Chicken Empanadas

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

by Miss Annie

38 min | 25 min prep

8 -9 empanadas, (approx.)

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

1. Mix together first 8 ingredients, and refrigerate until ready to assemble empanadas. Or, moisten chicken with green sauce
   
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.
10. I also did a BBQ chicken filling with shredded gouda, a bit of cream cheese and a couple tablespoons of barbecue sauce. Also yummy and good for those who don't do spicy.