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Three-Ingredient Chicken Empanadas: Your Go-To for Quick & Delicious Meals

Growing up, the tantalizing aroma of a fresh fritura—be it savory empanadas, hearty alcapurrias, or fluffy relleno de papa—was a rare delight, reserved mostly for special occasions. These culinary treasures weren’t something you’d whip up on a whim after school or for a quick weeknight dinner. The truth is, preparing them from scratch is a labor of love, demanding a significant investment of time and effort. My parents would sometimes make a weekend trip to a specialty shop, a local gem that, unlike a convenient one-stop store such as Walmart, never had all the ingredients needed to craft these delicious treats at home. The sheer effort involved meant that these beloved snacks were a cherished indulgence, not an everyday occurrence.

Fast forward to today, and as a busy mom of seven, the idea of spending hours in the kitchen perfecting homemade frituras feels like a distant dream. Life moves at an incredible pace, especially with a large family, and every moment saved is a victory. This is precisely why I’ve come to rely on the incredible convenience and quality of Campbell Soup Company products. They’ve become my secret weapon for whipping up beloved family favorites without the traditional time commitment. With heroes like Swanson® Premium Chicken and Pace® Salsa, I can dramatically cut down cooking time, transforming complex recipes into simple, accessible meals. Stay with me to discover how I create incredibly flavorful, three-ingredient chicken empanadas that bring back all the childhood nostalgia, but in a fraction of the time!

Effortless Back-to-School Meals and Snacks

As the back-to-school season approaches (for us, it kicks off in August!), the demand for quick, nutritious, and appealing meals and snacks intensifies. Parents everywhere are looking for clever solutions to keep their families well-fed and energized without sacrificing precious time. This is where products like Swanson® Premium Chicken truly shine. It’s a game-changer because it’s already cooked and ready to use, instantly making it a cornerstone for lightning-fast meals. Beyond its convenience, it’s also a smart choice for health-conscious families, being low in fat and heart-healthy. This means I can create satisfying dishes that are both easy and good for us.

Pairing Swanson® Premium Chicken with Pace® Salsas is where the magic truly happens. The genuine southwest flavor of Pace® Salsa infuses any dish with an instant, vibrant kick, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Its versatility is legendary; honestly, it’s good on almost anything – except maybe ice cream! Together, these ingredients are perfect for crafting delicious after-school snacks, much like the chicken empanadas I cherished as a kid. These aren’t just snacks; they’re warm, comforting bites that provide a boost of energy and flavor when kids need it most after a long day of learning.

And let’s not forget about staying energized myself! Juggling work, family, and back-to-school preparations can be draining. That’s why I treat myself to a refreshing V8+Energy®, conveniently found in the juice aisle at Walmart. This fantastic beverage is a favorite among fans who rave about its steady energy boost – precisely what I need to navigate the hectic back-to-school period. What’s even better? Each can contains only 50 calories, making it a guilt-free way to stay focused and vibrant throughout the day. It’s the perfect pick-me-up that helps me keep pace with my busy household and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Why Empanadas Are the Ultimate Shortcut Meal

Empanadas, with their delightful savory fillings encased in golden, crispy dough, are a culinary staple in many cultures, beloved for their portability and comforting flavor. Traditionally, making them can be quite an undertaking, involving preparing the dough from scratch, cooking a complex filling, and then meticulously folding each pastry. However, the beauty of the “shortcut meal” philosophy is transforming these beloved classics into accessible everyday options. By leveraging pre-cooked ingredients and ready-made components, we can enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying textures of empanadas without the lengthy preparation. They’re perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, party appetizers, or even a light dinner. Their universal appeal makes them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any family.

Three-Ingredient Chicken Empanadas Recipe

Ready to shop for these essential Campbell Soup Company products? Head over to Walmart.com to easily find Swanson® Premium Chicken, Pace® Salsa, and V8+Energy® for your next shortcut meal adventure!

Ingredients:

• 1 jar (16 oz) Pace® Salsa (your preferred heat level)
• 2 cans (12.5 oz each) Swanson® Premium Chicken, drained
• 1 package (10-12 count) Discos (round dough for empanadas), found in the refrigerated or freezer section
• Oil for frying (or a light egg wash/cooking spray for baking)

Instructions:

1. If using frozen discos, thaw them thoroughly. The easiest way is to leave them in the fridge overnight. This ensures they are pliable and easy to work with.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained Swanson® Premium Chicken with your desired amount of Pace® Salsa. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated and the filling is uniform. This simple step creates a flavorful and moist filling with minimal effort.

3. Lay a disco flat on a clean surface. Spoon a tablespoon or two of the chicken and salsa mixture onto one half of the disco, leaving a small border around the edge.
4. Carefully fold the disco in half, creating a semi-circle. Gently press down on the edges to seal the empanada. For a secure and decorative seal, use the tines of a fork to press firmly along the curved edge. This also creates a beautiful crimped pattern.

5. You have two delicious cooking options:
   • Frying: Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Once hot (a small piece of dough should sizzle immediately), carefully place 2-3 empanadas into the oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
   • Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For a golden finish, you can brush them lightly with an egg wash (one egg beaten with a tablespoon of water) or spray them with cooking oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and puffed.

6. Serve your freshly cooked empanadas warm. They are incredibly delicious on their own, but serving them with extra Pace® Salsa for dipping elevates the experience even further. Complement this delightful snack or meal with a chilled V8+Energy® for a perfect pairing of flavor and sustained energy.

Tips for the Perfect Empanadas and Shortcut Meal Success

• Make Ahead: Empanadas can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for a few hours before cooking. You can even freeze uncooked empanadas on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Customize Your Flavor: While Pace® Salsa provides a fantastic base, don’t hesitate to get creative. Add a pinch of cumin, garlic powder, or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken filling for an extra flavor dimension.
• Serving Suggestions: These empanadas are versatile! Serve them as a main course with a side salad, as a satisfying appetizer for gatherings, or as the ultimate after-school snack for hungry kids.
• Healthy Twist: For a lighter version, always opt for baking instead of frying. You’ll still get a delicious, crispy exterior with fewer calories.

These three-ingredient chicken empanadas are a true testament to the power of shortcut meals. They take a mere 10 minutes to assemble and just a few minutes to cook, delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss. This recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone in your family, and the best part is you no longer have to wait for a “special occasion” to enjoy these delightful treats, unlike my childhood days! Prepare a batch today, serve them with extra Pace® Salsa for dipping, and complement them with an ice-cold V8+Energy® for a quick, delicious, and energizing experience.

Discover More Shortcut Meal Inspiration!

What are some of your family’s favorite back-to-school recipes that save you time? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! For even more brilliant and delicious recipe inspiration using Campbell Soup Company products, be sure to visit the Campbell’s Shortcut Meals website. It’s packed with creative solutions designed to make mealtime easier and more enjoyable for busy families like yours.

Three-Ingredient Chicken Empanadas: Quick, Easy, and Delicious!