Authentic Cuban Chicken Empanadas

Let's savor the flavors of Abuela's arroz con pollo in a whole new way with these Cuban Chicken Empanadas! Tender, shredded chicken thighs seasoned with all the traditional Cuban spices you love in a pork lard-infused sweet dough. It doesn't get any better than this!

📝 Ingredients

• 12 empanada dough rounds ((or store-bought empanada discs))
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (thawed)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 medium green bell pepper (thinly sliced lengthwise)
• 1/4 cup jarred red pimientos (thinly sliced lengthwise)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup dry cooking wine (vino seco)
• 4 ounces tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• Salt + pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 cup Spanish pimiento stuffed olive slices
• Canola oil (for frying)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1In a large pot, add 4 cups of water and crush the bouillon cube with your fingers. Stir then add the chicken thighs. Bring to a boil.
2. 2Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165ºF). Remove the chicken from the pot and shred with two forks on a plate. Set aside.
3. 3In a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium-high heat. Add onions, green peppers, pimientos, and garlic, and saute for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the cooking wine, tomato sauce, spices, salt and pepper.
4. 4Add in the shredded chicken and olives and make sure all is well incorporated. Saute for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from the heat and allow the chicken to slightly cool.
5. 5Add 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken filling into the center of the dough disc. Lightly brush the edges of the disc with water.
6. 6Fold the top half of the circle over the filling then seal with a fork. Repeat with the rest of the dough or you can refrigerate the rest for another time.
7. 7In a large skillet, heat 2-3 inches of oil to 350ºF. Fry the empanadas for 3-4 minutes until crispy and golden brown on all sides. Drain on paper towel lined plates. Serve immediately.