Chicken pies are a tasty treat you can enjoy anytime! They have a crisp, flaky pastry filled with tender chicken and savory olives. Did you know they started in Portuguese cuisine way back in the 16th century? These little pies are great for picnics or cozy meals at home. To make them, you'll roll out puff pastry, mix shredded chicken with chopped olives, and bake them until golden brown. It's a simple dish that's quick to prepare and impress your guests! ���� Want to explore fun variations or tips for the perfect crust? There's more to uncover!

Key Takeaways

• Chicken pies, known as Empadas de Galinha, originated in Portuguese cuisine and have evolved over centuries into handheld snacks.
• They feature a flaky puff pastry crust filled with shredded chicken and chopped olives for enhanced flavor.
• Ideal for picnics and gatherings, these pies can be served hot or cold and are easy to prepare.
• The recipe involves simple steps: rolling pastry, assembling filling, and baking until golden brown.
• Experiment with various fillings to create personalized versions of this versatile dish.

History

When you explore the history of Chicken Pies, or Empadas de Galinha, you'll find a dish steeped in medieval culinary traditions, heavily influenced by the Moors and the diverse ingredients that have evolved over the centuries.

Did you know that the empada has been part of Portuguese cuisine since at least the 16th century? It started as larger meat pies but transformed into the smaller, hand-held versions we enjoy today.

This evolution made Empadas de Frango a popular snack, especially in rural areas, where people loved their portability and ability to use leftovers.

The adaptability of traditional dishes like empadas mirrors the innovation seen in modern cooking techniques, such as those found in Traeger pellet grills.

Often served at celebrations, these pies reflect Portuguese culture and community.

It's fascinating how a simple dish carries so much history, isn't it?

Recipe

Empadas de Galinha, or Chicken Pies, are a delightful savory treat that combines the flaky goodness of puff pastry with a rich and flavorful chicken filling. These pies are perfect for a variety of occasions, whether you're hosting a picnic, a casual gathering, or simply want a comforting meal at home.

With a crispy golden crust and a tasty filling enhanced by olives, they're sure to impress your friends and family. Utilizing quality bakeware, such as a Half Sheet Pan, guarantees even heat distribution for perfectly baked empadas every time.

Making Empadas de Galinha is a straightforward process that involves a few key steps. Start by preparing the rolled puff pastry and the chicken filling, which can be made in advance for convenience. The combination of the tender chicken and savory olives creates a delicious contrast to the buttery pastry.

Once assembled and baked, these empadas can be served hot or cold, making them a versatile option for any meal.

Ingredients:

• 250 grams of rolled puff pastry
• 3 cups boned and shredded stewed chicken
• 12 olives, chopped
• 1 egg yolk (for brushing the pastry)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

To prepare the empadas, preheat your oven to 180°C and grease your pastry molds. Roll out the puff pastry and cut out large circles for the bases and smaller circles for the tops of the pies.

In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken and chopped olives, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture onto each large circle of pastry, top with a smaller circle, and pinch the edges to seal.

Brush the tops with the egg yolk mixture and place the empadas in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until they're golden brown.

When making Empadas de Galinha, it's important to verify that the pastry is rolled out evenly to achieve a consistent thickness. If you're short on time, consider using pre-made stewed chicken or rotisserie chicken for the filling.

Additionally, these pies are best enjoyed fresh, so try to eat them within a couple of days of making them, as they've a short shelf life in the fridge. If you want to freeze them for later, bake them briefly before freezing and then bake again directly from the freezer when you're ready to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

For anyone looking to impress at their next gathering, making Empadas de Galinha is a fantastic choice. These Portuguese chicken pies aren't just delicious; they're easy to prepare!

Using a quality 3-piece bakeware set guarantees that your pies will bake evenly, thanks to ideal heat distribution. You'll love how simple it's to use rolled puff pastry to create a flaky crust. Just remember to season with salt for that perfect flavor.

Once you fill them with shredded chicken and bake at 180°C for about 15 minutes, you'll see them turn a lovely golden brown. Can you imagine how great they'll taste fresh out of the oven?

Plus, they're versatile—feel free to experiment with different fillings! Serve them at picnics or alongside a fresh salad, and watch everyone enjoy these delightful treats!