Chicken Empanadas: The Art of Venezuelan Chicken Stuffed Empanadas

Venezuelan chicken empanadas are a culinary treasure that combines the softness of chicken with the crunchy embrace of a golden dough. In Mosaico Frozen, experts in frozen Venezuelan foods, we understand the importance of keeping this tradition alive.

Discover with us how to prepare the best chicken empanadas, from the selection of ingredients to the most effective cooking techniques.

The Perfect Stuffing: Chicken Preparation

The heart of a chicken empanada is, without a doubt, its filling. To achieve an authentic taste, it is crucial to select the right ingredients and prepare them with care.

Chicken Selection

• Chicken breast: 500g (17.6 oz) – Ideal for a lighter, lower fat filling.
• Chicken thigh: 500g (17.6 oz) – Provides more flavor and juiciness to the filling.

Pro tip: Combine both cuts for a perfect balance between flavor and texture.

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Essential Spices and Condiments

Los key ingredients of Venezuelan cuisine They are essential to achieve the authentic flavor of chicken empanadas:

• Minced garlic: 15g (0.5 oz)
• Chopped onion: 100g (3.5 oz)
• Chopped red pepper: 50g (1.8 oz)
• Ground cumin: 5g (0.18 oz)
• Dried oregano: 3g (0.1 oz)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper: to taste

The Dough: The Secret of a Good Empanada

The dough is the canvas on which the masterpiece that is the chicken empanada is created. Here we present a basic recipe that you can adapt according to your preferences:

Dough Recipe for Venezuelan Empanadas (20 units)

• Pre-cooked corn flour: 500g (17.6 oz)
• Warm water: 600ml (20.3 fl oz) approximately
• Salt: 5g (0.18 oz)

This is the traditional recipe for Venezuelan empanada dough. The characteristic texture and flavor come from the use of precooked corn flour, which is the base ingredient in many Venezuelan preparations, including arepas.

Instructions for the dough:

1. In a large bowl, mix the precooked corn flour with the salt.
2. Add the warm water little by little, kneading with your hands until you obtain a soft and manageable dough. The amount of water may vary slightly depending on the brand of flour.
3. Let the dough rest, covered with a damp cloth, for about 10 minutes.
4. Divide the dough into uniformly sized balls (about 20).
5. Using an arepa press or between two sheets of plastic, flatten each ball into a thin disk.

This dough is similar to the one we use in our frozen Venezuelan tequeños, although for Tequeños wheat flour is used. The versatility of precooked corn flour is what makes Venezuelan cuisine unique.

If you prefer a faster and more convenient option, our frozen mini Venezuelan chicken empanadas They are made with the authentic traditional recipe, ready to fry or bake at home.

Step by Step Recipe: Venezuelan Chicken Empanadas

1. Preparation of the filling:
   • Cook chicken in salted water until tender.
   • Shred the chicken and set aside.
   • In a frying pan, sauté the onion, garlic and paprika.
   • Add the shredded chicken and spices. Cook for 10 minutes.
2. Preparation of the dough:
   • Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl.
   • Add the cold butter in small pieces.
   • Add the egg and water gradually, kneading until you obtain a smooth dough.
   • Let the dough rest for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. Assembling the empanadas:
   • Roll out the dough and cut circles approximately 12 cm in diameter.
   • Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle.
   • Fold the dough and seal the edges with a fork or traditional repulgue.
4. Cooking:
   • Fry in hot oil at 180°C (350°F) until golden brown.
   • Alternatively, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes for a healthier option.

If you prefer a baked option, you can apply techniques similar to those used in our baked Venezuelan tequeños.

Regional Variations of Chicken Empanadas in Venezuela

As with our regional varieties of tequeños, chicken empanadas have their own variations depending on the region of Venezuela:

Sauces and Accompaniments

No chicken empanada is complete without its accompaniments. We recommend you try:

• Guasacaca: An avocado-based sauce, ideal for empanadas.
• Garlic sauce: Perfect for enhancing the flavor of chicken.
• Spicy Creole: For lovers of intense flavor.

Tips for Freezing and Reheating Chicken Empanadas

Did you know that you can freeze your empanadas to enjoy them later? Follow these tips, similar to the ones we used to freeze and preserve tequeños:

1. Freeze raw empanadas on a tray before packaging to prevent them from sticking.
2. Store them in airtight bags, eliminating as much air as possible.
3. Label the bags with the freezing date.
4. To reheat, bake frozen empanadas at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes.

If you prefer comfort, our frozen mini Venezuelan chicken empanadas They are an excellent ready-to-cook option.

Pairing: Drinks that Perfectly Accompany Chicken Empanadas

Complement your chicken empanadas with traditional Venezuelan drinks:

• Papelon with lemon
• chicha
• Passion fruit juice

For alcoholic options, a cold beer or light white wine are excellent choices.

Chicken Empanadas in Venezuelan Culture

Chicken empanadas are more than just a food in Venezuela; They are an integral part of our culture. They are enjoyed on various occasions:

• As a hearty breakfast
• At family celebrations
• As a snack on the beach
• In street stalls as traditional fast food

In the Venezuelan diaspora, chicken empanadas have become a symbol of identity and nostalgia, allowing Venezuelans abroad to keep a part of their culinary culture alive.

Conclusion

Venezuelan chicken empanadas are a true culinary delight that combines tradition, flavor and versatility. Whether you prepare them from scratch or opt for the comfort of our frozen mini Venezuelan chicken empanadas, you are participating in a rich gastronomic tradition. In Mosaico Frozen, we are proud to offer products that allow you to enjoy these authentic flavors in the comfort of your home.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Venezuelan Chicken Empanadas

What is the difference between a Venezuelan empanada and a Colombian one?

Venezuelan empanadas usually have a dough made from pre-cooked corn flour or a mixture of wheat and corn, while Colombian empanadas are typically made with pure corn dough. Additionally, the filling and preparation techniques may vary.

Can you make gluten-free chicken empanadas?

Yes, it is possible to make gluten-free chicken empanadas using pre-cooked corn flour, as well as alternative flours such as rice or cassava flour. The challenge is to achieve a texture similar to the traditional one.

How long can chicken empanadas be stored in the freezer?

Homemade chicken empanadas can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months if packaged well. Commercial empanadas like those of Mosaico Frozen They usually have a longer shelf life due to industrial freezing processes.

How to prevent empanadas from opening when frying?

Make sure to seal the edges well with a fork or by making a firm repulgue. Also, do not overload the filling and maintain a constant oil temperature when frying.

What to do with leftover chicken filling?

Leftover filling is excellent for making arepas, as a topping for salads, or as a base for chicken soup. You can also freeze it for future empanadas.

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