Name: Leftover Chipotle Turkey Empanadas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Argentinian
Ingredients: 1 cup of leftover turkey, finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup of sweet peas; ¼ cup of sweet corn; ¼ cup of carrots, diced; ¼ cup of red onions, diced; ⅕ tbsp of raisins; 2 tbsp of chicken stock; 2 tbsp of chipotle puree; 2 tsp of kosher salt; 2 tsp of black pepper; 2 cups of canola oil; 6-8 empanada discs

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 31 reviews

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with those tasty Thanksgiving leftovers, let me share one of my all-time favorite transformations: the Leftover Chipotle Turkey Empanadas Recipe. It’s a vibrant, smoky, and delightfully crispy treat that reimagines leftover turkey in a way that feels brand new and utterly delicious. These empanadas are filled with a chipotle-spiced turkey mixture combined with sweet veggies and a perfect hint of raisin sweetness, all wrapped in a golden, crunchy crust. Trust me, once you try this recipe, leftover turkey will never be the same again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black cast iron skillet sits on a grill with visible orange flames underneath. The skillet is filled with a mix of small, diced pieces of food including light brown chunks that look like cooked meat or tofu, bright yellow corn kernels, orange carrot cubes, dark beans, and green peas or herbs. The food is evenly spread inside the skillet, with a slightly moist texture and some steam rising. The background shows grass but the overall focus is on the skillet and its colorful contents on the grill. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet precious to this dish’s incredible balance of flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role, from the smoky chipotle puree that brings heat, to the sweet peas and carrots adding color and a bit of crunch, while the raisins introduce little bursts of surprise sweetness.

1 cup of Leftover Turkey finely chopped: Using leftover turkey adds a wonderful meaty base without extra prep.
4 Garlic Cloves minced: Garlic provides a savory foundation that wakes up all other flavors.
¼ cup of Sweet Peas: These add texture and a pop of vibrant green color.
¼ cup of Sweet Corn: Corn sweetness perfectly balances the smoky chipotle.
¼ cup of Carrots diced: Adds subtle earthiness and a touch of crunch.
¼ cup of Red Onions diced: Red onions give caramelized sweetness when sautéed.
⅕ tbsp of Raisins: A small amount for gentle sweetness that surprises your palate.
2 tbsp of Chicken Stock: Keeps the filling juicy and flavorful.
2 tbsp of Chipotle Puree: The star ingredient for smoky heat and depth.
2 tsp of Kosher Salt: Enhances all other flavors beautifully.
2 tsp of Black Pepper: Adds a gentle warmth to the mix.
2 cups of Canola Oil: For frying, ensuring your empanadas get perfectly crispy.
6-8 Empanada Discs: The vehicle for all this goodness, ready to hold your filling tight.

How to Make Leftover Chipotle Turkey Empanadas Recipe

Step 1: Prepping the Filling

Start by heating your grill to about 400°F and preheat a cast iron skillet with a tablespoon of oil. Quickly brown the minced garlic for just about a minute to get that fragrant base going. Add the peas, corn, carrots, and red onions, sautéing until they soften slightly—this usually takes a minute or so. Now, throw in your finely chopped leftover turkey, chicken stock, and chipotle puree for that smoky punch. Season with salt and pepper, stir it all together, and cook until everything melds beautifully with a little caramelization, roughly 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and let this flavorful mixture cool in a bowl for about 5 minutes before moving on.

Step 2: Filling and Folding the Empanadas

Lay one empanada disc flat on your work surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cooled turkey mixture onto one side, but be careful to leave enough space around the edges to seal your empanada properly. Fold the empty portion over to cover the filling and press firmly to seal the edges. For extra assurance, use a fork or your fingers to crimp the edges securely. Repeat this filling and folding step with the remainder of the discs and filling until you have a beautiful batch of empanadas ready to fry.

Step 3: Frying to Golden Perfection

Clean your skillet and bring the heat back up to about 400°F. Add your canola oil, heating it until it reaches roughly 350°F for frying. Place the empanadas gently into the hot oil, but don’t overcrowd the pan—cook about three to four at a time for the crispiest finish. Fry each side for 2 to 3 minutes or until the empanadas turn a gorgeous golden brown. Once cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate and allow them to cool for 3 to 4 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Leftover Chipotle Turkey Empanadas Recipe

A woman's hand is holding a white plate with a smooth edge, filled with five small half-circle pastries arranged in a circular shape. Each pastry has a light golden color with a slightly crimped edge, showing a soft dough texture. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A dollop of fresh salsa verde or zesty chimichurri is the perfect fresh counterpart to these rich empanadas. The bright herbs and vinegar cut through the savory filling delightfully and add a splash of color to your plate.

Side Dishes

Pair your empanadas with a crisp green salad or a simple avocado and lime salad for a refreshing side. If you want to amp up the meal, some black beans or Spanish rice would round out the flavors beautifully and keep the Argentinian feel alive.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these empanadas tapas-style, with a small bowl of dipping sauces, or even use mini empanada discs for bite-sized appetizers at a party. You can also stack them on a vibrant platter garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a feast everyone will want to dig into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you’ll have a quick ready-to-eat snack or meal waiting for you during a busy week.

Freezing

If you want to make a bigger batch, these empanadas freeze wonderfully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet at first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, bake your empanadas at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until hot and crisped up again. Avoid microwaving to keep that signature crunch intact.

FAQs

Can I use any other meat instead of turkey for this Leftover Chipotle Turkey Empanadas Recipe?

Absolutely! While turkey adds a lovely holiday vibe, leftover chicken, beef, or even pork would work perfectly with the chipotle flavors and vegetable mix.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute the turkey with sautéed mushrooms, beans, or a blend of roasted vegetables for a delicious vegetarian twist on this recipe.

Can I bake the empanadas instead of frying them?

Definitely. While frying gives a wonderful crispy crust, baking them at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden is a lighter, easier alternative that still tastes amazing.

What chipotle puree brands or substitutes work best?

Look for good quality chipotle puree in adobo sauce at most grocery stores. If you don’t have it, canned chipotle peppers mashed into a paste with some adobo sauce can be a great substitute.

How spicy are these empanadas?

The heat level is moderate due to the chipotle puree—smoky and a little spicy but not overwhelmingly hot. You can always adjust the amount of chipotle to suit your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly joyful about turning leftovers into a new, exciting meal, and this Leftover Chipotle Turkey Empanadas Recipe does just that in the most delicious way. It’s smoky, sweet, crispy, and comforting all at once. So next time you’re staring down your turkey leftovers, give this recipe a try – I promise it will become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!

Leftover Chipotle Turkey Empanadas Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need