There is something absolutely magical about a warm, crispy exterior giving way to a tender, flavorful filling, and that’s exactly what you get with this Brazilian Chicken Coxinhas (Croquettes) Recipe. These iconic croquettes are a beloved Brazilian snack that combines shredded chicken with a creamy, mildly spiced filling wrapped in a soft dough, then fried to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want a delicious treat to enjoy, this recipe captures the heart of Brazilian comfort food and will quickly become one of your favorite go-to snacks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making authentic Brazilian Chicken Coxinhas that are bursting with flavor while maintaining that perfect balance of soft dough and savory filling. Each ingredient plays a special role, creating textures and tastes that harmonize beautifully in every bite.
- Whole milk (1¾ cups): Adds richness and moisture to the dough for a tender, soft bite.
- Chicken broth or water (1¾ cups): The broth infuses the dough with subtle savory notes, making it more flavorful.
- Salt (1 tablespoon): Essential for seasoning both the dough and the filling.
- Butter (3½ tablespoons + ¼ cup): Used in the dough and to sauté the filling ingredients, it lends a luscious richness.
- Mashed potatoes (2 large, peeled and mashed): Give the dough a soft texture and a comforting creaminess.
- All-purpose flour (3½ cups, sifted): Creates the structure of the dough, ensuring it firms up just right.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 large): The star protein, boiled and shredded finely to fill the croquettes.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic depth and a little zesty kick to the filling.
- Small onion (1, finely chopped): Brings sweetness and balance to the savory filling.
- Paprika (1 tablespoon): Adds warmth, mild spice, and a subtle smoky flavor.
- Cream cheese (2 tablespoons): Creates a creamy texture within the filling, keeping it moist and luscious.
- Tomato sauce (4 tablespoons): Adds a gentle tang and richness that ties the filling flavors together.
- Water (1 tablespoon): Helps blend the filling ingredients smoothly.
- Black pepper & salt (to taste): To season the filling perfectly and enhance all flavors.
- Fresh chopped parsley (to taste): Adds freshness and a pop of color in the filling.
- Milk (½ cup, for breading): Helps breadcrumbs stick securely to the shaped croquettes for a crunchy finish.
- Bread crumbs (as needed): Essential for that golden, crispy crust on the outside.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Use enough to deep-fry and get that irresistible crunchy texture.
How to Make Brazilian Chicken Coxinhas (Croquettes) Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Shred the Chicken
Start by boiling the chicken breasts in water or chicken broth for about 10 minutes until fully cooked and tender. Let them rest for 5 minutes to cool slightly, then shred the chicken finely using two forks or your fingers. Don’t throw away the cooking liquid — you’ll use that saved broth to build extra flavor into the dough!
Step 2: Prepare the Flavorful Filling
In a sauté pan, melt ¼ cup butter and cook the finely chopped onion for 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes, allowing the aroma to bloom. Stir in the paprika, cream cheese, and tomato sauce, blending everything into a creamy, tangy base. Then fold in the shredded chicken, seasoning well with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Set the filling aside to cool — this step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Make the Dough
In a pot, bring the whole milk, chicken broth (or water), salt, butter, and mashed potatoes to a gentle boil. Gradually add the sifted flour all at once, stirring constantly until a smooth dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the pot — about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the dough onto a lightly oiled surface and knead while still warm until perfectly smooth. This dough is the foundation of your coxinhas, so handling it while warm is key for pliability.
Step 4: Shape the Coxinhas
Pinch off golf ball-sized pieces of dough, flatten each piece slightly with the center thicker than the edges. Place a generous spoonful of the cooled filling in the middle, then carefully pinch the edges together to seal the filling inside. Shape each into a teardrop or drumstick form—this classic coxinha shape adds to the charm and tradition. Keep the uncovered dough and formed coxinhas covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out during this process.
Step 5: Bread the Coxinhas
Dip each shaped croquette into the ½ cup of milk, then roll extensively in breadcrumbs until fully coated. This step ensures the crispy, golden crust that everyone loves about coxinhas and helps keep the filling jeweled and juicy inside.
Step 6: Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coxinhas in small batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they achieve a deep golden-brown color that’s irresistibly crispy. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil, keeping them warm and ready to serve.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Brazilian Chicken Coxinhas (Croquettes) Recipe!
Serve these perfect little croquettes while warm as a delightful snack or appetizer. They offer a mouthwatering mix of crunchy exterior and creamy, savory interior that will impress every guest and satisfy every craving.
