The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Keto Chicken Empanadas (3 Ways!)

Keto chicken empanadas feel like a miracle. Imagine a crispy, golden pastry wrapped around a spicy, savory chicken filling all completely low-carb. After struggling to find a version that tasted as satisfying as the real thing, I tested, tweaked, and tasted until these beauties were born.

In this guide, you’ll get three amazing dough options, mouthwatering chicken fillings (from buffalo to tinga), and instructions for both air fryer and oven baking. Whether you’re making game-day snacks or prepping meals ahead of a busy week, you’ll find everything you need right here. We’ll also answer the most Googled questions about keto empanadas and give you keto-friendly dipping sauces that take these over the top.

Table of Contents

Why Keto Chicken Empanadas Are a Low-Carb Dream

Homemade keto comfort food with a story

Let’s start with a little story. I remember the first time I tried a traditional empanada it was a family potluck in my Ohio neighborhood, and a friend brought over these crispy, golden pockets filled with spicy shredded chicken. I took one bite and was hooked. When I had to transition to a keto and gluten-free lifestyle, I thought empanadas were off the table. But not anymore.

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Keto chicken empanadas don’t have to be a compromise they can be better than the original. With three dough options, three flavorful fillings, and smart freezing tips, this guide gives you everything you need to make empanadas your new low-carb staple. Whether you’re gluten-free, diabetic, or following a keto lifestyle, there’s a version here for you. The crustless variation is even paleo-friendly for those avoiding dairy.

A delicious solution to cravings

What makes this version shine? It’s the variety. You’re not stuck with just one dough recipe you’ll learn about the pros and cons of three popular options, including almond flour empanada dough and even a crustless protein-rich dough that’s perfect for meal prep. Plus, we’ll walk you through fillings like spicy buffalo chicken and chicken tinga, and even recommend keto-friendly dips like this zesty Greek yogurt sriracha sauce.

These keto chicken empanadas aren’t just delicious they’re practical. You can freeze them, bake them, air fry them, and enjoy them on the go. And unlike many low carb snacks, they actually deliver on flakiness and crunch.

Make a big batch of these keto chicken empanadas on the weekend, and you’ll thank yourself during the week. Paired with jalapeño cheddar chaffles or fresh avocado, they become the kind of feel-good meal that fits right into your low carb lifestyle.

The Great Dough Debate: Choosing Your Perfect Keto Pastry

Keto chicken empanadas live and die by their crust. It’s what makes or breaks the first bite. After testing dozens of versions, I’ve narrowed it down to three dough options that truly work each with its own strengths. Whether you’re after flakiness, simplicity, or want to skip nuts entirely, you’ll find your favorite here.

Below, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each dough type, followed by a full recipe for each one. And yes, we’ve included a dough comparison table to help you decide which version of keto chicken empanadas suits your needs.

Dough #1: The Classic Fathead Dough (Best for Beginners)

Fathead dough is the gold standard of keto baking for a reason. Made with mozzarella, almond flour, and egg, it’s pliable, satisfying, and reliable for baking. It’s the easiest to work with if you’re new to keto cooking, especially for recipes like keto chicken empanadas that require sealing edges.

Why it works:
It’s low carb, quick to mix, and behaves a lot like traditional pastry when baked. Plus, it holds fillings well without cracking or falling apart great for oven baking or even air frying.

Tip: Use parchment paper and roll the dough between two sheets to avoid sticking. A light touch of olive oil on your hands helps too.

Flavor Pairing: This neutral dough pairs beautifully with fillings like shredded garlic butter chicken and works especially well for basic keto chicken empanadas.

Dough #2: The Flaky Almond Flour Pie Crust (Best Texture)

If you’re chasing that golden, bakery-style flakiness, this almond flour-based crust is it. It’s slightly more delicate, but the result is worth it. Cold butter and a quick chill in the fridge create a layered texture that’s surprisingly close to traditional pastry.

Why it works:
Using butter instead of cheese changes the texture game. It’s a bit more hands-on but delivers a crispy bite with a rich mouthfeel that elevates any batch of keto chicken empanadas.

