Irresistible Buffalo Chicken Empanadas with 2-Ingredient Dough: A Quick & Healthy Baked Delight

The culinary landscape has been revolutionized by the simplicity and versatility of the famous two-ingredient dough, opening up a world of possibilities for delicious homemade creations. From bagels to pizza crusts, this innovative dough serves as a fantastic foundation, and I’ve been on a mission to explore its full potential. Among my many experiments, these baked buffalo chicken empanadas have emerged as an absolute triumph. They flawlessly combine a savory, tender dough with a wonderfully spiced filling of shredded chicken, gooey melted cheese, and a kick of Frank’s RedHot sauce. As a self-proclaimed buffalo chicken aficionado, this was naturally the first flavor profile I gravitated towards, and I can confidently say, it did not disappoint. The result is a vibrant, satisfying meal that truly hits the spot.

What makes these empanadas truly special, beyond their incredible taste, is their adaptability. While the classic buffalo chicken is a personal favorite, the beauty of this recipe lies in how easily you can customize the flavors to suit your palate. Whether you prefer a milder taste, a different type of protein, or an entirely new filling, this recipe provides a versatile base. Simply check out the tips and tricks section below for ideas on how to transform these into your next favorite meal.

You might be surprised to learn just how simple these baked buffalo chicken empanadas are to prepare. They are incredibly straightforward, making them a perfect candidate for a quick and flavorful meal even on the busiest weeknights. To keep the recipe light and Weight Watchers-friendly without sacrificing any of that signature buffalo flavor, I opted for my zero-point ranch dressing. This substitution is highly recommended as it maintains the authentic taste while significantly reducing the overall points. However, if your buffalo chicken experience simply isn’t complete without the tangy bite of blue cheese, feel free to make that swap. Just be mindful that using traditional blue cheese dressing or crumbles will increase the nutritional points. Now, let’s gather our ingredients and get ready to bake some seriously delicious empanadas!

Why These Buffalo Chicken Empanadas Belong in Your Recipe Rotation

These savory pockets of goodness offer more than just a delightful taste. Here are three compelling reasons why this easy empanada recipe should be a staple in your kitchen:

1. Banish Boring Chicken Dinners Forever

If your weeknight meal rotation has become a monotonous cycle of plain chicken and steamed vegetables, constantly trying to keep calorie counts low, then these buffalo chicken empanadas are your culinary savior. They inject an exciting burst of flavor and a touch of fun into your dinner routine without demanding extra time or complicated steps. Imagine swapping out a predictable chicken breast for a handheld, spicy, cheesy delight – it’s a game-changer! These empanadas make healthy eating feel like a treat, ensuring that maintaining your wellness goals never feels like a chore.

2. Effortless Flavor Customization for Every Palate

One of the greatest advantages of this two-ingredient dough empanada recipe is its incredible versatility. While the buffalo chicken filling is undeniably delicious, it’s just the starting point. If you prefer other proteins, lean ground beef or turkey can easily be swapped in for the chicken, offering a different texture and flavor profile. Don’t stop there! Consider adding finely diced vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or corn to boost the nutritional content and add another layer of texture. Experiment with different cheese varieties, or even explore international flavors by incorporating taco seasoning for a Mexican twist, or a hint of curry for an Indian-inspired pastry. The base dough and cooking method remain consistent, allowing you to get creative with fillings and truly make this recipe your own.

3. The Ultimate Meal Prep and On-the-Go Lunch Option

Beyond being a fantastic dinner, these buffalo chicken empanadas excel as a convenient and delicious lunch for the following day. They are incredibly easy to store in the refrigerator and pack for work or school. Unlike many other lunch options, they are remarkably neat to eat, making them ideal for busy desks or quick breaks. When you’re ready to enjoy them, a quick reheat in the air fryer will bring them back to their crispy, golden perfection, tasting just as fresh as when they came out of the oven. This makes them a perfect addition to your weekly meal prep, ensuring you have healthy, flavorful options readily available.

Essential Ingredients for Your Buffalo Chicken Empanadas:

Crafting these delectable empanadas requires a handful of simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand. The secret to their light and satisfying nature lies in smart ingredient choices, especially for those following a Weight Watchers plan:

• 1 cup self-rising flour: This forms the base of our magical two-ingredient dough, providing lightness and structure.
• 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt: The second hero of our dough! It’s crucial for the texture and adds a protein boost without extra fat.
• 1 cup (4oz) cooked, shredded chicken: Easily prepare this ahead of time or use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
• 2 oz light cream cheese, softened: Adds creaminess and binds the filling together, ensuring a rich texture.
• ¼ cup ranch dressing (zero-point ranch preferred): The quintessential pairing for buffalo chicken. Using a zero-point version keeps the recipe extremely light.
• 2 tablespoons Frank’s hot sauce: Provides that iconic, irresistible buffalo kick. Adjust to your preferred level of heat.
• ½ cup reduced-fat shredded cheese: Melts beautifully into the filling, adding a savory, cheesy dimension without excessive fat.
• Egg whites for egg wash: Gives the empanadas a beautiful golden sheen and helps seal the edges.
• A little extra flour for dusting: Essential for preventing sticking when rolling out the dough.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Buffalo Chicken Empanadas

Making these delicious baked empanadas is a breeze when you follow these clear, simple steps. Get ready to enjoy a fantastic homemade treat!

