Chicken Empanada
CHICKEN EMPANADA is a medium Filipino recipe that serves 8. 575 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef RV Manabat on YouTube.
Prep: 55 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 55 min
Cost: $20.24 total, $2.53 per serving
Ingredients
- 500 g Chicken Breast (boiled in salted water then shredded)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 2 medium Potato (peeled and diced; soak in water to prevent darkening)
- 1 medium Carrot (diced)
- 1 small Bell Pepper (diced; any color)
- g Mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 tsp Fresh Thyme (chopped)
- 300 g All-Purpose Flour (for dough)
- 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour (binder for filling)
- 100 ml Heavy Cream (adds richness to filling)
- 2 tbsp White Wine (optional, adds depth)
- 1 tsp White Sugar (for filling balance)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (ground)
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 100 g Grated Cheese (any melting cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, etc.))
- 200 ml Andok's Coconut Oil (for sautéing and deep‑frying; 100% pure)
- 1 tbsp Butter (unsalted, cut into pieces)
- 1 piece Egg Yolk (binder for dough)
- 200 ml Ice Water (very cold; keep ice cubes in water)
- 1 piece Egg (for egg wash; beaten)
- 1 tbsp Milk (mixed with egg for wash)
Instructions
Boil the Chicken
Place the chicken breast in a pot of water with a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10‑15 minutes until fully cooked.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 212°F
Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, then pull apart with two forks into fine flakes.
Time: PT5M
Prepare the Vegetables
Dice the onion, potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, and slice the mushrooms. Soak the diced potatoes in water to prevent browning.
Time: PT10M
Sauté Aromatics
Heat 2 tbsp Andok's coconut oil and 1 tbsp butter in the wok over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, then add potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Season with a pinch of salt and cook for about 5‑7 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Add Herbs and Thicken
Stir in chopped thyme, 2 tbsp flour, 100 ml heavy cream, 2 tbsp white wine, 1 tsp white sugar, salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and the flour is cooked through.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Finish the Filling
Turn off the heat. Add the grated cheese and shredded chicken, stirring until the cheese melts and everything is well combined. Let the filling cool to room temperature.
Time: PT10M
Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl combine 300 g all‑purpose flour, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1 egg yolk, and 2 tbsp Andok's coconut oil. Gradually add 200 ml ice‑cold water while mixing until a smooth, pliable dough forms.
Time: PT10M
Rest the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap (or a damp cheesecloth) and let it rest for 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Portion and Roll
Divide the dough into 8‑10 equal pieces (about 90‑100 g each). On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 4‑5 inch circle, keeping the thickness even.
Time: PT10M
Assemble Empanadas
Place 2 generous scoops of the cooled filling in the center of each dough circle. Brush the edges with an egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tbsp milk). Fold the dough over to form a half‑moon, press edges together, then crimp with a fork. Poke a small hole near the tip to allow steam to escape.
Time: PT10M
Heat Oil for Frying
In a deep‑frying pot, heat the remaining Andok's coconut oil to 350°F (180°C). Use a thermometer to check temperature.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Deep Fry Empanadas
Carefully lower a few empanadas into the hot oil. Fry for 3‑4 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crisp. Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Serve
Allow empanadas to cool slightly, then serve with Andok's Spicy Suka or your favorite dipping sauce.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 575
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 30 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Contains egg
Allergens: Egg, Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: canned tuna, drained, ground pork, boiled and shredded, firm tofu, diced
- Instead of Onion: shallots, green onion
- Instead of Potato: sweet potato, yuca
- Instead of Carrot: parsnip
- Instead of Bell Pepper: any other pepper
- Instead of Mushrooms: button mushrooms, shiitake
- Instead of Fresh Thyme: dried thyme, oregano
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: cake flour, gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: cornstarch
- Instead of Heavy Cream: half‑and‑half, coconut milk
- Instead of White Wine: chicken broth, water
- Instead of White Sugar: honey, maple syrup (small amount)
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Grated Cheese: processed cheese, vegan cheese
- Instead of Andok's Coconut Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Butter: margarine
- Instead of Egg Yolk: whole egg
- Instead of Egg: egg white only
- Instead of Milk: plant‑based milk
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wok or Large Frying Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Rolling Pin
- Plastic Wrap
- Fork
- Deep Frying Pot
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon
- Sheet Pan
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Boiling the chicken until fully cooked
- Thickening the filling with flour and cream
- Resting the dough to achieve flakiness
- Sealing the empanada edges tightly
- Frying at the correct oil temperature (350°F)
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a mix of coconut oil and butter for a richer flavor in the filling.
