Brazilian Chicken Croquettes (Coxinha) Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 white onion, diced
• 2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika or cayenne pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• Oil, for deep frying

Instructions

1. 1

   Sauté the aromatics and chicken: In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until soft and lightly browned. Stir in the shredded chicken along with salt and paprika (or cayenne pepper) to taste. Cook for a few minutes until flavors are melded.

2. 2

   Prepare the filling mixture: Transfer the chicken mixture to a bowl. Add the cream cheese and chopped fresh parsley, mixing thoroughly until creamy and well combined. Set aside.

3. 3

   Make the dough: In the same pot used for the chicken, add the butter, chicken broth, and whole milk. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, gradually stir in the all-purpose flour until a thick dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pot.

4. 4

   Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a flat surface and knead it while it is warm but not hot to touch. Knead until smooth and pliable.

5. 5

   Shape the croquettes: Pinch off a portion of dough about the size of a large egg and roll it into a ball. Flatten the ball into a disk with your hands. Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center, then carefully wrap the dough around it to form a pear-shaped croquette, making sure there are no holes or gaps.

6. 6

   Coat the croquettes: Heat oil to 350˚F (180˚C) in a deep pot. Dredge each shaped croquette first in the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.

7. 7

   Deep fry: Fry the croquettes in batches in the hot oil until golden brown and heated through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.

8. 8

   Serve the Brazilian chicken croquettes hot for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy immediately!