Coxinha - chicken croquettes
Coxinha - Delicious Chicken Croquettes
Coxinha is an iconic recipe from Brazilian cuisine, known and loved worldwide. These chicken croquettes are not only a perfect appetizer but also a savory snack that will delight your taste buds. Typically, coxinha is associated with the vibrant carnival in Brazil, but it is an excellent choice for any occasion, from parties with friends to festive family meals. If you are looking for an appetizer recipe that will impress, you have come to the right place!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 24 pieces
Ingredients:
For the filling:
- 4 pieces of chicken breast
- 4-5 cups of chicken broth
- 1 carrot
- 2 onions (one for boiling and one for the filling)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 garlic cloves
- Juice of 1 lime
- 500 g cream cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the dough:
- 250 g flour
- 2 eggs
- 200 g breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter
Ingredient tips:
- Choose fresh, boneless chicken breast for a smoother filling texture.
- The broth can be replaced with chicken soup for a more intense flavor.
- Cream cheese is optional, but it adds delicious creaminess to the filling.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy crust.
Step by step for perfect coxinha:
1. Preparing the filling: Start by placing the chicken breast in a large pot. Cover it with broth and, if necessary, add water to completely cover it. Add the peeled carrot, one halved onion, and bay leaves. Bring the liquid to a boil and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. It is important that the chicken breast is still slightly pink in the middle, so check it with a knife to ensure it is cooked evenly.
2. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool. Strain the broth and set it aside.
3. Cut the chicken breast into small pieces and place it in a bowl. Add the cream cheese and lime juice, mixing well to combine the ingredients. Chop the other onion and garlic and add them to the chicken mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Preparing the dough: Measure the remaining broth and bring it to a boil in a small pot. When it starts to boil, add the flour in a thin stream, whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Continue to stir until you achieve a smooth dough consistency. Once done, remove the dough from heat and let it cool, covered, for one hour in the fridge.
5. Forming the coxinha: Once the dough has cooled, form balls the size of golf balls. Press your finger in the middle to make room for the filling. Wet your hands with flour to prevent the dough from sticking.
6. Fill each ball with about 1.5 tablespoons of chicken filling. Wrap the filling with the dough, forming a shape similar to a droplet. Continue until you have used all the ingredients.
7. Preparing for frying: Beat the eggs in a bowl and place the breadcrumbs on a separate plate, adding salt and pepper. Dip the coxinhas in the egg and then in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are well coated.
8. Frying: In a deep skillet, add enough oil to fully cover the croquettes. Fry the coxinhas in batches until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove them to a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
9. Serving: Coxinhas are served hot, perfect to be enjoyed with a spicy sauce or a fresh salad. I recommend pairing them with a refreshing drink, such as lime juice or a cold beer.
Nutritional benefits:
Coxinhas are a good source of protein due to the chicken breast, and the cream cheese adds a portion of calcium. The carrot adds extra vitamins and fiber, making them a more balanced choice, even if they are fried.
Possible variations:
- You can experiment with different fillings, such as cheese or sautéed vegetables, to create vegetarian versions.
- Replace lime with lemon for a different note of acidity.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I freeze coxinhas? Yes, coxinhas can be frozen before frying. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container.
2. How can I make coxinhas healthier? You can bake coxinhas instead of frying them to reduce the amount of oil.
3. What other sauces can I use for serving? Yogurt-based sauces or spicy sauces are excellent to accompany them.
This coxinha recipe will bring a touch of joy and a unique flavor in every bite. Dare to try this recipe at home and bring a bit of Brazilian spirit into your kitchen! Don't forget to share this recipe with friends and family to delight them with these crispy treats!
Ingredients: For 24 pieces: 4 pieces of chicken breast, 4-5 cups of borscht, 1 carrot, 2 onions, 2 bay leaves, 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 cloves of garlic, juice from 1 lime, 500g cream cheese, 250g flour, 2 eggs, 200g breadcrumbs, salt and pepper.
