The Brazilian Chicken Coxinha is a legendary street food snack that brings joy to every bite. Shaped like a teardrop and filled with creamy, seasoned chicken, it’s then coated in breadcrumbs and fried until perfectly golden and crispy. Whether served at parties or enjoyed with a cup of coffee in a local Brazilian café, this irresistible delicacy is the epitome of comfort food. Coxinhas have deep cultural roots in Brazil and are loved by locals and visitors alike. They offer a fun and hands-on experience in the kitchen, from shaping the dough to watching them sizzle in the oil. Pair them with spicy dipping sauces or eat them plain either way, they’ll disappear fast!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
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2 cups chicken broth
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
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2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1/4 cup chopped parsley
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 cup cream cheese (optional, for creamy filling)
For Breading and Frying:
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2 eggs, beaten
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1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
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Oil for deep frying
Directions:
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In a large saucepan, bring chicken broth, butter, and salt to a boil.
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Add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the dough forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Set aside to cool.
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In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
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Add shredded chicken, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes, then mix in cream cheese if using. Let the filling cool.
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Take a small piece of dough, flatten it in your palm, and place a spoonful of chicken filling in the center. Fold and shape into a teardrop or drumstick shape.
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Dip each coxinha in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
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Heat oil in a deep pan and fry coxinhas in batches until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Prep Time: 40 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 12 coxinhas
Discovering the Delicious World of Brazilian Chicken Coxinhas
Brazilian cuisine is a rich tapestry woven from indigenous, African, and European influences, and few dishes illustrate this blend better than the beloved Coxinha de Frango, or Brazilian Chicken Coxinhas. Crispy on the outside, creamy and savory on the inside, these teardrop-shaped croquettes are a staple of Brazilian street food and a must-try for anyone exploring South American flavors.
In this article, we’ll delve deep into the history, cultural significance, variations, and serving suggestions for this iconic snack. Whether you’re a curious foodie, an experienced cook, or someone just looking to bring a bit of Brazil into your kitchen, this comprehensive guide to coxinhas has you covered.
What are Coxinhas?
Coxinhas are deep-fried snacks made of dough molded around a flavorful shredded chicken filling. They are typically shaped like a teardrop or drumstick to resemble a chicken leg, a nod to their main ingredient. The dough is soft yet firm, made from a mix of flour and chicken broth, which adds another layer of savory depth to the overall flavor. Once shaped and filled, the coxinhas are breaded and fried until golden brown and deliciously crispy.
A well-made coxinha offers the perfect contrast of textures a crunchy exterior giving way to tender, juicy chicken inside, often flavored with onions, garlic, parsley, and sometimes even cream cheese for an extra-rich experience.
A Bite of History: Where Did Coxinhas Come From?
The origins of coxinhas are as rich and flavorful as the snack itself. According to Brazilian lore, the coxinha was born in São Paulo in the 19th century. One popular legend tells of a cook who created the dish for a young royal child who only wanted to eat chicken drumsticks. Faced with a shortage, the cook improvised by shredding other parts of the chicken and shaping them into a leg-like form, encasing the mixture in dough, and deep-frying them to create a new treat and thus, the coxinha was born.
While this story might be apocryphal, it speaks to the creativity and ingenuity of Brazilian cooks and the dish’s status as comfort food with noble roots. Over time, coxinhas became a ubiquitous snack, enjoyed by people of all ages across Brazil, sold in bakeries, food stands, and supermarkets nationwide.
The Cultural Significance of Coxinhas in Brazil
In Brazil, coxinhas are more than just a snack they are part of daily life. You’ll find them everywhere, from street vendors in bustling cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro to small-town bakeries and family gatherings. They’re often served as party food, especially at birthdays, where they join the ranks of other popular salgadinhos (savory snacks) like kibe, empadinha, and pão de queijo.
Eating coxinhas is a nostalgic experience for many Brazilians, calling to mind memories of childhood, family celebrations, and lazy afternoons spent with friends. In this way, coxinhas transcend their humble ingredients to become an emotional and cultural staple.
Regional Variations and Modern Twists
While the classic chicken-filled coxinha remains the most beloved version, there are numerous regional and modern variations. In the northern regions of Brazil, you might find coxinhas made with shredded duck or other game meats. In coastal areas, some versions feature shrimp or cod as the main protein.
With the rise of food innovation and dietary preferences, vegetarian and vegan versions have become increasingly popular. These might substitute the chicken with ingredients like jackfruit, seasoned tofu, or spiced vegetables. There’s also a growing trend toward gourmet coxinhas, filled with exotic cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, or even truffle oil.
No matter the variation, the soul of the coxinha remains the same a crispy shell holding a pocket of comfort inside.
How to Serve Coxinhas
Coxinhas are incredibly versatile and can be served in various settings and styles:
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Party Platters: Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like spicy ketchup, chimichurri, or Brazilian-style hot sauce (molho apimentado).
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Street-Style Snack: Simply serve them warm in paper cones or small baskets with a napkin no frills needed.
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Meal Centerpiece: While traditionally a snack, coxinhas can be scaled up and served with a salad or rice and beans to make a full meal.
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With Beverages: They pair excellently with cold beers, caipirinhas (Brazil’s national cocktail), or even fresh juices like passion fruit or mango.
Because they are usually fried and slightly rich, it’s common to serve coxinhas with something tangy or acidic to balance the flavors think pickled onions or a side salad dressed in citrus vinaigrette.
Tips for the Perfect Coxinha
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Use flavorful broth: Since the dough absorbs the flavor of the broth, using a rich, homemade chicken stock will greatly enhance the taste.
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Don’t overwork the dough: Once the dough forms, allow it to cool before shaping. Overworking it can make the texture tough.
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Season generously: The filling should be well-seasoned it’s the star of the show, after all.
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Chill before frying: Once shaped and breaded, chill your coxinhas for 20–30 minutes to help them hold their shape during frying.
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Use neutral oil: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil, to ensure even frying and crispy results.
Are Coxinhas Healthy?
Like many fried foods, coxinhas are best enjoyed in moderation. However, you can make them slightly healthier by:
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Baking instead of frying: While this affects the texture, it significantly reduces oil content.
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Using whole wheat flour or air-frying: For a fiber-rich or lower-fat alternative.
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Adding vegetables to the filling: Mixing in carrots, spinach, or peas can increase nutritional value without compromising flavor.
That said, coxinhas are intended to be an indulgent treat a comfort food to be savored.
Bringing Brazilian Flavor to Your Kitchen
Making coxinhas at home is a rewarding culinary project. It brings a taste of Brazilian culture into your kitchen and can be a fun group activity with family or friends. While they require some time and technique, the end result is always worth it.
Even better, once you’ve mastered the dough and shaping technique, you can experiment with your own fillings and flavors. It’s a dish that invites creativity while honoring tradition.
Conclusion:
Brazilian Chicken Coxinhas are more than a snack they’re a celebration of culture, history, and flavor. They represent the ingenuity of Brazilian cuisine, combining simple ingredients in a way that’s deeply satisfying and universally loved.
Whether you try them from a street cart in São Paulo or whip them up in your own kitchen, one thing is certain: the crunchy exterior and tender, savory filling will leave you craving more. Perfect for gatherings, game nights, or as a new culinary adventure, coxinhas are a testament to why Brazil is one of the world’s most exciting food destinations.