Cheesy Chicken Empanadas

 These are a really fun finger food for kids.  But tasty enough, that you will love them too!

I have tried lots of different fillings with these and for this recipe I have combined a concoction of my favorite fillings recipes, but be creative when you make your own and put in things that your family enjoys.  I think it would also be fun to end the meal by making some dessert ones with apple pie filling!

Cheesy Chicken Empanadas

2 cups cooked shredded chicken

1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon chili powder

1 pkg. refrigerated pie crust (or you can make your own)

If baking, you will also need:

1 egg

1 tbsp. water

opt. chili powder

1.  Combine first five ingredients together in a large bowl.  Preheat oven to temperature directions on pie crust package.

2.  Roll out pie crust and cut as many 4 inch circles as you can get, combining pie crust scraps, re-rolling, and cutting more circles. 

3.  Place about 2 tbsp. of filling in the center of each circle.

4.  Fold circles in half and seal edges with a fork.  Carefully place on a baking sheet.  Mix egg and water.  Brush the tops of each empanada with the egg mixture.  Sprinkle with extra chili powder.  Bake according to pie crust directions.

5.  You can also choose to fry these babies, which is also REALLY good.  I have done both ways and they are equally great.  Enjoy!