Cheesiest Fried Chicken Empanadas W. Chile Con Queso Dip - Deen

• 3 cups chopped cooked chicken, about 4 to 5 chicken breasts
• 1 (8 ounce) packageshredded colby-monterey jack cheese, blend
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 chopped red bell pepper
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 12 teaspoons salt
• 12 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 (15 ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts
• water
• 1 lb cheddar cheese (recommended ( Velveeta)
• 1 (16 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce

1. Preheat vegetable oil in a deep-fryer to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl using a rubber spatula, combine the chicken, colby and Monterey cheese, cream cheese, red pepper, jalapeno, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove 1 pie crust from pie tin onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 15-inch circle.
4. Cut out rounds, using a 3-inch cookie cutter.
5. Re-roll dough as needed.
6. Repeat procedure with remaining pie crusts, making 12 to 15 circles total.
7. Arrange 1 round on a clean, flat surface.
8. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the edges of crust with water.
9. Place 1 heaping teaspoon of chicken mixture in the center of the round.
10. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges with a fork to seal.
11. Repeat with the remaining rounds and chicken mixture.
12. Place empanadas in deep-fryer for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden brown.
13. Top with con queso dip.
14. Note: Up to this point, the recipe can be made ahead and frozen for up to 1 month.
15. Dip:.
16. In a medium sauce pot, slowly melt Cheddar over medium/low heat.
17. When cheese is fully melted add tomatoes, chiles, and hot sauce, stirring with spoon until combined well.
18. Pour cheese dip into a small casserole dish and serve as a dip for the cheesy empanadas or pour on top for a real cheesy effect.

chicken, colbymonterey, cream cheese, red bell pepper, jalapeno, ground cumin, salt, ground black pepper, water, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, green chilies, hot sauce

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/cheesiest-fried-chicken-empanadas-w-chile-con-queso-dip-deen-264252 (may not work)