Name: Brazilian Chicken Croquettes (Coxinhas)
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients: 1¾ cups whole milk (450 ml); 1¾ cups chicken broth or water (450 ml); 1 tablespoon salt; 3½ tablespoons butter (50 g); 2 large peeled and mashed potatoes (625 g); 3½ cups sifted all-purpose flour (450 g); 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (300 g); ¼ cup butter (½ stick); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon paprika; 2 tablespoons cream cheese; 4 tablespoons tomato sauce; 1 tablespoon water; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh chopped parsley, to taste; ½ cup milk (for breading); Bread crumbs (as needed); Vegetable oil (for frying)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Brazilian street food that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Creamy chicken filling flavored with garlic, onion, paprika, and tomato sauce.
Unique drumstick shape makes them fun to eat and impressive to serve.
Perfect party appetizer or snack for gatherings.
Dough made with a blend of milk, broth, mashed potatoes, and flour for a soft yet sturdy shell.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

1¾ cups whole milk (450 ml)
1¾ cups chicken broth or water (450 ml)
1 tablespoon salt
3½ tablespoons butter (50 g)
2 large peeled and mashed potatoes (625 g)
3½ cups sifted all-purpose flour (450 g) (or 4 cups/500 g if using Brazilian measurements)

For the Filling:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (300 g)
¼ cup butter (½ stick)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon paprika
2 tablespoons cream cheese
4 tablespoons tomato sauce
1 tablespoon water
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh chopped parsley, to taste

For Breading & Frying:

½ cup milk
Bread crumbs (as needed)
Vegetable oil (for frying)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Chicken:
Boil chicken breasts in water or broth for about 10 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes, then shred finely. Save the broth for making the dough.
Make the Filling:
Sauté onion in butter for 2 minutes, add garlic and cook for 2 more minutes. Stir in paprika, cream cheese, tomato sauce, shredded chicken, season with salt, pepper, and parsley. Allow to cool.
Prepare the Dough:
In a pot, boil milk, chicken broth, salt, butter, and mashed potatoes. Gradually add sifted flour, stirring continuously until a smooth dough forms that pulls away from the pot sides (about 5-7 minutes). Transfer to an oiled surface, cool slightly, then knead until smooth.
Shape the Coxinhas:
Take a golf ball-sized piece of dough and flatten it with a thicker center. Place a spoonful of filling in the center, pinch the edges to seal, and shape into a drumstick. Keep dough covered with plastic wrap while working to prevent drying.
Bread the Croquettes:
Dip each coxinha into milk, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
Fry:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry coxinhas in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Serve:
Enjoy warm as a snack or appetizer.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 12 servings
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes

Variations

For extra crispiness, use a water-cornstarch mixture instead of milk when breading.
Freeze breaded coxinhas for up to 2 months; fry directly from frozen.
Experiment with fillings by adding cheese, vegetables, or spices.

Pro Tips

Oil your hands while shaping the dough to prevent sticking.
Use fresh parsley for bright flavor in the filling.

Tools You’ll Need

Large pot for dough
Medium pot for cooking chicken
Large skillet or deep fryer
Paper towels for draining oil

Allergy Information

Please check all ingredients for potential allergens and consult with a health professional if in doubt.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Note: Approximate values

Conclusion

Brazilian Chicken Croquettes (Coxinhas) are a deliciously crispy and creamy treat that bring the flavors of Brazil right into your kitchen. With a tender chicken filling and a soft yet crispy dough exterior, these croquettes make perfect finger foods for parties or snacks. Master this recipe and impress your guests with a taste of authentic Brazilian cuisine.