Brazilian Chicken Croquettes (Coxinhas) are the life of any party: deeply golden on the outside, filled with savory, creamy chicken on the inside, and shaped like little drumsticks you just can’t wait to pick up. This classic finger food, a street snack sensation in Brazil, combines crispiness, tender chicken, and a hint of cream cheese in every bite. If you’ve ever dreamed of making an irresistible party snack that doubles as a taste of Brazilian culture, these coxinhas deliver—comforting, celebratory, and totally crowd-pleasing!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Brazilian Chicken Croquettes (Coxinhas) is delightfully straightforward, but each component plays an essential role in building their signature flavor and unforgettable texture. From creamy chicken filling to that perfectly crisp crust, here’s what you’ll want on hand:
- Olive oil: Adds subtle richness and helps the aromatics bloom as you sauté.
- Onion: Finely chopped for a savory-sweet base in the chicken filling.
- Garlic: Mincing makes for an aromatic punch that infuses the dish with depth.
- Cooked, shredded chicken breast: The heart of the filling; rotisserie chicken works great for ease and flavor.
- Chicken broth (for filling): Keeps the chicken moist and flavorful; adjust for juiciness.
- Cream cheese: Melts into the chicken mixture, lending creaminess and richness.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that ties everything together—don’t skimp here!
- Chopped parsley: Brings freshness and a pop of color to the filling.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the signature coxinha dough—smooth and sturdy when cooked right.
- Chicken broth (for dough): Infuses the dough itself with more savory flavor.
- Butter: Adds softness and a subtle dairy note to the dough.
- Eggs: Used for the dipping station, helping the breadcrumbs adhere for maximum crunch.
- Breadcrumbs: Key for that beautifully golden, crispy exterior.
- Vegetable oil: Choose a neutral oil for deep frying and achieving that irresistible crisp.
How to Make Brazilian Chicken Croquettes (Coxinhas)
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until they’re softened and fragrant—this builds a flavorful base. Add in your shredded chicken, stir in 1/2 cup of chicken broth, cream cheese, salt, pepper, and parsley. Cook everything together for a few minutes until the mixture is creamy, well-blended, and a bit moist but not runny. Let your filling cool down while you work on the dough. The slightly herby, creamy filling is what makes Brazilian Chicken Croquettes (Coxinhas) shine from the inside out!
Step 2: Make the Coxinha Dough
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups chicken broth and butter to a boil—the savory aroma tells you something delicious is starting. Lower the heat and dump in all the flour at once. Grab a sturdy wooden spoon and stir quickly and vigorously until a lump-free, smooth dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the pan. This step is a mini arm workout, but the silky dough you get is absolutely worth it. Remove from the heat and let it cool until just warm to touch, so you can handle it comfortably for shaping.
Step 3: Shape the Croquettes
Once your dough and filling are both cool enough, it’s time for the fun part. Take a small portion—about a golf ball size—of dough and flatten it in your palm. Spoon in a generous amount of the chicken mixture (but not too much so you can still seal it). Mold the dough around the filling and shape into the classic teardrop or little drumstick shape. This shape is traditional for Brazilian Chicken Croquettes (Coxinhas), making each one unique and a bit whimsical!
Step 4: Bread the Coxinhas
Set yourself up with a breading station: one bowl with beaten eggs, another with breadcrumbs. Dip each formed coxinha gently into the egg, then roll it in the breadcrumbs until fully coated. The breading step is key for getting that glorious golden crust that everyone fights over at the snack table.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or heavy pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the croquettes in batches, turning occasionally for even crispness—don’t overcrowd the pot or the temperature will drop. In just 3 to 4 minutes, they’ll be deeply golden and audibly crispy. Drain them on paper towels. Serve your hot Brazilian Chicken Croquettes (Coxinhas) with your favorite sauces or vinaigrettes for a show-stopping snack!
How to Serve Brazilian Chicken Croquettes (Coxinhas)
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley or freshly ground black pepper over the platter adds a dash of color and a fresh aroma. If you want to turn up the heat, provide hot sauce or even a squeeze of lime on the side—totally traditional and so good! The right garnish brings extra brightness and makes your Brazilian Chicken Croquettes (Coxinhas) even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Coxinhas are wonderfully versatile, pairing just as well with a simple green salad as they do with feijão tropeiro (Brazilian beans) or crispy yuca fries. For an authentic accompaniment, serve them with a classic Brazilian vinaigrette: tomatoes, onions, and herbs in a tangy vinegar dressing. This balancing brightness lets the rich croquettes pop!
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Arrange Brazilian Chicken Croquettes (Coxinhas) upright in a decorative bowl or on a long serving platter. Cluster them around a dip (like garlicky aioli) or mix them into a vibrant grazing board with pickles, olives, and cheese. For parties, skewer them on toothpicks for a cheerful finger-food display guests can’t resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have some extra croquettes? Wrap them tightly and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’ll retain their flavor and structure, but for best crispiness, wait to fry right before serving if you can.
Freezing
You can freeze Brazilian Chicken Croquettes (Coxinhas) before the frying step! Set them on a tray lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months, letting you make big batches ahead for parties or spontaneous cravings.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover or frozen-fried coxinhas, pop them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose that irresistible crunch. If you froze them raw, fry straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cook time.
FAQs
What can I use instead of chicken breast?
If you’re short on chicken breast, rotisserie chicken or even turkey will work beautifully. Some folks even get creative with shredded beef or vegetarian fillings for a twist!
Can I bake these instead of frying?
While classic Brazilian Chicken Croquettes (Coxinhas) are always fried for that signature crunch, you can try baking them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 to 25 minutes, brushed with oil. They won’t be as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious.
How do I get the dough to come together smoothly?
Be sure to add the flour all at once to the boiling liquid, then stir vigorously. It may seem crumbly at first, but with steady mixing, the dough will smooth out and naturally pull from the pan.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the dough and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. The results are just as tasty and crowd-friendly.
What dips go well with Brazilian Chicken Croquettes (Coxinhas)?
Classic choices include garlicky aioli, spicy chili sauce, or Brazilian-style vinaigrette. You could also serve them with creamy cheese sauces or simply a drizzle of lime for zing.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like biting into a freshly made Brazilian Chicken Croquettes (Coxinhas)—crispy, creamy, and full of flavor. They’re more than just a snack; they’re a ticket to celebrate and share a taste of Brazil wherever you are. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try; your friends and family will fall in love with each golden bite!
Print
Brazilian Chicken Croquettes (Coxinhas) Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 croquettes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Brazilian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Brazilian Chicken Croquettes (Coxinhas) with a crispy exterior and a flavorful chicken filling. These popular party appetizers are a must-try for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth (for dough)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil. Add chicken, broth, cream cheese, salt, pepper, and parsley. Cook until combined. Let cool.
- Make the Dough: Boil chicken broth and butter. Stir in flour to form a dough. Cool slightly.
- Assemble: Flatten dough, add filling, shape into croquettes.
- Cook: Dip in egg, coat with breadcrumbs, and fry until golden.
Notes
- Make ahead and freeze before frying for easy entertaining.
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Serve with hot sauce or Brazilian-style vinaigrette.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croquette
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
