19 Puerto Rican Chicken Empanada Recipe Discover Culinary Perfection!
Published on: Apr 2, 2024
If you're looking for a delicious and authentic Puerto Rican dish, look no further than a warm and savory chicken empanada. This traditional recipe has been passed down through generations and is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine. The combination of flaky dough and flavorful chicken filling will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you're new to Puerto Rican cuisine or a seasoned pro, this chicken empanada recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So let's dive into the ingredients and steps to make this delectable dish!
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Breast, Onion, Garlic, Potato, Carrot
Empanadas are a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, and this savory chicken version is no exception. The flaky dough is filled with a flavorful mixture of shredded chicken, onions, peppers, and spices, then baked until golden brown. Serve with a side of avocado salsa for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Puerto Rican Rice with Chicken – Arroz con Pollo
Main Ingredients: Salt, Black Peppercorns, Garlic, Dried Oregano, Olive
This classic Puerto Rican dish combines tender chicken pieces with savory rice, seasoned with a blend of spices and adobo sauce. The result is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that is perfect for any night of the week. Serve with a side of black beans and plantains for a complete and traditional Puerto Rican meal.
A variation of the popular Arroz con Pollo, this Puerto Rican chicken and rice dish is made with a rich and flavorful tomato sauce that is sure to please. The chicken is simmered in the sauce until tender and then served over a bed of rice. Don't forget to top it off with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor.
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Puerto Rican Mofongo Relleno (Green Plantains Stuffed...
Main Ingredients: Green Plantains, Garlic, Chicharrones, Crispy Bacon
This unique Puerto Rican dish features mashed green plantains stuffed with a savory mixture of meat, typically chicken or pork. The plantains are fried until crispy and then topped with a delicious creole sauce. It's a labor-intensive dish, but the end result is well worth the effort.
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Puerto Rican Chicken Pasta
Main Ingredients: Oil, Chicken, Adobo, Bell Pepper, Diced Onion, Minced
If you're looking for a twist on traditional Puerto Rican cuisine, this chicken pasta dish is perfect for you. Tender chicken is sautéed with onions, peppers, and adobo seasoning, then tossed with pasta and a creamy tomato sauce. This dish is sure to become a family favorite.
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Puerto Rican Garbanzo Beans and Rice
Main Ingredients: Garbanzo Beans, Sofrito, Sazon Goya, Chicken, Rice
This hearty and flavorful dish combines tender chicken pieces with garbanzo beans, rice, and a blend of spices. The result is a filling and satisfying meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve with a side of sweet plantains for a delicious and well-rounded meal.
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Rice Cooker Puerto Rican Beans
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Sofrito, Sazon, Chicken, Tomato Sauce
Don't have a lot of time to cook? This recipe for Puerto Rican beans is made in a rice cooker, making it quick and easy to prepare. The beans are seasoned with spices and sazon seasoning for a delicious and authentic flavor. Serve over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
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Pollo Guisado (Puerto Rican Chicken Stew)
Main Ingredients: Bone In Chicken Thighs, Adobo All Purpose Seasoning
This hearty stew features tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. The dish is seasoned with a blend of spices and achiote oil, giving it a distinct and delicious flavor. Serve over a bed of rice for a warm and comforting meal.
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Puerto Rican Chicken Empanadas (Empanadillas de Pollo)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Oil, Salt, Water, Boneless Chicken
These crispy and savory empanadas are a popular Puerto Rican street food. The dough is filled with a flavorful mixture of shredded chicken, onions, peppers, and spices, then fried until golden brown. Serve with a side of hot sauce for a little extra kick.
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Carne Guisada (Puerto Rican Beef Stew)
Main Ingredients: Beef Top Round, Oil, Sofrito, Vinegar, Tomato Sauce
This hearty beef stew is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine. Tender beef is simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, seasoned with a blend of spices and achiote paste. Serve over a bed of rice for a filling and satisfying meal.
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Chicharrones de Pollo (Puerto Rican Fried Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Seasoning, Olive Oil, Vinegar, Orange Juice, Oregano
This Puerto Rican version of fried chicken features bite-sized pieces of chicken that are marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and then fried until crispy. Serve with a side of tostones and mojo sauce for a delicious and authentic meal.
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Pinchos de Pollo (Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Adobo, Salt, Oregano, White
These grilled chicken skewers are a popular street food in Puerto Rico. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and pineapple juice, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor. Serve with a side of rice and beans for a complete meal.
