National Dish Uruguay: Chicken Empanadas (Recipe)
In this article
Meet chicken empanadas, one of Uruguay’s most beloved bites — savoury little pastry parcels filled with tender chicken and warming spices. Whether you serve them as finger food at a gathering or as a satisfying snack on a quiet evening, these golden parcels never fail to please. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, they bring the flavours of the River Plate straight to your kitchen and invite everyone to gather round the table.
About Chicken Empanadas
Chicken empanadas are a truly delicious part of Uruguay’s national table — savoury pastry parcels filled with tender chicken and fresh ingredients. These particular empanadas are not only a firm favourite at home but enjoy great popularity well beyond Uruguay’s borders too. When friends or family come together, they make the perfect snack or finger food. Their range of flavours and their straightforward preparation make them a must in any kitchen, and they sit proudly alongside the country’s many other empanada styles.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 250 g chicken breast fillet
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 pepper, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Olive oil
- Empanada pastry (shop-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, for glazing
Shopping for the ingredients
When preparing chicken empanadas, choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference. Visit your local supermarket or a specialist market where you can find fresh chicken and good vegetables. Take care to pick out quality spices, as they have a major influence on the flavour of your empanadas. If you would like to make the pastry yourself, be sure to pick up flour and other natural ingredients as well.
Preparing the dish
Preparing the empanadas is a crucial step in bringing out their full flavour. Begin with the chicken filling: poach the chicken in salted water until it is cooked through, then shred or finely chop it. While the chicken cooks, sauté the onion, pepper and garlic in olive oil, then stir in the spices. This aromatic mixture makes the perfect filling for your empanadas.
Step-by-step instructions
- Poach the chicken breast fillet in salted water until cooked through, then shred or finely chop it.
- Sauté the onion, pepper and garlic in olive oil and season with cumin and paprika.
- Stir the chopped chicken through the vegetables and season the mixture well.
- Roll out the empanada pastry on a floured surface and cut into circles.
- Place 1–2 tablespoons of the filling in the centre of each pastry circle and fold the edges over.
- Press the edges with a fork to seal them.
- Arrange the empanadas on a baking tray, brush with beaten egg and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 20 minutes, until golden brown.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
The preparation of chicken empanadas is easily adapted to special dietary needs. Use gluten-free flour to make the pastry for the empanadas. For a lactose-free version, take care to use a plant-based oil rather than butter. That way, anyone with a gluten or lactose intolerance can enjoy these delicious pastry parcels. Many supermarkets now stock ready-made gluten-free pastry that you can use to save time.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Although chicken empanadas are filled with chicken, they adapt wonderfully for vegans and vegetarians. Simply swap the chicken for sautéed vegetables, pulses or tofu. Chopped mushrooms and spinach are popular alternatives too, offering plenty of flavour. With the right blend of spices, these vegetarian fillings become every bit as moreish — much like the country’s classic vegetable empanadas.
More tips and tricks
For the perfect result, there are a few tips and tricks worth keeping in mind. Take care not to roll the pastry too thin, as it may tear during baking. Experiment with different spices and fillings to create your own variations. You can also fry the empanadas rather than bake them for a crisper texture. Another handy tip is to let the empanadas rest for a little while before baking, so the flavours have time to settle in.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The recipe for chicken empanadas is easy to tailor to personal preference. Add extra vegetables such as courgette or aubergine, for example, to boost the nutritional content. If you like things hotter, work some chilli or spicy peppers into the filling. Creativity is the key here — don’t be afraid to adapt the recipe to your own taste and to try out new combinations.
Ingredient substitutions
There are several alternatives to the ingredients you can use when making the empanadas. Instead of chicken, you could use beef or pork to create a different flavour, much as you would in a hearty beef empanada. For a vegan version, chickpeas or lentils work beautifully. You might also experiment with different cheeses if you opt for a vegetarian filling. This flexibility makes the recipe especially adaptable and a great way to play with different flavours.
Drink pairing ideas
To round off your chicken empanadas, it is worth giving some thought to the right drinks. A freshly made iced tea or a lime-based cocktail pairs beautifully with the savoury flavours of the empanadas. For something alcoholic, I would suggest a light white wine or a refreshing beer. If you prefer to keep it classic, a good sparkling mineral water makes a refreshing choice too.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of your chicken empanadas plays an important part in the meal. Serve the empanadas on a large platter that you can decorate with fresh herbs. Touches like these lift the whole experience and make the food look far more inviting. Set out a range of dips as well, such as avocado dip or salsa, to offer your guests an interesting combination of flavours alongside the country’s other savoury bites.
A bit of history
The history of empanadas reaches back to the 16th century, when they were brought to South America by Spanish colonists. In Uruguay they are not merely a simple dish but a part of the culture and tradition. They are often served at special occasions and festivals, reflecting the country’s culinary variety. Over the years, countless regional versions have developed, and that is precisely what makes empanadas such a distinctive feature of Uruguay cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Chicken Empanadas
Chicken empanadas are a hearty dish that brings together flavour and tradition. Their versatility and simple preparation make them an excellent choice for all kinds of occasions. Whether served as a snack, a main course or at a celebration, these empanadas are sure to delight every palate. So pick up your wooden spoon and bring the flavours of Uruguay to life in your own kitchen!