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, then lightly misting it with cooking spray. This crucial step ensures your empanadas won’t stick and will brown beautifully.
2. Next, create your amazing two-ingredient dough. In a mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour with the nonfat plain Greek yogurt. For optimal dough consistency, I’ve found it’s best to use slightly less than a full cup of yogurt – aim for just under a cup. This prevents the dough from becoming too sticky. Knead the mixture by hand until it forms a cohesive, smooth dough. Divide this dough into two equal balls, then further divide each of those two balls into three smaller, equal-sized portions, resulting in six dough balls in total.
3. Now, prepare the flavorful buffalo chicken filling. In a separate bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken, softened light cream cheese, ranch dressing (preferably the zero-point version), reduced-fat shredded cheese, and Frank’s hot sauce. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until everything is well incorporated and the mixture is evenly coated.
4. Lightly dust your clean work surface with a small amount of extra flour. Take one of your dough balls and, using a rolling pin, roll it out into a thin, circular shape, approximately 5-6 inches in diameter. The thinner the dough, the crisper your empanada will be.
5. Spoon about ¼ cup of the prepared buffalo chicken filling onto one half of the rolled-out dough circle. Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon pocket. Gently press down on the edges to seal the empanada, then use the tines of a fork to crimp and secure the edges firmly. This not only creates a beautiful pattern but also ensures the filling stays inside. As a final touch, use the fork to poke a few small holes in the middle of the top of each empanada; this allows steam to escape during baking and prevents them from bursting. Repeat this process with the remaining dough balls and filling.
6. Carefully transfer the formed empanadas onto your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart. In a small bowl, lightly whisk your egg whites (if using fresh eggs, whisk until slightly frothy for easier application). Gently brush the tops of each empanada with the egg wash. This will give them a lovely golden-brown finish as they bake.
7. Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 26 minutes, or until the empanadas are beautifully golden brown and the crust appears crisp. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving warm. Enjoy your homemade, flavorful buffalo chicken empanadas!

This recipe yields 6 delicious servings. For those mindful of nutritional intake, here’s a breakdown for 1 serving:

Calories: 268 kcal, Fat: 8 g, Saturated Fat: 2.85 g, Carbs: 34 g, Fiber: 1.3 g, Sugars: 2.42 g, Sodium: 1025 mg, Protein: 16 g.

Weight Watchers (WW) Points Breakdown for Smart Choices

One of the fantastic benefits of this recipe is its adaptability for those following the Weight Watchers program. By making smart ingredient choices, you can significantly reduce the point value while still enjoying a hearty and satisfying meal. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the WW points for each ingredient, helping you understand how this recipe stays so light:

• Self-rising flour: 12 points (This is the primary point contributor for the dough.)
• Nonfat plain Greek yogurt: 0 points (A true hero ingredient for a low-point dough!)
• Cooked shredded chicken: 0 points (Lean protein is excellent for managing points.)
• Light cream cheese: 5 points (Opting for light cream cheese makes a big difference.)
• Zero point ranch dressing: 0 points (Highly recommended for maximum point savings!) OR regular ranch dressing: 10 points (This significantly increases the total, so choose wisely.)
• Frank’s Hot Sauce: 0 points (All the flavor, none of the points!)
• Reduced fat shredded cheese: 7 points (A good option for cheesy flavor with fewer points. I used Trader Joe’s 3 cheese blend for a perfect meld.)
• Egg whites: 0 points (Used for an egg wash, adding no points.)
• Little extra flour for dusting: 0 points (Negligible amount used for dusting.)

Based on the WW app recipe creator, these empanadas come in at 6 points per serving if you opt for regular ranch dressing. However, by utilizing the recommended Zero Point Ranch, you can significantly drop the points to just 4 points per serving! This makes them an incredibly satisfying and guilt-free choice.

If you’re using an older version of WW, here’s how the points break down:

• Personal Points: 4-5 points, depending on your individual 0PP foods.
• Freestyle SP (blue & purple): 4 points, calculated using the WW recipe builder.
• Smart Points (green): 5 points, calculated using the WW recipe builder.
• Points Plus: 4 points, calculated using the PP calculator.

