Amazing Brazilian Chicken Croquettes Recipe
Why you will love this Amazing Brazilian Chicken Croquettes Recipe
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Brazil with these Amazing Chicken Croquettes, or coxinhas de frango! Crispy on the outside and filled with tender, seasoned chicken and cream cheese, these delightful bites are a favorite street food. Perfect for parties or a snack, they bring a taste of Brazilian culture right to your kitchen. Get ready to fry up some deliciousness that will impress family and friends alike!
Ingredients
Equipment:
With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!
Directions
- Place the chicken breasts in a large shallow pot, cover them with the chicken broth, adding water if necessary to make sure the chicken breasts are covered by at least 1/2" of liquid.
- Add the carrot and one of the onions (peeled and halved) as well as the bay leaves.
- Bring liquid to a gentle simmer, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is just cooked through (barely pink in the middle of the thickest part). It's necessary to cut into the chicken to tell when it is done. If some of the breasts cook more quickly, you can remove them earlier.
- Set chicken aside to cool, and strain the broth. Reserve broth.
- Shred the chicken into very small pieces using a food processor fitted with the plastic blade for this step, but you can also use your fingers.
- Stir the softened cream cheese and lime juice into the shredded chicken.
- Finely chop the second onion and the garlic and sauté the onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons of butter until golden and soft.
- Add the hot onions and garlic to the chicken mixture and stir until everything is well mixed.
- Measure the chicken broth (you will probably have about 3 1/2 cups). If you have less than three cups, add more canned chicken broth to make 3 cups.
- Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan, and gradually stir in the same amount of flour as you have broth (so if you have 3 1/2 cups of broth, add 3 1/2 cups of flour).
- Stir vigorously and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- When the mixture becomes stiff, remove it from the heat and chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
- At this point, you can chill the chicken mixture and the dough for several hours or overnight.
- To shape the coxinhas, take a piece of the dough about the size of a golf ball with floured hands and roll it into a ball, then hollow out the middle for the filling.
- Press a golfball size (about 1 1/2 tablespoons) piece of the chicken filling inside the ball of dough, and press the dough closed around the filling.
- Shape into an approximate drumstick shape, flouring hands as necessary.
- Stand the coxinhas on a baking sheet, so that the pointed end sticks upwards and ontinue until you run out of dough or filling.
- Whisk the eggs together in a bowl and place the bread crumbs in a shallow pan (like a cake pan) and season with salt and pepper.
- Dip the coxinhas in the egg, then in the breadcrumbs to coat.
- Chill the breaded coxinhas for about 1 hour.
- Fill a heavy-bottomed pot with enough oil to cover the coxinhas.
- Heat the oil to about 360 degrees.
- Fry the coxinhas in batches until deep golden brown.
Recipe Tips
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?
You can substitute chicken breasts with cooked shredded rotisserie chicken or even turkey if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, you can use firm tofu or a mix of vegetables like mushrooms and peppers seasoned similarly to the chicken.
How should I store leftover coxinhas after frying?
Store any leftover coxinhas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through, to help regain some crispiness.
What if my dough is too sticky or too dry?
If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it is manageable. If the dough feels too dry, you can mix in a small amount of reserved broth or water to achieve the right consistency.
Recommended Drink Pairings
Wine
Portuguese: Vinho Verde - This light and slightly effervescent wine complements the fried texture and creamy filling of the croquettes with its refreshing acidity.
General: Sauvignon Blanc - The crisp and herbal notes of Sauvignon Blanc enhance the flavors of the chicken and lime, creating a vibrant pairing.
Beer
Portuguese: Super Bock - This classic Portuguese lager offers a balanced malt profile that pairs well with the richness of the chicken croquettes.
General: Pilsner - A clean and crisp Pilsner cuts through the richness of the fried croquettes, providing a refreshing contrast.
Other Beverages
Fresh Limeade: The bright and zesty flavors of fresh limeade echo the citrus notes in the dish, making it a perfect accompaniment.
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