Brazilian Coxinha (Chicken Croquettes) ~ TO BE TASTY

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Coxinha offers the perfect combination of savory, creamy filling and crispy, golden dough. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:

Perfectly Crispy on the Outside: The battering process of flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs creates a crispy, golden exterior that gives way to a rich and savory filling.
Flavorful Chicken Filling: The chicken is seasoned with paprika, salt, and black pepper, then cooked with onion, garlic, and carrot, creating a hearty and delicious stuffing. Cream cheese or mozzarella melts perfectly into the mix for a smooth, creamy texture.
Fun to Make and Share: While the recipe does take a little time to prepare, assembling and frying the coxinha is a fun process. Once you get the hang of it, these make for a great project to do with family or friends!
Versatile for Dipping: These coxinha pair beautifully with ranch or your favorite dipping sauce, making them perfect for serving at parties or as a tasty snack.

Ingredients for Coxinha (Brazilian Chicken Croquettes)

For the Dough:

3 cups Chicken Broth: You can use store-bought or homemade chicken broth for extra flavor.
3 cups Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal for this dough.
1 tsp. Salt: To season the dough and enhance the flavor.

For the Battering:

3 large Eggs: Beaten for the battering process.
1 cup Flour: For dredging the dough.
2 cups Plain Panko Breadcrumbs: To create the crispy golden crust.
Neutral Frying Oil: Such as vegetable or canola oil for frying.

For the Filling:

1 1/2 lbs. Boneless, Skinless Chicken: You can use chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference.
1 tsp. Paprika: For a warm, smoky flavor.
1 tsp. Salt & Black Pepper: To season the chicken.
1 Carrot: Peeled and very finely chopped for added texture and sweetness.
1/2 Yellow Onion: Finely chopped for flavor.
3 Garlic Cloves: Minced for a fragrant base.
2 tbsp. Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.
1 Lime: For a fresh, tangy flavor in the filling.
8 oz Cream Cheese or 1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella: Use cream cheese for a traditional filling, or mozzarella for a gooey, melty texture.

To Serve:

Ranch or Other Dipping Sauce: For dipping these delicious croquettes.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Coxinha

1. Prepare the Dough:

In a large saucepan, bring 3 cups of chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in 1 tsp of salt.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly stir in 3 cups of flour, ensuring the mixture absorbs the liquid completely.
Once all the liquid has been incorporated, transfer the dough to a clean surface to cool. Knead the dough for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour to allow it to firm up.

2. Prepare the Filling:

Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
In a skillet, heat 1-2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side. Once browned, reduce the heat to medium, add 1/4 cup of water, and cover to cook for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked through.
Let the chicken rest for 8-10 minutes, then shred it using two forks or a stand mixer with the whisk attachment.
In the same skillet, add another 1 tbsp of olive oil and sauté the chopped carrot, onion, and minced garlic for about 5-6 minutes, until softened.
Add the sautéed vegetables to the shredded chicken and mix in the cream cheese (or mozzarella) and the juice of 1 lime. Stir until the mixture is well combined. Set aside.

3. Assemble the Coxinha:

Roll a golf-sized ball of dough in the palms of your hands. Flatten the dough on a clean, lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick.
Place 1-2 tablespoons of the chicken filling in the center of the dough.
Carefully enclose the dough around the filling, sealing the edges. Shape the dough into a teardrop shape using your hands. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

4. Coat the Coxinha:

Set up a battering station with 3 bowls:
- Bowl 1: Add 1 cup of flour.
- Bowl 2: Whisk 3 large eggs until smooth.
- Bowl 3: Add 2 cups of plain panko breadcrumbs.
Dredge each coxinha in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs into the dough to ensure it's well-coated.

5. Fry the Coxinha:

Heat 4-6 inches of neutral frying oil in a large saucepan to 350°F (or until glistening).
Working in small batches, fry 2-3 coxinha at a time for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove them using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

6. Serve:

Serve the coxinha warm with ranch or your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy these crispy, savory treats!

Why These Coxinha Will Become Your New Favorite Snack

These Coxinha (Brazilian Chicken Croquettes) are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and bursting with flavor. The combination of tender shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and gooey cheese wrapped in a golden, crispy dough makes each bite irresistible. Perfect for any occasion, whether it's a party, snack time, or an appetizer for dinner.

Conclusion

Make your next gathering extra special with Coxinha (Brazilian Chicken Croquettes). These delicious, bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit with everyone. With the perfect balance of crispy dough, savory chicken filling, and creamy cheese, coxinha will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

So, gather your ingredients, get frying, and enjoy the flavors of Brazil right at home. Happy cooking!