Chicken empadão with curd cheese is a comforting dish, perfect for a Sunday lunch, a special dinner or even for occasions when you want to surprise family and friends with a tasty homemade dish. The combination of the shredded chicken, the creamy touch of the curd cheese and the crunchy pastry creates a unique and delicious experience. If you're looking for an easy recipe that will win over everyone at the table, this is the one for you!
Ingredients:
For the pasta:
- 3 cups of wheat flour
- 1 cup butter (or margarine) chilled and cut into cubes
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (optional, but helps to make the dough lighter)
For the filling:
- 500g cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped or crushed
- 2 chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped green or black olives (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (optional)
- 1 pot of cream cheese (approx. 200g)
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Cheiro verde (parsley and chives) to taste
To grease the pan:
- Butter or oil to grease the pan
- Wheat flour for sprinkling
Directions:
1. Preparing the dough:
- Mix the dry ingredientsIn a large bowl, sift together the flour and salt. If you are using yeast, add it at this point.
- Incorporate the butterAdd the chunks of cold butter to the flour and, using your fingertips or a fork, mix until you get a crumbly mixture. The butter should be well incorporated into the flour, without any large pieces.
- Add the egg and cold waterMake a hole in the center of the mixture and add the egg. Start mixing with your hands or a spoon. Gradually add the cold water until the dough is homogeneous and detaches from your hands. If necessary, add more water, but always be careful not to make the dough too wet.
- RestWrap the dough in plastic wrap and leave to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This will help the dough to become firmer and easier to work with when lining the mold.
2. Preparing the filling:
- Sauté the spicesIn a saucepan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until golden brown. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down into a sauce. If you like, add the olives for an extra touch of flavor.
- Add the chickenAdd the shredded chicken to the stew and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for a few minutes so that the chicken absorbs the spices well.
- Add the curd cheeseOn a low heat, add the cream cheese to the filling and stir until it is completely dissolved, leaving the filling very creamy. If you like, add grated cheese for an even richer flavor. Finish with green peppercorns to taste.
3. Assembling the pie:
- Grease the panGrease a round or rectangular pan with butter or oil and sprinkle with flour. The pan should be approximately 24 cm in diameter.
- Line the pan with the doughAfter resting, remove the dough from the fridge. Divide it into two parts (one larger and one smaller). Roll out the larger part with a rolling pin on a floured surface until it is big enough to cover the bottom and sides of the mold.
- Add the fillingPlace the chicken and ricotta cheese filling on the baking sheet, spreading it out evenly.
- Cover with the remaining doughRoll out the smaller part of the pastry and cover the filling, pressing the edges together. You can decorate the top of the pie by making a few cuts with a knife or just pressing down on the dough with a fork for a charming touch.
- Brush (optional)If you want a shiny golden color on the top of the pastry, brush the pie with a beaten egg yolk before baking.
4. Baking the pie:
- Pre-heat the oven to: Heat the oven to 180°C.
- Bake the piePlace the pie in the preheated oven and bake for around 40 to 50 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crispy. If necessary, cover the pie with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes to prevent the top from burning.
5. Serving:
After removing the pie from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before cutting into it. This makes it easier to serve and prevents the filling from leaking out. Serve the pie hot or warm, accompanied by a green salad or white rice.
Tips:
- Vary the fillingIn addition to chicken, you can substitute ground beef, turkey breast or even vegetarian options with vegetables and cheese. Curd cheese goes very well with these fillings, giving them a creamy texture.
- Adding vegetablesFor a healthier version, you can add vegetables to the filling, such as grated carrots, corn, peas or even cooked spinach.
- Lighter doughIf you prefer a lighter dough, you can replace the butter with light margarine or even olive oil.