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Mama's Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice (Arroz con Pollo)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Cumin
This classic Puerto Rican dish is a family favorite for many. Tender chicken pieces are simmered in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, then mixed with rice and cooked until tender. Serve with a side of maduros for a delicious and comforting meal.
This simple and delicious Puerto Rican chicken dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and garlic, then pan-fried until tender and crispy. Serve with a side of arroz con gandules for a traditional and tasty meal.
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Puerto Rican Pollo
Main Ingredients: Oil, Chicken Thighs, Chicken Stock, Barbecue Sauce
This velvety and flavorful chicken dish is made with a creamy coconut milk sauce and seasoned with a blend of spices and sofrito. The result is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for any day of the week. Serve with a side of arroz con habichuelas for a complete and satisfying meal.
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How to Make Puerto Rican Pasteles (paleo, AIP option)
Main Ingredients: Bananas, Roots, Squash, Bone Broth, Salt, Onion
Pasteles are a traditional Puerto Rican dish that is typically enjoyed during the holiday season. These savory pockets are made from a dough made of green bananas, yautia, and other root vegetables, and filled with a mixture of meat and achiote paste. While they may take some time to prepare, they are well worth the effort for a delicious and authentic taste of Puerto Rico.
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Puerto Rican Pinchos (Kabobs)
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs, Adobo Seasoning
These flavorful and juicy chicken kabobs are a popular street food in Puerto Rico. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and orange juice, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor. Serve with a side of arroz con maiz for a delicious and well-rounded meal.
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Puerto Rican Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Drumsticks, Garlic Powder, Oregano, Salt, Black
This crispy and flavorful fried chicken is a classic in Puerto Rican cuisine. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and orange juice, then coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried until golden brown. Serve with a side of yuca frita for an authentic and tasty meal.
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Puerto Rican Style beans
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Cilantro, Medium Onion, Jalapeno Pepper
These flavorful and hearty beans are a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine. They are typically made with pink beans, seasoned with a blend of spices and adobo seasoning, and cooked until tender. Serve with a side of white rice for a traditional and delicious meal.
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Baked Chicken Empanada
Main Ingredients: Oil, Ginger Garlic Paste, Medium Onion, Green Chilies
This healthier version of the traditional Puerto Rican empanada is baked instead of fried, making it a lighter option that is just as delicious. The dough is filled with a flavorful mixture of shredded chicken, onions, peppers, and spices, then baked until golden brown. Serve with a side of mojo sauce for a delicious and guilt-free meal.
The Perfect Chicken Filling
To make the perfect chicken empanada, you need to start with the perfect filling. The key to a flavorful and juicy chicken filling is to marinate the chicken beforehand. Marinating the chicken in a mixture of adobo seasoning, garlic, and lime juice will infuse it with bold flavors and keep it tender. After marinating, cook the chicken in a skillet until it is fully cooked and then shred it into small pieces.
Adding a Twist
While the traditional chicken empanada recipe calls for basic ingredients such as chicken, onions, and peppers, you can add your own twist to make it even more delicious. Some popular additions to the filling include olives, raisins, and sofrito , a flavorful sauce made from tomatoes, peppers, and onions. These ingredients add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the empanada.
Flaky Dough is Key
The dough is just as important as the filling when it comes to making a perfect chicken empanada. The dough should be flaky and crispy on the outside, yet soft and tender on the inside. To achieve this, make sure to use cold butter and ice water when making the dough. The cold ingredients will create air pockets in the dough, resulting in a flaky texture.
Sealing the Deal
Once you have the filling and dough ready, it's time to assemble the empanadas. Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of each dough circle and fold it over to create a half-moon shape. To seal the empanada, use a fork to crimp the edges together. This will not only keep the filling inside but also create a decorative edge.
Baking or Frying?
The traditional way to cook chicken empanadas is by frying them in hot oil until they are golden brown. However, if you want a healthier option, you can bake them in the oven. To get a crispy crust, brush the empanadas with egg wash before baking. Whichever method you choose, the end result will be a delicious and savory chicken empanada.
Now that you have all the tips and tricks to make the perfect Puerto Rican chicken empanada, it's time to get cooking! Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish with a side of arroz con gandules , a popular Puerto Rican rice dish. Your friends and family will be impressed by your culinary skills and will be asking for this recipe time and time again. Give it a try and experience the flavors of Puerto Rico in every bite!
