Appetizer · Snack · Latin American · Dinner ·

Colombian Chicken Empanadas with Aji Picante Dipping Sauce

Name: Colombian Chicken Empanadas with Aji Picante Dipping Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: 2 cups yellow cornmeal (masa harina); 2 cups water; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves; 2 scallions, chopped; 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1/2 cup water; Salt to taste

These traditional Colombian empanadas are filled with a savory chicken mixture and served with a zesty aji picante sauce.

4.7(268 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 31, 2026

Colombian Chicken Empanadas with Aji Picante Dipping Sauce — Appetizer served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

Empanada Dough

Chicken Filling

Aji Picante Dipping Sauce

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 166 kcal
Protein: 13.42 g
Carbs: 17.75 g
Fat: 3.67 g
Fiber: 1.83 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1986 kcal
Protein: 161 g
Carbs: 213 g
Fat: 44 g
Fiber: 22 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
2 cups yellow cornmeal (masa harina)	880	18	188	8	16
2 cups water	0	0	0	0	0
1 tablespoon vegetable oil	120	0	0	14	0
1 teaspoon salt	0	0	0	0	0
1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded	750	140	0	8	0
1 tablespoon olive oil	120	0	0	14	0
1 medium onion, finely chopped	44	1	10	0	2
1 garlic clove, minced	4	0	1	0	0
1 red bell pepper, diced	31	1	7	0	2
1 teaspoon ground cumin	8	0	1	0	0
Salt and black pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
1/4 cup chicken broth	4	0	1	0	0
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves	3	0	1	0	1
2 scallions, chopped	10	1	2	0	1
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped	4	0	1	0	0
2 tablespoons lime juice	8	0	2	0	0
1/2 cup water	0	0	0	0	0
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0

These are estimates and not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Chicken Filling

1
Heat oil and sauté aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add onion and garlic
Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
3
Add chicken and spices
Mix in red bell pepper, shredded chicken, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
4
Simmer with broth
Pour in chicken broth; simmer until most of the liquid evaporates.
Tip: Let the chicken mixture cool before filling the empanadas for easier handling.

Preparing the Aji Picante Dipping Sauce

1
Combine ingredients
In a blender, combine cilantro, scallions, jalapeño, lime juice, and water.
2
Blend until smooth
Blend until smooth; add salt to taste.
3
Chill sauce
Refrigerate until ready to serve.

How to Make Colombian Chicken Empanadas with Aji Picante Dipping Sauce

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Making the Dough
Combine cornmeal, water, vegetable oil, and salt in a bowl; knead to form a smooth dough.
2
Filling the Empanadas
Roll out the dough; cut into circles. Place a spoonful of chicken filling on each circle and fold in half, sealing edges with a fork.
3
Frying the Empanadas
Heat oil in a deep pan; fry empanadas until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.