– **Title**: Chicken Croquettes
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup mashed potatoes
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– 1 cup bread crumbs (for coating)
– Oil for frying
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion, bell pepper, carrots, and peas until the vegetables are softened, about 5–7 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the shredded chicken, mashed potatoes, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and parsley. Mix until well combined.
3. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then form it into small, oval shapes (about 2-3 inches long).
4. Set up a dredging station with one plate for flour, one bowl for the beaten eggs, and another plate for bread crumbs.
5. Roll each croquette in flour, dip into the beaten eggs, and then coat with bread crumbs, ensuring they are fully covered.
6. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat for frying. Once hot, carefully add the croquettes in batches, frying until golden brown on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per side.
7. Remove the croquettes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. Serve warm with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as ranch or marinara. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken gives a lovely flavor. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover chicken. Vegetarian? Try using mashed chickpeas for a similar texture!
Mashed Potatoes: Traditional choice! If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, sweet potatoes work beautifully, adding a hint of sweetness.
Grated Cheese: Cheese adds that delicious creaminess. If you’re avoiding dairy, consider nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the milk.
Green Onions and Parsley: These fresh herbs brighten the croquettes. Feel free to swap green onions with chives or omit parsley entirely if you’re not a fan!
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work great, but you can use panko for extra crunch. Gluten-free? Try almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
How Do I Get the Perfect Breading on My Croquettes?
Breading is vital for that crispy, golden exterior on croquettes. Follow these simple steps for success:
- Set up your breading station properly; having everything in place makes the process easier.
- Make sure each croquette is fully coated before moving on to the next stage—this ensures even crispness.
- Don’t rush! Let the oil heat adequately, testing with a small piece of mixture; it should bubble around the edges when ready.
Lastly, don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature consistent for that perfect crunch!
How to Make Chicken Croquettes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Croquette Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- ½ cup grated cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus around 20 minutes for cooking. So, in total, you’re looking at about 35 minutes before you can enjoy these delicious croquettes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mashed potatoes, grated cheese (if you’re using it), green onions, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s all well combined. This mixture should hold together nicely when you shape it.
2. Shape the Croquettes:
Using your hands, scoop out about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into small balls or oval shapes. You can make them as big or small as you like, just try to keep them consistent in size for even cooking.
3. Set Up the Breading Station:
Now it’s time to get your breading station ready! In three shallow dishes, add the flour in one, the beaten eggs in another, and the breadcrumbs in the third. Having everything in place makes the breading process super easy!
4. Bread the Croquettes:
Take each shaped croquette and roll it in the flour first, shaking off any excess flour. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any extra egg drip off. Finally, coat the croquette with breadcrumbs, ensuring an even layer all around. Repeat with all your croquettes.
5. Fry the Croquettes:
In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. You can test if it’s hot enough by dropping a small piece of breadcrumbs in the oil—if it sizzles, you’re good to go! Carefully add the croquettes in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
6. Cook Until Golden Brown:
Fry each croquette for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn. Remember, cooking in batches helps it stay crispy!
7. Drain Excess Oil:
Once cooked, remove the croquettes from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help soak up any extra oil, making your croquettes even tastier!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm chicken croquettes garnished with some chopped parsley for a pop of color. You can also add a delicious dipping sauce like aioli or ranch on the side. Enjoy your homemade croquettes!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken is perfect for croquettes. Just make sure it’s shredded into small pieces for easy mixing. If it’s been in the fridge, be sure to check that it’s still within its usable timeframe (typically 3-4 days).
What Can I Substitute for Mashed Potatoes?
If you don’t have mashed potatoes on hand, you can substitute with cooked and mashed sweet potatoes or even cooked cauliflower for a lighter option. Just ensure the consistency is similar—smooth and not too watery.
How to Store Leftover Croquettes?
Store any leftover croquettes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, you can reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to keep them crispy.
Can I Freeze the Croquettes Before Frying?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked croquettes! Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Fry them straight from frozen, just add a minute or two to the cooking time.
