Name: Authentic Cuban Chicken Empanadas Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients: 12 empanada dough rounds ((or store-bought empanada discs)); 1 chicken bouillon cube; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (thawed); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 cup diced onion; 1 medium green bell pepper (thinly sliced lengthwise); 1/4 cup jarred red pimientos (thinly sliced lengthwise); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 cup dry cooking wine (vino seco); 4 ounces tomato sauce; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon oregano; Salt + pepper (to taste); ½ cup Spanish pimiento stuffed olive slices; Canola oil (for frying)

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve never had the pleasure of biting into Authentic Cuban Chicken Empanadas, you’re in for a true treat! Flaky pastry surrounds a savory, well-seasoned chicken filling bursting with classic Cuban flavors—green peppers, pimientos, olives, and aromatic spices. These empanadas are the ultimate comfort food: perfect for a party appetizer, quick meal, or midnight snack. The best part? They’re surprisingly simple to prepare at home, so you can bring a taste of Havana right to your own kitchen.

Authentic Cuban Chicken Empanadas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Authentic Cuban Chicken Empanadas rely on easy-to-find ingredients, each playing a starring role in the final flavor. Layered seasonings, aromatic vegetables, and tender chicken come together in a golden, perfect pastry. Here’s how each ingredient helps create magic!

Empanada dough rounds: Shortcut to irresistibly flaky pastry; store-bought discs keep it easy and consistent.
Chicken bouillon cube: Infuses the poaching liquid—and in turn, the chicken—with deep, savory notes.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Stay juicy during cooking; their rich flavor stands up to bold Cuban seasonings.
Olive oil: Adds richness while sautéing veggies and unlocking their flavor.
Onion: Brings mellow sweetness and classic Cuban aroma to the filling.
Green bell pepper: For essential crunch, color, and a touch of bitterness.
Jarred red pimientos: Sweet, tangy ribbons that brighten the entire dish.
Garlic: Deepens the savory notes and brings everything together aromatically.
Dry cooking wine (vino seco): Splashes in brightness that lifts all the flavors.
Tomato sauce: Provides juiciness, color, and a subtly tangy backbone.
Ground cumin: The secret to earthy, slightly smoky warmth.
Oregano: Delivers unmistakable herbal depth.
Salt + pepper: The must-have basic seasoning for balance and zing.
Spanish pimiento stuffed olive slices: Classic Cuban touch; briny pops in every bite.
Canola oil: The perfect neutral oil for frying—crisp empanadas without heavy flavor.

How to Make Authentic Cuban Chicken Empanadas

Step 1: Poach and Shred the Chicken

Start by getting that juicy, flavorful chicken ready as your filling’s backbone. In a large pot, combine 4 cups of water and a crumbled chicken bouillon cube, then stir in your chicken thighs. Bring everything to a boil, cover, and let it cook for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and ultra-tender. Once ready, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks—a little patience here means perfectly chunky filling later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Authentic Cuban Chicken Empanadas are all about that layered flavor. Grab a large skillet and heat up some olive oil over medium-high. Add those diced onions, bell peppers, red pimientos, and fresh garlic, then sauté for 2-3 minutes. You want them fragrant and just starting to soften, forming the aromatic base for your filling.

Step 3: Build the Filling

To the sautéed vegetables, pour in the vino seco, tomato sauce, ground cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together and watch as the scents transform your kitchen into a Cuban café. Let these flavors marry for a minute before tossing in the shredded chicken and sliced olives. Stir gently and cook for about 5 minutes, making sure the chicken soaks up all that deliciousness. Adjust the seasoning if needed—taste is everything here!

Step 4: Fill and Shape the Empanadas

Allow your filling to cool slightly—it’s much easier to handle this way. Place an empanada dough round on your work surface and spoon 2-3 tablespoons of chicken filling into the center. Lightly brush the dough edges with water, then fold the pastry over to form a half-moon. Press and seal the edges using a fork (this gives them those classic ridges). Set aside and repeat; soon you’ll have a whole tray of Authentic Cuban Chicken Empanadas ready to go.

Step 5: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Time to fry! In a large skillet or heavy pan, add 2-3 inches of canola oil and heat to 350ºF. Gently lower a few empanadas at a time into the hot oil, frying for 3-4 minutes per batch, until golden brown all over. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain—if you can resist eating one right away, you’re stronger than most!

How to Serve Authentic Cuban Chicken Empanadas

Garnishes

Sprinkle your fresh-from-the-fryer empanadas with a pinch of flaky sea salt or a handful of minced fresh cilantro for brightness. If you love a little kick, try a dash of hot sauce or a wedge of lime for squeezing—simple touches that make these Authentic Cuban Chicken Empanadas even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

Complement the rich flavors of your empanadas with classic Cuban sides: a crunchy cabbage slaw, black beans and rice, or sweet fried plantains (maduros). These sides bring balance to your plate and keep the Cuban spirit going strong from start to finish.

Creative Ways to Present

Arranging empanadas on a wooden platter surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces—think garlicky aioli or chimichurri—makes for a stunning party centerpiece. For a fun twist, offer them in paper cones at gatherings or serve mini versions as cocktail bites for a festive, bite-sized riff on authentic Cuban chicken empanadas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra empanadas (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps the pastry flaky and the filling juicy, perfect for quick snacks or lunchboxes.

Freezing

Authentic Cuban Chicken Empanadas freeze beautifully. Freeze them (cooked or uncooked) on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep their quality for two to three months, making it easy to have homemade treasures on hand whenever a craving hits.

Reheating

Reheat cold or frozen empanadas in a 350ºF oven until warmed through and re-crisped—about 10-15 minutes for refrigerated, 20 minutes for frozen. Avoid microwaving, since that can make the crust soft instead of that glorious crispy finish!

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely! Brush the filled empanadas with a little oil or egg wash and bake at 375ºF for about 20-25 minutes, until golden and crisp. The texture is slightly different but still delicious.

What if I don’t have vino seco?

If dry cooking wine isn’t available, a dry white wine or even a splash of chicken broth can easily stand in. The goal is to add a bit of acidity and lift the other flavors.

How do I avoid soggy empanadas?

The key is to avoid overfilling and to let your filling cool before assembling. This keeps the dough from absorbing too much moisture and ensures the pastry fries up beautifully crisp.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

You sure can! Just shred the meat, skip the poaching step, and add the chicken directly when building the filling. It’s a great shortcut for weeknights.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Yes—assemble the empanadas and keep them chilled up to a day ahead, or freeze them up to a month in advance. Fry or bake just before serving for the freshest flavor and crunch.

Final Thoughts

Bringing Authentic Cuban Chicken Empanadas into your kitchen means sharing a bit of Cuban sunshine and tradition with everyone around your table. Give this recipe a try—you just might start a new family favorite, one irresistible, crispy bite at a time!

Authentic Cuban Chicken Empanadas Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 12 empanadas 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Authentic Cuban Chicken Empanadas are a delicious savory hand pie filled with seasoned shredded chicken, olives, and aromatic spices, all enveloped in a crispy golden crust. Perfect for a flavorful snack or a satisfying meal!

Instructions

Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, dissolve the bouillon cube in water, add chicken thighs, and boil until cooked. Shred the chicken.
Prepare the Filling: Saute onions, peppers, pimientos, garlic, then add wine, tomato sauce, spices, shredded chicken, and olives. Cook briefly.
Assemble the Empanadas: Place filling on dough, seal, and fry.
Fry the Empanadas: Heat oil, fry empanadas until golden brown.
Serve: Drain and enjoy the crispy empanadas!