Game Day Buffalo Chicken Empanadas

Name: Game Day Buffalo Chicken Empanadas
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 empanadas
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 1/2 cup buffalo sauce; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/4 cup cold water; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Oil for frying (optional)

Highlighted under: Easy Global Meals

Growing up, game day was always a big deal in my family, and I found myself searching for the perfect bite-sized snack that packed a punch. These buffalo chicken empanadas are the ultimate game day treat! Not only are they easy to make, but they also burst with flavor from the spicy buffalo sauce and creamy filling. I’m excited to share this recipe with you as it brings those cherished memories to life and is sure to score big with any crowd!

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-01-23T22:17:28.517Z

Creating these buffalo chicken empanadas became a fun tradition in our home, especially during football season. The combination of tender chicken, zingy buffalo sauce, and cheesy goodness wrapped in a flaky crust is simply irresistible. I remember the first time I served them; my friends devoured them in no time!

This recipe can easily be customized to suit your taste. You can adjust the spice level by experimenting with different hot sauces, or add vegetables like chopped celery or green onions for extra crunch. Each bite is a flavor explosion that keeps you coming back for more!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Kickin' buffalo flavor paired with creamy chicken filling
Flaky and crisp crust that holds up perfectly
A fun, portable treat that's perfect for parties

Understanding the Ingredients

The chicken filling in these empanadas is the star of the show, with shredded cooked chicken that’s both tender and flavorful. Depending on your preference, rotisserie chicken can be a great shortcut. It not only saves time but also adds a depth of flavor to the filling. Mixing it with buffalo sauce provides a spicy kick, while cream cheese ensures a creamy texture that beautifully balances the heat.

Shredded mozzarella cheese plays a crucial role here, adding gooeyness to every bite. Make sure to use fresh mozzarella for the best melt. If you're looking for a slightly sharper taste, feel free to swap in cheddar. The green onions serve as a refreshing crunch that offsets the richness of the other ingredients, so don't skip them!

Perfecting the Dough

For the empanada dough, using cold butter is key to achieving a flaky crust. When incorporating the butter, aim for a sandy texture with small pea-sized pieces remaining. This helps create layers in the crust that will puff up during cooking. Be careful not to over-mix or over-knead the dough; this can lead to a tough texture instead of the desired tenderness.

Resting the dough in the refrigerator allows the gluten to relax, which is crucial for easy rolling. If you're short on time, you could also chill it in the freezer for 15 minutes, but keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t freeze completely. When rolling out, flour your surface adequately to prevent sticking, and remember to keep the thickness consistent to ensure even cooking.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious empanadas:

Empanada Filling

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions

Empanada Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 cup cold water

For Cooking

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Oil for frying (optional)

With these ingredients, you're all set to create a delicious batch of buffalo chicken empanadas!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your empanadas:

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and green onions until well combined.

Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out circles, approximately 4 inches in diameter.

Fill the Empanadas

Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal, using a fork to crimp if desired.

Cook the Empanadas

Preheat oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat. Fry the empanadas in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Alternatively, brush with the egg wash and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Serve

Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them with extra buffalo sauce or ranch dressing for dipping!

Your game day snack is ready to impress!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a splash of cayenne pepper to the filling. Feel free to adjust the filling according to your preferences or make them vegetarian by substituting chicken with mushrooms.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These buffalo chicken empanadas can be made ahead of time and frozen for later enjoyment. To do this, assemble the empanadas but refrain from cooking them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze briefly, then transfer to an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. They can be kept frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, there's no need to thaw; simply fry or bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

If you have leftovers after cooking, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about 3-4 days. To reheat them, popping them in a toaster oven helps restore the crispiness of the crust, or for a quicker method, use the microwave, keeping in mind the outer crust may become softer.

Serving Suggestions

These empanadas make a fantastic appetizer or snack, but you can elevate the experience by serving them alongside a variety of dipping sauces. Classic buffalo sauce can be paired for those who crave extra heat, while cooling ranch dressing offers a mellow contrast. A blue cheese dip could also be a great option for those who enjoy the flavor pairing with buffalo wings.

For a complete meal, consider serving the empanadas with a side salad, like a crisp romaine or coleslaw, to balance the richness of the filling. You could also plate them with a selection of fresh veggies for added crunch and color. These simple additions create a well-rounded spread to impress any game day crowd!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze these empanadas?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked empanadas. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be fried or baked directly from frozen.

→ What can I serve with empanadas?

Empanadas are great with dips like buffalo sauce, ranch, or blue cheese dressing. You can also serve them alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.

→ How can I make the dough ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.

→ Can I bake instead of frying?

Absolutely! Baking the empanadas gives them a lighter texture. Just brush them with egg wash and bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown.