Buffalo Chicken Dip Empanadas Recipe
Buffalo chicken dip empanadas take everything you love about the classic party dip and tuck it into a crispy, golden pastry pocket you can eat with one hand. They are spicy, creamy, cheesy, and impossible to stop munching once they hit the table.
Whether you are hosting game day, need a fun appetizer, or just want a hand held snack that packs big flavor, these empanadas deliver. They come together with simple ingredients and bake to crispy perfection in no time.
What Are Buffalo Chicken Dip Empanadas
Buffalo chicken dip empanadas are handheld pastries stuffed with a creamy filling made from shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and shredded cheese. The filling tastes just like the beloved buffalo chicken dip, only sealed inside a flaky dough shell.
Once folded and crimped, they are baked or fried until the crust turns golden and crisp. The result is a warm, gooey center with a satisfying crunch on the outside, perfect for dipping in ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These empanadas are a guaranteed crowd favorite. Here is why they earn a spot at every gathering:
- Handheld and mess free: All the flavor of buffalo dip with none of the double dipping.
- Make ahead ready: Assemble them in advance and bake when guests arrive.
- Crispy and creamy: A crunchy shell wrapped around a rich, spicy filling.
- Perfect for parties: They travel well and disappear fast at any event.
Ingredients You Will Need
Here is everything you need to make these crispy buffalo chicken dip empanadas:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 package empanada dough discs or refrigerated pie crust
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Empanadas Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cheddar, ranch dressing, and green onions until well combined.
- Lay out the empanada dough discs and spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling into the center of each one.
- Fold the dough over to form a half moon, then press and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg, then bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Let them cool for a few minutes, then serve warm with extra ranch or blue cheese for dipping.
Tips and Variations
Use these tips to get the best empanadas every time:
- Do not overfill the dough or the filling will leak out while baking.
- Seal the edges well with a fork so they stay closed in the oven.
- For extra crispy results, fry them in oil at 350 degrees F instead of baking.
Fun variations to try:
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time on busy days.
- Add crumbled bacon or diced jalapenos for extra flavor and heat.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicier bite.
Storage Tips and Frequently Asked Questions
Store leftover buffalo chicken dip empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer at 350 degrees F for a few minutes to bring back the crunch. You can also freeze unbaked empanadas for up to 2 months and bake them straight from frozen.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes. Assemble them, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking.
Can I air fry them? Absolutely. Air fry at 375 degrees F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
How spicy are they? Adjust the heat by using more or less buffalo sauce to suit your taste.
What dough works best? Store bought empanada discs are easiest, but pie crust or puff pastry also work well.
Final Thoughts
These buffalo chicken dip empanadas are the ultimate way to serve a party favorite in a fun, handheld form. Crispy on the outside, creamy and spicy on the inside, they are sure to be the first thing to vanish from your appetizer spread.
Make a batch for your next game day, potluck, or weekend snack attack. Once everyone gets a taste, they will be begging you for the recipe again and again.