How to Serve Brazilian Chicken Coxinhas (Croquettes) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dash of smoked paprika on top adds freshness and a hint of color, making the coxinhas even more inviting. Serve with wedges of lime or lemon for an added zest that balances the richness.
Side Dishes
Coxinhas pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the fried exterior. For a true Brazilian experience, serve alongside hot sauce or a light garlic aioli to dip into.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by threading coxinhas on decorative skewers for party platters, or arrange them in a basket lined with colorful cloth for a cozy, rustic vibe. You can also serve mini dips alongside them for a fun, interactive tasting experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This way, the coxinhas stay fresh but the breading may soften slightly. Reheat carefully to regain some crunch.
Freezing
These croquettes freeze beautifully! After shaping and breading but before frying, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid. Transfer to freezer bags or containers and use within 1 month for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated coxinhas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving to preserve that lovely crunchy crust.
FAQs
What makes coxinhas different from other croquettes?
Coxinhas are distinct because of their unique teardrop shape and the use of shredded chicken mixed with creamy fillings like cream cheese and tomato sauce, giving them a characteristic moist, flavorful center wrapped in a soft potato dough.
Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of boiling breasts?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken can be a convenient shortcut that still provides excellent flavor and texture. Just make sure to shred it finely and adjust seasoning in the filling as needed.
Is it possible to bake instead of fry the coxinhas?
You can bake coxinhas for a lighter version, but they won’t have the same crispy, golden crust. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until crispy and golden, turning halfway through.
Can I make the dough without mashed potatoes?
The mashed potatoes are essential for the soft, tender dough that defines coxinhas, so they’re not easily omitted. However, some variations use just flour and broth for a different texture, though it won’t be quite the same.
What dipping sauces go best with Brazilian Chicken Coxinhas (Croquettes) Recipe?
Spicy sauces like hot pepper or chili sauce, creamy garlic aioli, or even a tangy chimichurri all complement the savory, crispy coxinhas perfectly and add an exciting flavor twist.
Final Thoughts
Making Brazilian Chicken Coxinhas (Croquettes) Recipe at home is truly a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with enticing aromas and your plate with irresistible bites. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, celebrating a craving, or bringing a bit of Brazil to your table, these croquettes never fail to impress with their juicy richness and crisp textures. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this joyful cooking adventure—you’re in for a delicious treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite!
Print
Brazilian Chicken Coxinhas (Croquettes) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Description
Brazilian Chicken Croquettes, known as Coxinhas, are a popular savory snack featuring shredded chicken filling encased in a soft dough made from mashed potatoes and flour, breaded and deep-fried to golden perfection. They offer a flavorful and crispy treat, perfect for appetizers or party snacks.
Ingredients
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)
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
Breading and Frying
- ½ cup milk (for breading)
- Bread crumbs (as needed)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Boil the chicken breasts in water or chicken broth for about 10 minutes until cooked through. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes, then shred the chicken finely. Reserve the broth for making the dough.
- Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, sauté the finely chopped onion in butter for 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Stir in paprika, cream cheese, tomato sauce, shredded chicken, salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Mix well and allow the filling to cool.
- Make the Dough: In a pot, combine whole milk, reserved chicken broth, salt, butter, and the peeled mashed potatoes. Bring to a boil. Gradually add sifted all-purpose flour, stirring constantly until a smooth dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the pot, approximately 5–7 minutes. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled surface and knead it gently until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- Shape the Coxinhas: Take a golf ball-sized piece of dough and flatten it with a slightly thicker center. Place a spoonful of the cooled chicken filling in the center. Carefully pinch the edges together to seal and shape it into a drumstick shape. Keep the dough covered with a cloth to prevent it from drying out as you work.
- Bread the Coxinhas: Dip each shaped coxinha into milk, then thoroughly coat with bread crumbs. Ensure they are evenly coated for a crispy exterior.
- Fry Until Golden: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coxinhas in batches, turning after 3–4 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the Brazilian Chicken Coxinhas warm as a delicious snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Use chicken broth instead of water when boiling the chicken for more flavorful dough.
- Keep the dough covered while shaping the coxinhas to prevent drying and cracking.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to ensure even frying and prevent greasiness.
- These croquettes can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before frying.
- Adjust seasoning in the filling according to taste preferences.
