Discover the Taste of Venezuela: Where to Find the Best Venezuelan Chicken Empanadas and Latin Frozen Foods in Houston

Houston is a city known for its cultural diversity, and one of the richest culinary scenes it has to offer comes straight from Latin America. From food trucks to fine dining, Houstonians are lucky to have access to a wide variety of authentic Latin American dishes. Among the most popular items are Venezuelan chicken empanadas — golden, crispy pockets filled with flavorful shredded chicken — and a growing array of Latin frozen foods that bring convenience and authenticity straight to your kitchen.

If you’re searching for the best Venezuelan chicken empanadas in Houston or looking to stock your freezer with the best Latin frozen foods in Houston, this guide has everything you need to satisfy your cravings.

The Irresistible Charm of Venezuelan Chicken Empanadas

Venezuelan empanadas differ from other Latin American versions in a few key ways. Made from cornmeal (precooked corn flour, or “Harina PAN”), these empanadas are gluten-free, offering a crispy outer shell with a soft, slightly chewy interior. When filled with seasoned shredded chicken — often simmered with onions, bell peppers, garlic, and a hint of cumin — they become a hearty, savory treat that’s both comforting and crave-worthy.

In Venezuela, chicken empanadas are a staple of breakfast and street food culture, and they’ve made their way into the hearts (and stomachs) of many Houstonians thanks to the city’s vibrant Venezuelan community.

Where to Find the Best Venezuelan Chicken Empanadas in Houston

Here are a few top spots where you can enjoy authentic Venezuelan chicken empanadas Houston:

Arepas by Perla

Located in the Energy Corridor, Arepas by Perla is a must-visit for Venezuelan comfort food. Their chicken empanadas are freshly fried and generously filled. The flavor balance is spot-on, and the accompanying house-made garlic sauce takes things to another level. They also offer combo meals that include empanadas with tequeños and plantains for a full Venezuelan experience.

Sazón Latino Venezuelan Cuisine

Nestled in the Westchase District, Sazón Latino offers a wide range of Venezuelan dishes, but their chicken empanadas are a standout. Made to order and perfectly crisp, they are filled with juicy chicken seasoned with the perfect blend of spices. Customers rave about the freshness and authenticity of the food here.

Gusto Gourmet

Part restaurant, part Latin grocery, Gusto Gourmet is a local favorite for all things Venezuelan. Their empanadas, including the chicken variety, are handmade and available both ready-to-eat and frozen for at-home frying. It’s a perfect place to stock up if you want a taste of Venezuela anytime.

The Empanada Factory

A newcomer to Houston’s Latin food scene, The Empanada Factory offers a menu inspired by several Latin American countries, but their Venezuelan chicken empanadas are among the most popular. Served hot and with a selection of dipping sauces, these empanadas are great for lunch, dinner, or a midday snack.

Bringing the Flavor Home: The Best Latin Frozen Foods in Houston

Not every day allows for a trip to your favorite restaurant, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on delicious Latin flavors. The best Latin frozen foods in Houston are helping busy families and food lovers enjoy traditional tastes with minimal prep time.

Here are some top places to find high-quality Latin frozen foods — including empanadas — that are easy to heat and eat:

Latino-owned Grocery Stores

Places like Fiesta Mart and La Michoacana Meat Market stock a wide range of Latin frozen foods, from tamales to pupusas to arepas. Many of these stores carry locally made Venezuelan chicken empanadas that can be baked or fried at home. Look for products made in Houston to support small, community-based businesses.

Gusto Gourmet (again!)

This versatile spot deserves another mention. Beyond their dine-in offerings, they also sell frozen versions of their popular empanadas and tequeños. With clear cooking instructions and authentic flavor, it’s a favorite for those who want homemade taste without the hassle.

Online Latin Food Shops

Several Houston-based Latin food companies have embraced e-commerce, offering frozen empanadas and other delicacies for delivery or pick-up. These sites often provide larger quantities — perfect for parties or stocking up.

Farmers Markets and Pop-Ups

Many Venezuelan entrepreneurs in Houston sell frozen empanadas and other Latin foods at local farmers markets and weekend pop-ups. Follow local Venezuelan food vendors on Instagram or Facebook to find out when and where they’ll be next.

Why Latin Frozen Foods Are on the Rise in Houston

The demand for Latin frozen foods Houston is rising for several reasons:

Convenience: With more people working from home or managing busy schedules, frozen foods offer a way to enjoy home-cooked flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.

Cultural Connection: For Houston’s large Latin American population, frozen foods offer a taste of home and help preserve culinary traditions.

Quality: Many of today’s Latin frozen food producers focus on small-batch, handmade goods with fresh ingredients, bridging the gap between convenience and authenticity.

As a result, the market for Venezuelan chicken empanadas and other Latin favorites is thriving — and Houston is at the forefront of this flavorful trend.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hunting down a warm, crispy empanada from a local food truck or stocking your freezer with Latin frozen delicacies, Houston is the place to be for lovers of Venezuelan chicken empanadas and the best Latin frozen foods.

The city’s diverse culinary landscape ensures that you can enjoy authentic, high-quality flavors from Venezuela and beyond — whether you’re grabbing lunch on the go or hosting a dinner with friends at home.

So next time the craving hits, remember: Houston has you covered with options that are both delicious and deeply rooted in tradition.

Pro Tips for the Best Empanada Experience in Houston:

Ask for extra sauces — garlic, cilantro, or spicy rojo — they elevate the flavor.

Pair with a cold papelón con limón (raw sugar cane lemonade) or malta (Venezuelan malt beverage).

Always keep a few frozen empanadas on hand — they make great appetizers, snacks, or even quick meals.