Cheesiest Fried Chicken Empanadas With Queso Dip Recipe

Indulge in Paula Deen-inspired cheesy chicken empanadas, fried to golden perfection and served with a fiery queso dip! This recipe delivers a flavor explosion in every bite. Crispy empanada crusts filled with a creamy blend of chicken, Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, and zesty spices, all complemented by a rich and cheesy queso dip. Perfect for a family dinner or a fun get-together. Get ready for a 4-star dining experience (according to my husband!). Pair it with our Spanish rice recipe (http://www.recipezaar.com/280608) for a complete meal.

Prep Time 30 mins

Cook Time 60 mins

Calories 285.4 kcal

Protein 12g

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Cheesiest Fried Chicken Empanadas With Queso Dip

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Cheesiest Fried Chicken Empanadas With Queso Dip

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 oz cream cheese (softened)
Red Bell Pepper
1/4 cup chopped jalapeño (seeded, to taste)
Ground Cumin
1 tsp salt
Ground Black Pepper
Refrigerated Pie Crusts
Water
Velveeta Cheese
1/2 cup diced tomatoes

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How to Make Cheesiest Fried Chicken Empanadas With Queso Dip

Preheat vegetable oil in a deep-fryer to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine: 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded), 1 cup shredded Colby cheese, 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper, 1/4 cup chopped jalapeño (seeded, to taste), 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well with a rubber spatula.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one pie crust to a 15-inch circle.
Use a 3-inch cookie cutter to cut out 12-15 empanada rounds. Re-roll scraps as needed.
Place one round on a clean surface. Brush the edges with water.
Add 1 heaping teaspoon of the chicken mixture to the center of the round.
Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges firmly with a fork to seal.
Repeat steps 5-7 with remaining rounds and filling.
Carefully place empanadas in the preheated oil and fry for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.
**Queso Dip:** In a medium saucepan, melt 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until smooth.
Stir in 1/2 cup diced tomatoes. Continue stirring until well combined.
Transfer the queso dip to a small casserole dish and serve alongside the empanadas for dipping or drizzling.
Serve your Cheesiest Fried Chicken Empanadas immediately with the queso dip and a side of Spanish rice.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

30 g

Sugar

Fat

43g

Carbs

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Starters Appetizers & Snacks Main Courses Lunch Main Dish / Dinner Sweets & Sides Side Dishes Poultry Chicken Recipes The Americas American Mexican Southern Game Day Recipes Baking

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Cuisine Preparation Occasion North American Appetizers Lunch Mexican Easy Dinner Party Finger Food Deep Fry Presentation Technique

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Cheesiest Fried Chicken Empanadas With Queso Dip?

Cheesiest Fried Chicken Empanadas With Queso Dip takes about 90 minutes from start to finish — roughly 30 minutes to prepare and 60 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Cheesiest Fried Chicken Empanadas With Queso Dip?

Cheesiest Fried Chicken Empanadas With Queso Dip has approximately 285.4 calories per serving, with about 12 g protein, 6 g carbohydrates and 30 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Cheesiest Fried Chicken Empanadas With Queso Dip?

The key ingredients for Cheesiest Fried Chicken Empanadas With Queso Dip are Chicken, Cheese, Cream Cheese, Red Bell Pepper, Jalapeno, Ground Cumin. See the full list with measurements above.