Chicken and potato croquettes are a beloved snack or appetizer that combines tender shredded chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, herbs, and gooey cheese. These golden, crispy croquettes are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply as a comforting treat. The combination of textures—crispy on the outside and creamy inside—makes them irresistible. This recipe walks you through every step to achieve the perfect croquettes, from preparing the chicken filling to frying them to crispy perfection.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Mixture:

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (approx. 1 cup)
• 4 cloves garlic, finely diced
• 1 green chili, finely diced
• 2 red chilies, finely diced (one deseeded)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 500 grams boiled chicken breast, shredded
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• Dash of freshly grated nutmeg

For the Potato Mixture:

• 400 grams boiled potatoes, riced or mashed
• 2 tablespoons room temperature unsalted butter
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

For Coating:

• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Egg whites from 2 eggs (beaten)
• Oil for frying

Optional Garnish:

• Ketchup
• Blistered tomatoes
• Sprigs of cilantro secured with a bamboo skewer

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base Mixture:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add Spices and Flour:

• Add the green chili and red chilies to the skillet, stirring for another minute.
• Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour to the mixture, and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste of the flour.
• Gradually pour in the chicken stock, stirring continuously to form a roux. Cook until the mixture thickens into a sauce.

3. Combine Chicken and Season:

• Add the shredded boiled chicken to the roux. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated.
• Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and a dash of nutmeg. Stir and set aside to cool to room temperature.

4. Prepare the Potato Mixture:

• In a large bowl, mash the boiled potatoes until smooth.
• Stir in butter, egg yolks, lemon juice, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and chopped cilantro. Mix well.
• Once the chicken mixture is cooled, add it to the potato mixture and combine thoroughly.

5. Form the Croquettes:

• Oil your hands lightly to prevent the mixture from sticking.
• Scoop portions of the mixture and shape them into medium-sized rounds or cylindrical croquettes.
• Place the shaped croquettes on an oiled baking dish or tray.
• Freeze the croquettes for about 1 hour to firm them up for easy breading.

6. Bread the Croquettes:

• Set up a breading station with flour, beaten egg whites, and bread crumbs in separate bowls.
• Coat each croquette in flour, dip into the egg whites, and finally roll them in bread crumbs, ensuring they are fully coated.

7. Fry the Croquettes:

• Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
• Fry the croquettes in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-5 minutes.
• Once fried, transfer the croquettes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

8. Garnish and Serve:

• Optional: Garnish the croquettes with a drizzle of ketchup, blistered tomatoes, and a sprig of cilantro.
• Serve the croquettes hot and enjoy!

Cooking Tips:

1. Firming the Croquettes: Freezing the croquettes before frying helps them hold their shape better during the frying process. It also makes the breading easier and more consistent.
2. Frying Tips: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid the croquettes soaking up too much oil. You can test this by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil—if it sizzles and turns golden brown in a few seconds, the oil is ready.
3. Shredding Chicken: For perfectly shredded chicken, you can use a fork to pull the chicken apart, or for quicker results, use a hand mixer to shred it in seconds.
4. Customize the Heat Level: Adjust the amount of green and red chilies to your heat preference. For a milder version, you can omit one or both chilies.
5. Leftover Potatoes and Chicken: This recipe is great for using leftover boiled potatoes and cooked chicken. It’s a delicious way to turn leftovers into a new meal.

Storage:

• In the Fridge: Store any leftover croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispy texture.
• In the Freezer: You can freeze the uncooked croquettes for up to 1 month. Simply place them in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the frying time.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Total Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 400mg

FAQs:

1. Can I bake these croquettes instead of frying?
   • Yes! You can bake the croquettes at 200°C (400°F) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Brushing them with a little oil before baking will help achieve a crispy exterior.
2. Can I use other meats for the filling?
   • Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with cooked turkey, ham, or even a vegetarian option like mashed chickpeas or lentils.
3. Can I make these croquettes gluten-free?
   • To make them gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
4. What can I serve with these croquettes?
   • Croquettes can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. They pair well with dipping sauces such as ketchup, garlic aioli, or even a tangy mustard sauce.

Conclusion:

Chicken and potato croquettes are a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or main course, these croquettes combine crispy breading with a soft, flavorful filling. By following these simple steps, you’ll create a dish that is crispy on the outside, tender and cheesy on the inside, and bursting with flavor from the herbs and spices. Plus, the flexibility of the recipe allows you to customize it to your taste, making it a versatile and delightful addition to your meal rotation. Enjoy making and devouring these irresistible croquettes!