15 May 2025
Cook time 50 min
Prep time 25 min
Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts
2 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:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- 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.
2. Cook the Bacon and Onion:
- 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.
3. Combine Ingredients:
- 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.
4. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- 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.
5. Fill the Pastries:
- 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.
6. Egg Wash:
- 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.
7. Bake:
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
8. Serve:
- Allow the pastries to cool slightly before removing them from the tin.
- Serve warm and enjoy your delightful Empadas de Galinha!
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.
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.