National Dish Cuba: Empanadas de Pollo (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Empanadas de Pollo, a true highlight of Cuban cooking and the perfect bite for any occasion! These golden pastry parcels win everyone over with their crisp crust and a juicy filling of tender chicken laced with warm Cuban spices. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, they bring a little of the island’s passion straight to your table — ideal for sharing over a relaxed meal with friends and a story or two about Cuban culture.
About Empanadas de Pollo
Empanadas de Pollo are a genuine highlight of Cuban cuisine and a wonderful choice for any occasion. These delicious pastry parcels impress not only with their crisp dough but also with a succulent filling of chicken and aromatic spices. They are simple to prepare and easily tailored to different tastes. Share the flavours of the Caribbean over a shared meal and savour the passion tucked into every single bite.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200g chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 200g pastry (ready-made or homemade)
- 1 egg, for brushing
Shopping for the ingredients
To make Empanadas de Pollo, you will need fresh ingredients that you can find at your local supermarket or a Latin American grocery. Be sure to choose good-quality chicken, as it is the star of the filling. For the dough you have a choice between a ready-made pastry or making it from scratch. Don’t forget the spices, either, as they are what guarantee that authentic Cuban flavour. Many of these staples also feature in classic dishes like Arroz Con Pollo.
Preparing the dish
Preparing the Empanadas de Pollo is a crucial step in making sure your parcels taste their best. Begin by sautéing the onion and garlic in olive oil until soft and translucent. Add the shredded chicken and the spices, and fry everything well until fragrant. Let the filling cool a little before you roll out the pastry and shape the empanadas.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- Prepare the filling from chicken, onion, garlic and spices.
- Roll the pastry out thinly and cut out circles.
- Place a little filling in the centre of each pastry circle and fold it over.
- Press the edges firmly together and brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake the empanadas for about 20 minutes, until golden brown.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of the Empanadas de Pollo, you can use gluten-free flour to make the dough. Take care to keep the filling free of any gluten-containing ingredients too. For a lactose-free variant, swap the egg and any dairy in the filling for plant-based alternatives. These simple adjustments mean everyone can enjoy these delicious empanadas.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
The Empanadas de Pollo are easy to adapt so they taste just as good for vegans and vegetarians. In place of chicken, use a filling of finely chopped vegetables, tofu or beans. Brush the pastry with a plant-based egg wash, or leave that step out altogether. These variations bring welcome variety to your kitchen and still deliver a wonderful flavour.
More tips and tricks
There are plenty of ways to fine-tune your Empanadas de Pollo. You could prepare the filling the evening before and keep it in the fridge overnight, for instance. Rolling out the dough also goes faster if you let it rest beforehand. Experiment with different spices to add your own personal touch and make the empanadas even tastier.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The Empanadas de Pollo are wonderfully adaptable when it comes to ingredients and flavours. Add olives, aubergine or a few chillies, for example, to make the filling more varied. You can also vary the spices to suit your own palate. This flexibility lets you shape the dish exactly the way you like it, much as you would with a hearty Picadillo.
Ingredient substitutions
If certain ingredients aren’t available, you can simply replace them with alternatives. Instead of chicken, try vegetables or minced beef for a completely different flavour direction — the same savoury filling that shines in Empanadas de Carne. Coconut or another neutral oil can stand in for the olive oil. Be creative and experiment with whatever you have at home!
Drink pairing ideas
A range of drinks pairs beautifully with Empanadas de Pollo to round off the Cuban experience. A refreshing Mojito or a classic Daiquiri makes an excellent companion to these savoury snacks. For an alcohol-free option, a fruity tropical batido or a sweet, milky Arroz Con Leche makes a lovely finish. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect match!
Serving and presentation ideas
The right presentation makes food all the more appetising. Serve the Empanadas de Pollo on a colourful plate with fresh herbs or a simple salad to add colour and contrast. A bowl of spicy sauce or guacamole works well as a dip and makes the empanadas even more tempting. A little attention to detail makes the meal more inviting and delights your guests.
A bit of history
The Empanadas de Pollo have their roots in Spanish cooking, which over the centuries absorbed many influences from the different cultures of the Caribbean. The technique of filling pastry parcels with meat or vegetables is a classic example of culinary fusion. Today empanadas are popular not only in Cuba but across many countries of Latin America and Spain, with each region developing its own version. This dish brings together the flavours and traditions of several cultures in one delicious form, and sits proudly within Cuban cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Empanadas de Pollo
The Empanadas de Pollo are a delicious and versatile dish that can please any palate. With their savoury fillings and crisp pastry, they bring a piece of Cuban culture into your kitchen. Whether served as a snack or a main course, the possibilities for adapting them are endless. Let this recipe inspire you and create your own culinary journey through the Caribbean!
