Recipes : Cheesiest Fried Chicken Empanadas with Chili Con Queso Dip : Food Network

	Print 3x5 Recipe Cards
	Print this recipe out and cut along the dotted lines to add this 3x5 recipe card to your personal collection.

Cheesiest Fried Chicken Empanadas with Chili Con Queso Dip
Recipe courtesy Paula Deen

Ingredients
3 cups chopped, cooked chicken, about 4 to 5 chicken
breasts
1 (8-ounce) package shredded colby and Monterey Jack cheese blend
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 chopped red bell pepper
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (15-ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts
Water

Directions
Preheat vegetable oil in a deep-fryer to 350 degrees
F.

In a large bowl using a rubber spatula, combine the chicken, colby and Monterey
cheese, cream cheese, red pepper, jalapeno, cumin, salt, and pepper. Remove 1 pie
crust from pie tin onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 15-inch circle.
Cut out rounds, using a 3-inch cookie cutter. Re-roll dough as needed. Repeat
procedure with remaining pie crusts, making 12 to 15 circles total. Arrange 1
round on a clean, flat surface. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the edges of
crust with water. Place 1 heaping teaspoon of chicken mixture in the center of the
round. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges with a fork to seal.
Repeat with the remaining rounds and chicken mixture. Place empanadas in

deep-fryer for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden brown. Top with con queso dip.
Note: Up to this point, the recipe can be made ahead and frozen for up to 1
month

Chili Con Queso Dip
1 pound package Cheddar (recommended: Velveeta)
1 (16-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
2 teaspoons hot sauce

In a medium sauce pot, slowly melt Cheddar over medium/low heat. When cheese is
fully melted add tomatoes, chiles, and hot sauce, stirring with spoon until
combined well.
Pour cheese dip into a small casserole dish and serve as a dip for the cheesy

empanadas or pour on top for a real cheesy effect.