Tip: Don’t skip the chill time! This is what helps the dough firm up and hold its shape when baking or air frying your keto chicken empanadas.

Flavor Pairing: Ideal with chicken tinga or even low carb chile verde chicken for a savory bite with a flaky shell that sets these keto chicken empanadas apart.

Dough #3: The Zero-Carb Crustless Chicken Dough (Nut-Free & High-Protein)

This version throws the rulebook out. It’s not a pastry in the classic sense but by mixing ground chicken, egg, and cheese into a pliable dough, you get a completely crustless, low carb, nut-free empanada that bakes up like magic.

Why it works:
This “dough” is high in protein, dairy-optional, and holds together impressively well in a muffin tin or hand-formed shape. It’s an innovative solution for anyone avoiding nuts while still enjoying keto chicken empanadas regularly.

Tip: Use wet hands or gloves to shape the dough it’s sticky. Let them cool before lifting for best structure. Crustless keto chicken empanadas also freeze incredibly well.

Flavor Pairing: Best with spiced shredded chicken or ground turkey and cheese. Try it with a dipping sauce like Greek yogurt cookie dough dip to serve with your keto chicken empanadas for something bold and unique.

Dough Comparison Table

Dough Type	Best For	Texture	Prep Time	Carbs/Serving
Fathead Dough	Ease & Flexibility	Soft, Slightly Chewy	15 mins	2g net
Almond Flour Pie Crust	Flaky Texture	Buttery, Crisp	30 mins (with chill)	2.5g net
Crustless Chicken Dough	High Protein/Nut-Free	Meaty, Dense	20 mins	1g net

Whichever dough you choose, these recipes prove that keto chicken empanadas can be flaky, delicious, and still completely low carb. You’re not limited to just one crust type rotate them weekly to keep things interesting and suit different cravings or dietary needs.

In the next section, we’ll dive into the heart of the empanada the filling. Get ready to learn how to make juicy buffalo chicken, flavorful chicken tinga, and more for your keto chicken empanadas.

The Filling Station: Flavor-Packed Chicken for Your Keto Empanadas

While the dough gives structure, the soul of keto chicken empanadas is in the filling. Whether you love bold spices or lean, savory protein, these three chicken filling options are designed to keep your taste buds happy and your macros clean.

These high-protein, low-carb fillings come together quickly, are freezer-friendly, and taste even better the next day. You can mix and match them with any of the doughs we covered in Part 2. Each filling keeps your keto chicken empanadas juicy inside and golden on the outside no soggy centers here.

Spicy Buffalo Chicken (Game Day Favorite)

Buffalo chicken brings heat, tang, and comfort in one bite. It’s one of the easiest fillings to prepare and pairs perfectly with the fathead dough or the crustless ground chicken version.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups cooked shredded chicken
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• 3 tablespoons Frank’s RedHot or preferred buffalo sauce
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Instructions:
Mix everything in a bowl until creamy. Chill before stuffing to keep the mixture firm. These are amazing served with Greek yogurt sriracha dip or blue cheese dressing.

Why it works for keto chicken empanadas:
It’s high in fat, low in carbs, and full of flavor. The cream cheese keeps the inside moist during baking, while the sauce adds that iconic tang.

Chicken Tinga (Smoky & Authentic)

Chicken Tinga offers smoky heat with a tomato base and chipotle peppers. It’s perfect if you want to bring authentic Latin flair to your keto chicken empanadas without added sugar or carbs.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups cooked shredded chicken
• ½ cup tomato sauce (no sugar added)
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from chipotle peppers
• ½ small onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:
Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Stir in tomato sauce, chipotle adobo, cumin, and salt. Simmer for 5–7 minutes. Add shredded chicken and cook until thick. Cool before stuffing.

Why it works:
Tinga is naturally low carb, and its deep flavor balances beautifully against flaky almond flour dough. It’s also great inside baked or air-fried keto chicken empanadas for a crispy, golden result.

