Tarragon Chicken Empanadas
Tarragon chicken empanadas are a truly special dish that combines the classic flavors of Hungarian cuisine with the form of Latin American empanadas. Tarragon chicken ragout is a popular dish in Hungary, as tarragon lends a distinctive yet refreshing aroma to the juicy, creamy chicken. This empanada version encloses this rich, creamy filling in flaky puff pastry. As the chicken and tarragon filling simmers, the aromas fill the kitchen - creating a truly homey atmosphere. The empanada is an ideal choice for entertaining guests, for a weekend lunch, or even for a picnic. It can also be eaten cold, making it a practical dish. The key to success is a well-seasoned, not too runny filling and properly sealed edges - this will ensure that it does not burst open during baking. Tip: be sure not to skip the fresh tarragon, as it gives the dish its character.
Ingredients for this recipe
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Preparation Steps
1
Dice the chicken breast into small cubes, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Chop the tarragon. TIP: Smaller cubes of chicken cook faster and distribute more evenly in the filling.
2
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 4-5 minutes until translucent, then add the garlic for a brief moment.
3
Add the diced chicken breast and sauté until all sides are opaque. Pour in the heavy cream and add the chopped tarragon, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened. TIP: If the sauce is too thin, continue cooking over low heat without a lid.
4
Allow the filling to cool to room temperature – this prevents the dough from becoming soggy when filled.
5
Roll out the puff pastry to about 3 mm thick, then cut out circles approximately 10 cm in diameter. TIP: Use a cup or bowl to cut out neat, uniform circles.
6
Place a tablespoon of chicken filling on one side of each circle, then fold the other half over. Press the edges together with a fork to seal them securely.
7
Whisk the egg and brush it over the top of the empanadas. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color while baking.
8
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
9
Let them cool slightly before serving with dipping sauce or a fresh salad. TIP: The cooled empanadas are also delicious cold, making them ideal for snacks or picnics.
