Chicken empanadas have become a core revenue product for bakeries, cafés, restaurants, and foodservice operators across Canada. They meet modern consumer demand for handheld, filling, and portable foods, while offering operators strong advantages in portion control, predictable food cost, and flexible production.
For food businesses, chicken empanadas are not just a recipe, they are a menu system. They can be baked or fried, sold hot or reheated, displayed in bakery cases, bundled into combo meals, or scaled into catering and delivery programs.
This guide is written from a buyer and operator perspective, combining a commercial-ready chicken empanadas recipe with cost insights, operational tips, packaging decisions, and branding strategy all critical for sustainable growth.
- How to Make Empanadas (Easy Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners)
- Empanadas Calories: The Ultimate Guide to Calories, Nutrition, Portion Sizes, and Commercial Food Control
- Types of Empanadas Explained: Savory, Sweet & Bakery-Style Varieties
What Are Chicken Empanadas? Why They Sell So Well in Bakeries & Cafés
Chicken empanadas are sealed pastries filled with seasoned chicken and baked or fried until golden. Their long history as portable food makes them a natural fit for today’s takeout-driven market.
The Origin of Chicken Empanadas and Why They’re Perfect for Takeout Food
Empanadas were originally designed to be:
- Easy to transport
- Easy to portion
- Easy to sell quickly
These same traits explain why chicken empanadas perform exceptionally well in bakery cafés, quick-service restaurants, and grab-and-go counters. From an operational standpoint, they:
- Hold heat better than many pastries
- Require minimal plating
- Fit standardized food containers
Types of Chicken Empanadas Customers Recognize and Buy
Most customers search broadly for chicken empanadas, but purchasing decisions are driven by simple descriptors:
- Baked chicken empanadas (lighter, café-friendly)
- Fried chicken empanadas (richer, indulgent)
- Spicy chicken empanadas (flavour-driven upsell)
Clear naming improves menu clarity and reduces ordering friction—especially on delivery apps.
Commercial Chicken Empanadas Recipe (Designed for Bakeries & Restaurants)
This recipe is built for consistency, scalability, and cost control rather than home cooking.
Chicken Empanadas Ingredients for Commercial Kitchens
Chicken Filling (approx. 20–24 empanadas)
- Cooked, shredded chicken (thighs for moisture, breast for lean menus)
- Onion, finely diced
- Bell pepper
- Garlic
- Neutral oil
- Paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper
- Optional: herbs, olives, mild chili
Dough Options
- Pre-made empanada discs (recommended for volume)
- House-made pastry dough (premium positioning)
Production Tools
- Portion scoop (critical for food cost control)
- Sheet pans with parchment
- Empanada press (reduces labour time)
Standardized portioning ensures your chicken empanadas fit perfectly into kraft food boxes and clamshell containers from kimecopak.ca, reducing waste and complaints.
GET FREE SAMPLES PACKAGING to test performance before scaling.
How to make Chicken Empanadas
- Prepare the filling
Sauté onion and pepper until soft. Add garlic and spices, then fold in chicken. Cook until evenly seasoned. Cool completely. - Prepare dough
Thaw discs under refrigeration or roll dough evenly to prevent tearing. - Fill and seal
Add a measured scoop of filling. Fold and seal firmly to prevent leaks during cooking and transport. - Cook
Bake or fry according to your kitchen setup and service model. - Cool briefly before packaging
This step prevents condensation and sogginess.
Baked vs Fried Chicken Empanadas — Cost, Speed & Profit Comparison
| Method | Best For | Business Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Baked chicken empanadas | Bakeries, cafés | Lower oil cost, cleaner operations |
| Fried chicken empanadas | QSR, late-night | Faster cook time, higher oil cost |
| Air-fried empanadas | Health-focused brands | Smaller batches |
Chicken Empanadas Dough Options That Reduce Labor & Food Cost
Homemade Empanada Dough for Premium Bakeries
House-made dough supports premium branding and higher price points but increases:
- Labour hours
- Training requirements
Best suited for artisan bakeries and dine-in concepts.
Store-Bought Empanada Dough for High-Volume Food Businesses
Pre-made dough discs are ideal for:
- Restaurants
- Catering operations
- Takeout-heavy businesses
They reduce prep time and improve consistency across shifts.
Gluten-Free & Special-Diet Chicken Empanadas (Packaging & Labeling Tips)
Offering gluten-free chicken empanadas can expand your audience but requires:
- Dedicated prep space
- Clear labeling
- Separate packaging
Best-Selling Chicken Empanadas Flavors for Cafés & Takeout Menus
Classic Chicken Empanadas That Appeal to All Customers
This should be your core SKU—predictable sales, broad appeal, and efficient production.
Cheese & Vegetable Chicken Empanadas for Higher Margins
Blended fillings lower protein cost and appeal to flexitarian customers, improving margins.
Spicy Chicken Empanadas as Limited-Time Offers
Limited-time flavours:
- Drive repeat visits
- Test new markets
- Increase average order value
How to Serve & Package Chicken Empanadas for Takeout and Delivery
Best Sauces & Dips to Increase Chicken Empanadas Order Value
- Herb sauces (low cost, high perceived value)
- Yogurt-based sauces (controlled portions)
- Spicy sauces (upsell friendly)
Always use leak-resistant portion cups from kimecopak.ca to protect empanadas in delivery bags.
Chicken Empanadas Combos for Bakeries, Cafés & Catering
Chicken empanadas pair well with:
- Salads
- Baked goods
- Coffee and cold drinks
Combo meals increase ticket size and simplify ordering for customers.
Chicken Empanadas FAQ for Bakeries, Cafés & Restaurants
How Do You Keep Chicken Empanadas Crispy for Takeout?
Allow steam to escape and use vented, paper-based packaging. Avoid airtight plastic containers for hot empanadas.
Can Chicken Empanadas Be Made Ahead for Catering or Delivery?
Yes. Chicken empanadas can be assembled, frozen, or baked in advance and reheated successfully when cooled and packaged correctly.
How Long Do Chicken Empanadas Last in Takeout Packaging?
When cooled slightly and packed in breathable containers, chicken empanadas maintain quality for several hours—ideal for catering and delivery.
Are Chicken Empanadas Profitable for Bakeries and Cafés?
Yes. They offer low ingredient cost, strong perceived value, and excellent upsell potential when paired with drinks or sides.
Why Chicken Empanadas Are a Smart Menu Investment for Food Businesses
Chicken empanadas support:
- Cost control
- Menu flexibility
- Takeout growth
- Sustainable packaging goals
They align perfectly with current Canadian foodservice trends.
Conclusion
Chicken empanadas are not just a recipe, they are a scalable business solution for Canadian bakeries, cafés, and restaurants. When produced consistently and paired with the right packaging, they deliver strong margins, operational flexibility, and excellent customer satisfaction.
