Chicken croquettes are a classic appetizer made with cooked chicken, potatoes, and a creamy, well-seasoned filling. They are shaped, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried. This recipe combines shredded chicken with cheese, herbs, and a smooth base to create a balanced and satisfying texture. Served warm, chicken croquettes work well as a party snack and serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
What Are Chicken Croquettes?
Chicken croquettes have roots in European cuisine, particularly French and Spanish cooking, where croquettes were traditionally a clever way to transform leftovers. Over time, they’ve become a global favorite, with countless variations using meat, fish, or vegetables.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Croquettes
- Use well-seasoned chicken, as it’s the main source of flavor in the filling.
- Let the mixture cool slightly before shaping, as this makes the croquettes easier to form and helps them hold their shape.
- Freezing the croquettes briefly before breading prevents them from falling apart during frying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare chicken croquettes ahead of time?
Yes, chicken croquettes are perfect for making ahead. You can shape them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. Alternatively, freeze them after shaping and breading, then fry directly from frozen for convenience.
Why are my croquettes falling apart while frying?
Croquettes usually fall apart if the mixture is too warm or too soft. Chilling them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes helps firm them up and improves structure. Also, make sure they are well coated with flour, egg whites, and breadcrumbs to create a stable outer shell. Frying in oil that isn’t hot enough can also cause them to break.
What sauces go best with chicken croquettes?
Chicken croquettes pair beautifully with garlic aioli, mayonnaise, or ketchup, while spicy lovers can opt for chili sauce or sriracha mayo. A yogurt-based herb dip or lemony sauce also works well to balance the richness.
How to Store Chicken Croquettes
Cooked croquettes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness, rather than using the microwave. Avoid reheating more than once for the best texture and flavor.
Ingredients
How to Make Chicken Croquettes
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Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion until soft and translucent.
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion until soft and translucent.
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Add the garlic, red chili, and green chili, then mix in the flour and the chicken stock.
Add the garlic, red chili, and green chili, then mix in the flour and the chicken stock.
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Add the shredded chicken, season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and cook for a few minutes.
Add the shredded chicken, season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and cook for a few minutes.
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In a bowl, mash the boiled potatoes, add the cheese, egg yolks, parsley, butter, lemon juice, Parmesan, and the prepared chicken mixture. Lightly oil your hands, scoop portions of the mixture with a spoon, and shape them into croquettes.
In a bowl, mash the boiled potatoes, add the cheese, egg yolks, parsley, butter, lemon juice, Parmesan, and the prepared chicken mixture. Lightly oil your hands, scoop portions of the mixture with a spoon, and shape them into croquettes.
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Once chilled, lightly coat each croquette in flour, then dip it into the egg whites, and finally roll it in breadcrumbs.
Arrange them on a baking dish and place them in the freezer for 30 minutes.
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Fry the croquettes until crisp on all sides.
Once chilled, lightly coat each croquette in flour, then dip it into the egg whites, and finally roll it in breadcrumbs.
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Arrange the croquettes on a serving dish and decorate with your favorite sauces drizzled on top or served on the side.
Fry the croquettes until crisp on all sides.
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Arrange the croquettes on a serving dish and decorate with your favorite sauces drizzled on top or served on the side.
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