Pan-Fried Chicken Empanadas with Savory Pork Filling

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden pan-fried empanadas filled with seasoned ground pork and vegetables, a beloved Filipino snack or appetizer. This filipino-inspired snacks ready in about 65 minutes turns all-purpose flour, salt, warm water into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 12, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 45 min Cook: 20 min Serves 12 Filipino cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 tsp salt. Gradually add 3/4 cup warm water and 1 tbsp vegetable oil, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes, cover with a damp cloth, and let rest for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 finely chopped small onion for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 lb ground pork, 1 small diced carrot, and 1 small diced potato. Cook for 8-10 minutes until pork is browned and vegetables are tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and salt to taste. Cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.
  5. Step 5: Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a 5-inch circle. Place 2 tbsp filling in the center of each circle, fold over to form a half-moon, and press edges to seal tightly.
  6. Step 6: Heat 1 cup vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry empanadas in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Chicken Empanadas with Savory Pork Filling take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (45 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Chicken Empanadas with Savory Pork Filling?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Chicken Empanadas with Savory Pork Filling?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Fried Chicken Empanadas with Savory Pork Filling for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Fried Chicken Empanadas with Savory Pork Filling?

Filipino snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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