This easy Buffalo Chicken Empanada Recipe combines spicy shredded chicken with creamy cheese inside a golden flaky crust — perfect for game day or snack time!
Introduction: Buffalo Chicken Empanada Recipe
Craving something bold, cheesy, and perfectly crispy? Then this Buffalo Chicken Empanada Recipe is just what you need.
It’s a fusion of two favorites — the spicy tang of buffalo chicken and the buttery crunch of empanadas — creating a snack that’s both comforting and exciting. These hand-held turnovers are loaded with shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce and cream cheese, sealed in pastry, then baked or fried until golden.
Perfect for parties, game-day spreads, or a quick meal, buffalo chicken empanadas are portable, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. Let’s dive into why this spicy twist on a Latin classic deserves a spot in your kitchen.
What Are Buffalo Chicken Empanadas?
An empanada is a pastry turnover popular across Latin America, typically filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables and either baked or fried. In this Buffalo Chicken Empanada Recipe, we bring an American favorite — buffalo chicken — into a flaky pastry shell for the ultimate flavor mash-up.
Imagine juicy shredded chicken coated in spicy buffalo sauce and creamy cheese, tucked inside a crisp, golden crust. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch. Unlike messy buffalo wings, empanadas are portable and easy to eat, making them a hit for parties and casual gatherings.
Serve them hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing, along with carrot and celery sticks for that classic buffalo experience. Whether you bake or fry them, these empanadas offer all the flavor of buffalo wings — without the sticky fingers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Buffalo Chicken Empanada Recipe:
For the Filling:
| Ingredient | Purpose / Tip |
|---|---|
| 2 cups shredded cooked chicken | Rotisserie or leftover chicken works great. |
| ½ cup buffalo sauce | Use your favorite brand for desired spice level. |
| 4 oz cream cheese | Adds creaminess to balance the heat. |
| ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella | Melty goodness that binds the filling. |
| 1 tsp garlic powder | Enhances the flavor. |
| 1 green onion (optional) | Adds freshness and color. |
| Salt and pepper | To taste. |
For the Dough:
| Ingredient | Purpose / Tip |
|---|---|
| 10 empanada dough discs | Store-bought or homemade pastry. |
| 1 egg (for egg wash) | Brushed on top for golden color. |
| Oil (if frying) | Canola or vegetable oil works best. |
Optional Dips:
- Blue cheese dressing
- Ranch dressing
- Extra buffalo sauce for dipping
Ingredient Tips:
- Use pre-cooked chicken for ease and consistency.
- For lighter empanadas, opt for baking instead of frying.
- Add a few blue cheese crumbles inside for an authentic buffalo twist.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Empanadas
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly coated and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more buffalo sauce if you love extra heat.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
If using store-bought empanada discs, thaw them according to package directions. For homemade dough, mix flour, butter, salt, egg, and cold water until crumbly, form into a ball, chill for 30 minutes, then roll and cut into 6-inch circles.
Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas
Spoon 2 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken filling into the center of each disc. Be careful not to overfill — it can cause the empanadas to burst open. Brush the edges lightly with water or egg wash, fold the dough in half to form a crescent, and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal.
Step 4: Cooking Options
• Bake:
Place empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with egg wash and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
• Fry:
Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry empanadas in small batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
• Air Fryer:
Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush empanadas with oil and air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery or carrot sticks. Each bite bursts with spicy, creamy filling and a flaky crust that melts in your mouth.
Tips and Variations
1. Adjust the Spice:
Use mild buffalo sauce or mix with melted butter for a less spicy flavor. Add hot sauce if you prefer more heat.
2. Try Different Cheeses:
Cheddar gives sharp flavor, mozzarella gives stretchiness, and blue cheese offers a tangy contrast.
3. Make Ahead:
Assemble empanadas, freeze on a baking tray, then store in freezer bags. Bake straight from frozen (add 5 extra minutes).
4. Creative Fillings:
Add diced celery or bell peppers for crunch. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with mashed chickpeas or jackfruit tossed in buffalo sauce.
5. Reheating:
Reheat baked or fried empanadas in an oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving — it softens the crust.
FAQs About Buffalo Chicken Empanadas
Q1: Can I bake instead of fry them?
Yes! Baking is healthier and easier. Just brush the tops with egg wash before baking at 400°F until golden.
Q2: What dough works best for empanadas?
Store-bought empanada discs save time, but homemade pastry (flour, butter, salt, egg, and water) gives superior flakiness.
Q3: How do I keep the empanadas from leaking?
Don’t overfill. Seal edges tightly with a fork and chill the empanadas for 10 minutes before baking or frying.
Q4: Can I make them ahead of time?
Definitely! You can refrigerate filled empanadas for up to 24 hours or freeze them for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen when needed.
Q5: What should I serve with them?
Classic choices include ranch or blue cheese dip, celery sticks, and extra buffalo sauce. They also pair beautifully with a crisp salad or fries.
Conclusion
This Buffalo Chicken Empanada Recipe combines two favorites — the heat of buffalo chicken and the comfort of flaky pastry — into one irresistible bite.
Whether you bake, fry, or air fry, these empanadas are guaranteed to please a crowd. They’re spicy, cheesy, crispy, and perfect for every occasion from parties to family dinners.
So grab your buffalo sauce and get cooking — your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
Hi, I’m Sidra Asif, the heart behind Chicken Bites. Cooking has been my lifelong passion, sparked by the magical meals I watched my mother create in our family kitchen. Over the years, I’ve explored diverse cuisines, earned a diploma in Culinary Arts, and refined my skills in professional kitchens—learning the art of flavor pairing, presentation, and creativity.
Through Chicken Bites, I share my favorite recipes, cooking tips, and culinary adventures to inspire home cooks to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals. Join me on this flavorful journey where tradition meets innovation, and every dish is made with love! 🍗✨
