Empadas de galinha (chicken pastries)
Empadas de galinha are delicious Portuguese chicken pastries made with tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and aromatic spices, all encased in flaky puff pastry. Perfect as a meal, snack, or appetizer, these pastries combine robust flavours through a straightforward cooking process.
Cook time 50 min
Prep time 25 min
Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts2 cups chicken gravy
2 tsp butter
5 bacon strips
1/2 onion
1/3 cup white wine
1 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tbsp fresh parsley
4 sheets puff pastry
1 egg
Empadas de galinha, or chicken pastries, are a classic Portuguese dish that blends tender chicken, flavorful bacon, and aromatic spices all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. These savory pastries are perfect for a meal, snack, or even a party appetizer.
Instructions:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the chicken breasts until fully cooked (about 15-20 minutes).
- Remove the chicken breasts from the water and let them cool down slightly. Shred the chicken into small pieces using two forks or your fingers.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the bacon strips and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon, chop into small pieces, and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent.
- Add the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, and cooked onions back into the skillet.
- Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until most of the wine has evaporated.
- Stir in the chicken gravy, ground nutmeg, and fresh parsley. Mix well and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a floured surface and cut out circles approximately 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. You may use a large cup or a cookie cutter to achieve the desired size.
- Line a muffin tin with the pastry circles, pressing them gently into the cups to form the base.
- Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into the pastry-lined muffin cups.
- Use the remaining pastry circles to cover the top of each filled cup, sealing the edges by pressing the top and bottom layers together. For a decorative touch, you can crimp the edges with a fork.
- Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the top of each pastry with the beaten egg. This will give your pastries a beautiful golden-brown sheen.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Allow the pastries to cool slightly before removing them from the tin.
- Serve warm and enjoy your delightful Empadas de Galinha!
Enjoy your homemade Empadas de galinha fresh out of the oven, letting them cool slightly before serving. These delicious chicken pastries are sure to impress family and friends with their rich flavors and tender, flaky pastry. They're perfect for any occasion and are likely to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Empadas de galinha (chicken pastries) FAQ:
Empadas de galinha should be baked in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
The chicken breasts should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). They typically take about 15-20 minutes in boiling water.
Yes, you can prepare the pastries and fill them in advance. Store the uncooked pastries in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them for longer storage. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
You can substitute white wine with chicken broth or a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water if you want to avoid alcohol.
A muffin tin is ideal for baking empadas de galinha, as it helps shape the pastries and holds the filling well. Alternatively, you can use a tart pan if you prefer larger pastries.
Cooking Tips:
- Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly and let it cool before shredding for the best texture and even mixing.
- Using a high-quality puff pastry can make a big difference in the flakiness and overall taste of the empadas.
- You can customize the filling by adding vegetables like peas or carrots for added texture and nutrients.
- Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg to ensure that they seal properly and turn a beautiful golden color.
Nutrition Facts
12 ServingsCalories 580kcal
Protein 15g
Carbohydrates 40g
Fiber 1.52g
Sugar 1.21g
Fat 40g
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