Welcome to a classic comfort food recipe that’s sure to bring warmth to your table: Traditional Chicken Croquettes. This dish transforms simple ingredients into crispy, golden bites that are perfect for any occasion. Let's dive into making this family favorite!
Cooked chicken is the star of this dish, providing protein and a rich flavor base. Use any leftover chicken you have on hand for convenience.
Bread crumbs create that perfect crispy coating everyone loves. Feel free to use plain or seasoned, depending on your preference.
Milk helps to create a creamy mixture, binding all ingredients together nicely.
All-purpose flour acts as a thickening agent, giving the mixture structure and firmness.
Unsalted butter adds richness and helps sauté the onions to perfection.
Onion brings a hint of sweetness and depth to the croquettes, complementing the chicken beautifully.
Fresh parsley introduces a burst of color and fresh flavor, balancing the richness.
Eggs are used to bind and coat the croquettes before frying, ensuring everything holds together.
Salt, black pepper, and nutmeg season the mixture, enhancing all other flavors without overpowering them.
Vegetable oil is ideal for frying due to its high smoke point, resulting in perfectly golden croquettes.
Serve these croquettes with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. They're also delightful with a dollop of aioli or a tangy dipping sauce like honey mustard or spicy ketchup.
Start by melting the butter in a medium pan over medium heat. Once melted, add the onion and sauté until translucent. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes, and you'll know it's done when the onions are soft and fragrant.
Next, stir in the flour, letting it cook for about 1 to 2 minutes. This step is crucial as it removes the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce.
Now, it's time to incorporate the chopped chicken, parsley, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Mix everything well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce. Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Once cooled enough to handle, shape the mixture into small patties or oval croquettes. This is where you can get creative with the size and shape, depending on how you plan to serve them.
In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs, and place the bread crumbs in another bowl. Dip each croquette first into the beaten egg, then coat it thoroughly with bread crumbs. Make sure to cover all sides for an even crust.
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the croquettes, frying them until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. This should take about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.
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