Classic Shredded Chicken & Cheese (Meal Prep Hero)

This is the go-to filling when you want something fast, filling, and comforting. It’s also incredibly easy to scale up for big batch prep.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups shredded chicken
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
• 2 tablespoons sour cream or mayo
• Salt, pepper, and herbs of choice (oregano, thyme, or taco seasoning)

Instructions:
Stir everything together. Keep it thick so it doesn’t leak out during baking. This combo holds its shape best in keto chicken empanadas made with crustless or fathead dough.

Why it works:
It’s simple, satisfying, and adapts to your fridge ingredients. Great with hot sauce or a side of sliced avocado and a dollop of sour cream for a high-protein breakfast.

Baking vs. Air Frying: Which Method Wins?

Oven-Baked:

• Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
• Time: 18–20 minutes
• Results: Uniform browning, crisp edges, soft center
• Tip: Brush with egg wash for golden tops

Air Fryer:

• Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
• Time: 10–12 minutes
• Results: Ultra-crispy outside, quicker cooking
• Tip: Spray lightly with avocado oil to avoid dryness

You can bake large batches of keto chicken empanadas in the oven and reheat single servings in the air fryer. The air fryer is unbeatable for achieving next-day crispiness. For example, crustless versions stay juicy while almond flour-based empanadas get that craveable crunch.

With the right fillings and cooking method, your keto chicken empanadas become more than just a snack they’re a full meal you’ll crave again and again. Coming up next: How to prep, freeze, and store your empanadas like a pro, plus 3 keto dipping sauces that elevate every bite.

Master the Finish: Freezing, Meal Prep & Sauces for Keto Chicken Empanadas

You’ve nailed the dough, you’ve picked your filling, and now it’s time to make these keto chicken empanadas a meal-prep dream. This final section is your go-to guide for freezing, storing, reheating, and serving these crispy pockets. Plus, we’re giving you three ultra-easy, keto-friendly dipping sauces that take them over the top.

Whether you’re storing extras or planning ahead for busy weekdays, these tips guarantee your empanadas will stay fresh and flavorful.

Freezing & Meal-Prepping Like a Pro

Freeze Before Baking (Best Option):

1. Assemble empanadas fully (but don’t bake).
2. Place on a parchment-lined tray and freeze flat for 2 hours.
3. Transfer to freezer-safe bag or container.

Bake from Frozen:

• Oven: 375°F for 22–25 minutes
• Air Fryer: 350°F for 13–15 minutes
  No need to thaw just add a couple of extra minutes to your usual bake time.

Freeze After Baking (Still Works):

• Let them cool completely, then wrap individually.
• Reheat in the air fryer for 6–8 minutes at 350°F for best texture.

Storage Tips:

• Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Use parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Meal prepping keto chicken empanadas saves serious time and gives you portable, satisfying food for lunchboxes or quick dinners. You can even pair them with dishes like the ground beef protein bowl or a simple side salad.

3 Easy Keto Dipping Sauces You’ll Love

1. Cilantro Lime Crema

• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
• Pinch of garlic powder and salt

2. Spicy Garlic Aioli

• ¼ cup mayo
• 1 minced garlic clove
• ½ tsp paprika
• Dash of hot sauce

3. Classic Ranch Remix

• ¼ cup Greek yogurt
• ½ tsp dill
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

These sauces turn keto chicken empanadas into a flavor-packed experience and are perfect for dipping or drizzling. You can even prep them alongside sauces.

Your Go-To Keto Empanada Blueprint

Keto chicken empanadas don’t have to be a compromise they can be better than the original. With three dough options, three filling styles, and smart freezing tips, this guide gives you all the tools to make empanadas your new favorite go-to. Whether you’re baking a batch for game day or meal prepping lunches, these little pockets of joy deliver flavor and satisfaction every single time.

Pair them with a creamy dip or a side like jalapeño cheddar chaffles, and you’ve got a complete low-carb meal that hits all the marks: crispy, cheesy, satisfying, and keto-approved.

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Frequently Asked Questions