Creative Ways to Customize This Empanada Recipe

The beauty of the two-ingredient dough and the empanada format is its incredible flexibility. Don’t feel limited to buffalo chicken! Here are some ideas to spark your culinary creativity and switch up this versatile recipe:

• Boost Flavor with Leftover Rotisserie Chicken: For an even richer and more complex flavor in your filling, consider using leftover rotisserie chicken. Its pre-seasoned and tender meat will add a depth that’s hard to beat, simplifying your prep time even further.
• Explore Different Proteins: If chicken isn’t your preference, this recipe adapts beautifully to other lean proteins. Substitute the shredded chicken with lean ground turkey or extra lean ground beef. Simply cook and season the ground meat before mixing it with the other filling ingredients. This opens up possibilities for savory beef empanadas or lighter turkey versions.
• Incorporate More Veggies: This is a fantastic recipe to “bulk up” with nutrient-dense vegetables. Finely chopped bell peppers, onions, spinach (sautéed to remove excess moisture), mushrooms, or even corn kernels can be folded into the filling. They add fiber, vitamins, and an extra layer of texture and flavor, making your empanadas even more wholesome.
• Go Cheesy: Experiment with different types of cheese! While reduced-fat cheddar or a blend works great, consider adding a pinch of smoked provolone for a smoky depth or a little Monterey Jack for extra meltiness.
• Sweet & Savory Twist: For a completely different experience, try a sweet filling! A simple apple and cinnamon mixture, or a cream cheese and fruit combination, can turn these savory pockets into delightful dessert empanadas. Adjust the dough slightly by adding a pinch of sugar if going for a sweet version.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Empanadas

Achieving perfectly baked, flavorful empanadas every time is easy with a few insider tips. Pay attention to these details, and your two-ingredient dough creations will be a consistent success:

• Dough Consistency is Key: When making your two-ingredient dough, it’s crucial to get the flour-to-yogurt ratio just right. For the best results, start with slightly less than 1 cup of nonfat Greek yogurt. The dough can become overly sticky and difficult to work with if you use a full cup. You can always add a tiny bit more yogurt, a teaspoon at a time, if the dough feels too dry and crumbly, but it’s much harder to correct an overly wet dough. Aim for a soft, pliable, and slightly tacky (but not sticky) consistency.
• Uniform Dough Balls for Even Baking: To ensure all your empanadas bake evenly and look consistent, I highly recommend weighing your dough balls. Each ball of dough should ideally be around 2.2 ounces (approximately 62 grams). This will result in six uniformly sized empanadas. Consistency in size also helps prevent some empanadas from being undercooked while others are overcooked.
• Prep Your Egg Whites for a Smooth Wash: If you’re using egg whites from fresh eggs rather than a carton, take an extra moment to whisk them thoroughly until they become slightly frothy. Fresh egg whites can be quite “gloopy” and challenging to brush evenly over the dough, leading to an inconsistent golden finish. A quick whisk ensures a smooth, even application for that beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Freezing for Future Meals: These empanadas freeze exceptionally well, making them an excellent meal prep option. Before storing, ensure they are completely cooled to prevent condensation and ice crystals from forming, which can make them soggy. Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer the frozen empanadas to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply place them directly from the freezer onto a prepared baking sheet and bake at the same temperature, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time until heated through and golden.
• Reheating Leftovers: Any leftover empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For the best texture when reheating, avoid the microwave if possible. An air fryer is your best friend here! Pop them into a preheated air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and the crust is wonderfully crisp again. A conventional oven can also be used; reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.

More Delicious & Healthy Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these buffalo chicken empanadas, you’ll love exploring other healthy and flavorful recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights and meal planning. Here are a few similar dishes to inspire your next culinary adventure:

• Chicken Fajita Pasta Bake: A comforting and zesty dish that brings all the flavors of your favorite fajitas into a satisfying pasta bake.
• Perfectly Cooked Instant Pot Pork Chops: Tender, juicy pork chops made effortlessly in your Instant Pot – a quick and impressive dinner option.
• Chicken Parmesan Pasta: Enjoy the classic flavors of chicken parmesan merged with a convenient one-pot pasta meal for minimal cleanup.

There you have it – a truly adaptable and delicious recipe for baked buffalo chicken empanadas, perfect for anyone looking to add a little spice and excitement to their meals without compromising on health or convenience. The magic of the two-ingredient dough makes these a guilt-free pleasure, whether for dinner, lunch, or a hearty snack. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the flavors and make them your own. Happy cooking!