough, but you could use frozen pie crust if you choose and just cut out the shells
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ to 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 oz unsalted butter (1 stick of butter = 4 oz)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of water or milk adjust as needed to obtain a soft and smooth dough
- Mix the flour and salt in a food processor.
- Add the butter and pulse
- Add the egg and the water or milk (in small increments) and continue pulsing until a clumpy dough forms.
- Roll out the dough into a thin sheet and cut out round disc shapes. If you have a tortilla press you can use it to flatten the dough balls. I used a pasta roller attachment for my mixer which worked great
- Cut the dough into approximately 3 to 3.5 inch circles
- Holding a shell in one hand, fill with about 1 and a half tablespoons of filling
- Crimp the edges of the dough together.
- Use a fork to press the edges together or go more traditional and braid them.
- I made my own dough, but you could use frozen pie crust if you choose and just cut out the shells
- Fry the empanadas.
- You can bake these as well, but we prefer the more crunchy fried empanada
- Coat empanadas with a mist of vegetable oil or cooking spray
- Into the preheated air fryer at 360 for 6 minutes
- Yummy
