Chef Mitchell preparing Golden Chicken Croquettes
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered Golden Chicken Croquettes while visiting Brazil, where street food is a vibrant part of the culture. After trying various versions, I was inspired to create my own recipe that captures the authentic flavors. Over the years, I've perfected my technique, ensuring that each croquette is crispy on the outside and full of tender chicken inside. It's a dish that brings back wonderful memories and always pleases my guests!"

As a culinary expert with over a decade of experience, I've dedicated my career to mastering Brazilian cuisine, particularly appetizers. My passion for cooking was ignited by the rich flavors and traditions of Brazil, and I love sharing these dishes with others. I've created over a thousand recipes, focusing on authentic techniques and fresh ingredients.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Golden Chicken Croquettes served on a plate

Why This Golden Chicken Croquettes Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because it embodies the vibrant and rich flavors of Brazilian cuisine. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a crispy coating makes every bite irresistible. The use of fresh ingredients ensures that each croquette is packed with flavor, making them a perfect appetizer for any occasion.

The step-by-step technique in this recipe guarantees perfectly shaped and cooked croquettes, so you don't have to worry about uneven cooking. The frying method used ensures a golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside moist and delicious. With just the right amount of seasoning, these croquettes are sure to become a favorite!

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the croquettes. This will help them to crisp up quickly and prevent them from absorbing too much oil. Additionally, let the croquettes rest on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the croquettes a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator before frying. Just ensure they are covered well to prevent drying out. When ready to serve, fry them straight from the fridge for the best texture.

You can substitute the chicken with cooked turkey or even a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian option. Just ensure any substitute is cooked and chopped finely to maintain the right texture in the croquettes.

The croquettes are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly.

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked croquettes. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from the freezer, just increase the frying time slightly.

These croquettes pair beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces, such as aioli, spicy mayonnaise, or a simple ketchup. Serve them with a fresh salad or some pickled vegetables for a balanced meal.

Cooked Golden Chicken Croquettes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Reheat in the oven for the best result.

Certainly! You can prepare the mixture and form the croquettes a few hours ahead of time. Just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry them. This makes it convenient for entertaining!

The best way to reheat croquettes is to place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy.

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Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The croquettes may not achieve a crispy texture.

Solution: Ensure the oil is at the right temperature before frying. If the oil is not hot enough, the croquettes will absorb more oil and become less crispy. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.

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Overcooked

Problem: The croquettes may be too dark or burnt on the outside.

Prevention: To avoid overcooking, monitor the frying closely and adjust the heat as necessary. Remove them from the oil as soon as they reach a golden color.

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Undercooked Center

Problem: The inside of the croquettes may be cold or raw.

Recovery: If the croquettes are burning on the outside but not cooking through, lower the heat and fry longer. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven after frying to ensure they are heated through.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The outside of the croquettes may burn before the inside is cooked.

Prevention: Make sure to fry at the right temperature and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking.

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Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the croquettes are too sweet, consider adding more salt or spices to balance the flavors. A squeeze of lemon can also help.

Too Salty: If they are too salty, serve with a side of unsalted dipping sauce to balance the saltiness.

Bland: If the croquettes lack flavor, try adding more herbs and spices to the filling. A dash of hot sauce can also elevate the taste.

Fresh ingredients for Golden Chicken Croquettes

Essential Ingredients for Golden Chicken Croquettes

Key ingredients in this recipe include tender chicken, fresh herbs, and spices that create a flavor explosion in every bite. The combination of breadcrumbs and eggs helps achieve that perfect crispy coating. Using high-quality chicken is essential for the best flavor and texture.

Fresh herbs like parsley add a brightness to the croquettes, while spices such as paprika enhance the overall taste. Always opt for fresh ingredients when possible, as they significantly contribute to the quality of the final dish.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken: When choosing chicken, select fresh, high-quality cuts that are free from additives. For shredding, cooked chicken thighs can be more flavorful than breasts.
  • Breadcrumbs: For the best crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They create a lighter, airier texture compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
  • Herbs: Fresh herbs should be chopped just before use to retain their flavor. Always wash and dry herbs thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the croquette filling.
Cooking process for Golden Chicken Croquettes

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

This recipe takes you through each step to create the perfect Golden Chicken Croquettes, from preparing the chicken to frying them to crispy perfection. The process is straightforward and beginner-friendly, making it accessible to anyone.

Pay attention to the frying temperature, as it's crucial for achieving that golden-brown exterior. With just a little patience and care, you’ll have an impressive appetizer that wows your friends and family.

Key Technique for Perfect Golden Chicken Croquettes

The key technique for perfect croquettes lies in the frying temperature. Ensuring the oil is hot enough creates a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside moist. Additionally, forming the croquettes with a consistent size helps them cook evenly.

Golden Chicken Croquettes

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
    For creaminess
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
    For brightness
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
    For flavor
  • Salt and pepper
    To taste

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 1 cup onion
    Finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic
    Minced
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
    For coating
  • 1/2 cup milk
    For moisture
  • 2 eggs
    Beaten
  • 1/4 cup parsley
    Chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
    For seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    For seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
    For flavor
  • 1 cup flour
    For coating
  • Vegetable oil
    For frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken

    Boil the chicken pieces in salted water until fully cooked. Allow to cool, then shred the chicken.

  2. Cook Onions and Garlic

    In a pan, heat some oil and sauté the onions and garlic until golden brown.

  3. Mix Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika.

  4. Form Croquettes

    Take a small amount of the mixture and shape it into small oval or round croquettes.

  5. Coat Croquettes

    Dip each croquette into flour, then into beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.

  6. Heat Oil

    In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.

  7. Fry Croquettes

    Fry the croquettes in batches until they are golden brown on all sides.

  8. Drain and Serve

    Remove croquettes from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

For the best storage, keep cooked Golden Chicken Croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep them longer, consider freezing them before frying.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these croquettes alongside dipping sauces like spicy aioli or garlic sauce. They also pair well with a fresh salad or a side of pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast.

Recipe Variations

You can experiment with different fillings such as cheese, herbs, or other proteins like ham or shrimp. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with mashed potatoes or cooked vegetables.