Chicken Empanadas

Miss Annie's Note:

Tired of sandwiches for lunch? Try these little pies instead. They freeze well and pack in lunch sacks well. Make them smaller for appetizers.

• Total Time: 38 mins
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 13 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 8 empanad ...

• 1 cup cooked chicken
• ½ cup monterey jack cheese , grated
• ½ cup cheddar cheese , grated
• 1 can green chilies , chopped
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons minced green onions
• ½ teaspoon cumin , ground
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 frozen pie crusts
• 3 egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon chili powder

Directions:

1. Mix together first 8 ingredients, and refrigerate until ready to assemble empanadas.
2. On a floured surface, roll out pie shells and cut into 4-inch circles (use all the pie dough by re-rolling scraps).
3. Place approximately 2 tablespoons of chicken mixture in center of dough circles.
4. Fold each circle in half and crimp edges with a fork.
5. Place on a baking sheet and brush tops with egg yolks.
6. Sprinkle top with mixed salt and chili powder.
7. Bake 12-13 minutes at 400F degrees.
8. Serve warm or at room temperature.
9. Freezes well.

Reviews

[Just Cher]

Miss Annie, all I can say if yum!!!! I have been taste testing several appetizers for a shower I am throwing- Tested these on hubby & daughter and the said they were awesome. Really great flavor and very easy. This is truely one of the winners!

[Meredith K.]

UPDATE -- I made a half recipe of these again today, and they came out tastier. This time I used just under a cup of shredded chicken, and only a half cup or less of Monterey Jack (no cheddar this time). I moistened the mix with about a tablespoon of green taco sauce (La Victoria brand), and gave it a generous dose of chili powder and some salt. I used one green onion (next time I;; try red onion), and about a tablespoon of finely chopped tomato. What especially made them good this time, though: I remembered to brush 'em with egg yolk and sprinkle on the salt and chili powder, which adds flavor and makes them crisp. With 1 pie crust, I got 13 appetizers using a 3" round cookie cutter. (Someone more deft with a rolling pin might get one more.) 12 min. at 400° was just right. Excellent this time! Thank you, Miss Annie!

[M Calzada]

These are so good. I found Empanada circles in the frozen section of a latin market and they were very easy to use. they are called discos. I cut salt in half for the inside mixture and only used 1/2 tsp for the top. I will be making these again real soon.