- Add a splash of white wine for subtle acidity that brightens the creamy sauce.
- For extra flakiness, chill the dough between rolling steps.
Troubleshooting
Filling is too watery.
Simmer the filling longer to evaporate excess liquid, or add a little more flour as a thickener.
Dough cracks when shaping.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth while working and ensure the dough is well‑hydrated; let it rest a few extra minutes.
Empanadas burst open while frying.
Make sure the edges are sealed tightly and prick a vent hole; also maintain oil temperature at 350°F.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked empanadas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked, sealed empanadas on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag; bake/fry from frozen, adding 2‑3 minutes to cooking time.
Room temperature: Do not keep at room temperature longer than 2 hours due to the dairy filling.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate; reheat gently before filling.
- The dough can be made up to 24 hours in advance, wrapped tightly in plastic and kept cold.
- Uncooked empanadas freeze well; fry directly from frozen for a slightly longer cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Empanada in Filipino cuisine?
Filipino empanadas trace back to Spanish colonial influence, adapting the Spanish pastry with local fillings like chicken, potatoes, and native herbs. They are enjoyed as snack foods, street fare, and festive treats, especially during celebrations and family gatherings.
What are the traditional regional variations of empanada in the Philippines?
In the Ilocos region, empanadas are filled with mung beans, longganisa, and egg, while in the Visayas they often contain cheese and sweet potato. The Luzon version, like this Chicken Empanada, commonly uses a creamy chicken and vegetable filling with a flaky coconut‑oil dough.
How is Chicken Empanada traditionally served in Filipino households?
It is usually served hot, accompanied by a tangy vinegar‑based dipping sauce such as Andok's Spicy Suka. It can be part of a merienda (snack) spread, served alongside coffee or tea, or offered as an appetizer at celebrations.
What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Empanada traditionally associated with in Filipino culture?
Empanadas are popular during fiestas, birthdays, and family gatherings. They are also a favorite treat for Mother’s Day, as highlighted by Chef RV Manabat, and are commonly sold at street fairs and market stalls.
How does Chicken Empanada fit into the broader Filipino cuisine tradition?
It exemplifies the Filipino love for fried, handheld foods that combine sweet, salty, and savory flavors. The use of coconut oil reflects the archipelago’s abundant coconut resources, while the creamy chicken filling shows the influence of Western-style sauces.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Filipino Chicken Empanada versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include chicken, potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, mushrooms, thyme, flour, cream, cheese, and coconut oil. Substitutes can be tuna, pork, tofu for protein; vegetable oil for cooking; or different cheeses based on availability.
What other Filipino dishes pair well with Chicken Empanada?
Serve with a side of sinigang (sour soup) for contrast, or alongside other street foods like lumpia (spring rolls) and pancit (noodle stir‑fry). A cold halo‑halo dessert balances the richness of the empanada.
What makes Chicken Empanada special or unique in Filipino cuisine?
Its creamy, herb‑infused chicken filling combined with a flaky coconut‑oil dough creates a texture contrast rarely found in other Filipino pastries. The optional addition of white wine and thyme adds a subtle gourmet twist.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Empanada?
Common errors include over‑filling, which can cause the pastry to burst; not sealing the edges tightly; frying at the wrong temperature, leading to soggy or burnt crust; and using a watery filling that makes the dough soggy.
Why does this Chicken Empanada recipe use flour as a binder instead of cornstarch?
Flour not only thickens the creamy sauce but also adds a subtle body that helps the filling stay together during frying. Cornstarch would give a glossy finish but lacks the slight chew that flour provides, which is preferred for the empanada texture.
What does the YouTube channel Chef RV Manabat specialize in?
The YouTube channel Chef RV Manabat focuses on easy‑to‑make Filipino home‑cooking recipes, often highlighting budget‑friendly meals, creative twists on classic dishes, and practical tips for cooks without specialized equipment.
How does the YouTube channel Chef RV Manabat's approach to Filipino cooking differ from other Filipino cooking channels?
Chef RV Manabat emphasizes simplicity and resourcefulness, using everyday ingredients and minimal tools, while many other channels showcase more elaborate techniques or specialty equipment. He also shares personal stories and cultural reflections alongside the recipes.
Last updated: August 21, 2026






