Here’s a classic Chicken Croquettes recipe—crispy on the outside, creamy and flavorful on the inside. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or part of a main meal.
🍗 Chicken Croquettes
⭐ Makes: 12–16 croquettes
⏱ Total Time: ~1 hour
🧾 Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, finely shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1–2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1–2 cups breadcrumbs (plain or panko for extra crunch)
For frying
- Vegetable oil or canola oil (for deep or shallow frying)
🔪 Instructions
1. Make the chicken filling
- In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until softened (~3–4 minutes).
- Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Add shredded chicken, salt, pepper, nutmeg, parsley, and Parmesan.
- Mix well and cook 2–3 minutes until the filling is thick and creamy.
- Transfer to a bowl and chill 30–60 minutes (cold filling is easier to shape).
2. Shape croquettes
- Take about 2 tbsp of filling and shape into small cylinders or ovals.
- Place on a tray lined with parchment.
3. Bread the croquettes
- Dredge each croquette in flour.
- Dip in beaten egg.
- Roll in breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to coat evenly.
- Chill for 15 minutes to firm up before frying (optional but helps hold shape).
4. Fry
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry croquettes in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve
- Serve hot with dipping sauces like aioli, mustard, or a spicy ketchup.
- Perfect as finger food or part of a meal with salad or vegetables.
✨ Tips & Variations
- Cheese filling: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella to make cheesy chicken croquettes.
- Oven-baked option: Brush with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden.
- Herbs & spices: Add thyme, paprika, or cayenne for extra flavor.
- Make ahead: Freeze before frying; cook straight from freezer, adding a few extra minutes to frying time.
I can also give you a Caribbean-style or Southern-style chicken croquette version with bold spices if you want.
Do you want me to do that?
