Chicken croquettes are a delightful and crispy treat that can serve as a perfect appetizer or a main course. These golden-brown patties are made from shredded chicken, combined with a few simple ingredients, and then fried to perfection. They are easy to make and incredibly satisfying, making them a favorite for both kids and adults alike.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually keep breadcrumbs at home, you might need to pick some up at the supermarket. Additionally, make sure you have enough vegetable oil for frying, as this recipe requires a cup of it.

Ingredients for Chicken Croquettes Recipe
Cooked chicken: Shredded chicken is the base of the croquettes, providing protein and flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Used both in the mixture and for coating the patties, breadcrumbs add texture and help bind the ingredients together.
Milk: Adds moisture to the mixture, ensuring the croquettes are not dry.
Flour: Helps to bind the ingredients and gives structure to the patties.
Eggs: Beaten eggs act as a binding agent, holding the mixture together.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the croquettes.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of spice and depth to the flavor.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying the patties to a golden brown, crispy finish.
Technique Tip for Making Croquettes
When shaping the patties, make sure your hands are slightly damp. This prevents the mixture from sticking to your hands and allows you to form uniform croquettes. Additionally, pressing the breadcrumbs firmly onto the surface of the patties ensures a crispier texture when fried.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cooked chicken - Substitute with cooked turkey: Turkey has a similar texture and flavor profile to chicken, making it an excellent substitute.
cooked chicken - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, tofu can mimic the texture of shredded chicken when properly seasoned.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko: Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes can add a unique crunch and are a gluten-free alternative.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that can be used in the same quantity.
milk - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can add extra flavor and moisture to the croquettes.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent and is gluten-free.
flour - Substitute with rice flour: Rice flour is another gluten-free option that works well for frying.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water) are a vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.
eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce can be used as a binding agent in a 1:1 ratio for a slightly sweet flavor.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier option for frying with a distinct flavor.
vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is another healthy alternative that adds a subtle coconut flavor.
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How to Store or Freeze Your Croquettes
- Allow the chicken croquettes to cool completely at room temperature before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator:
- Place the cooled croquettes in an airtight container.
- Layer them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For freezing:
- Arrange the cooled croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze them for about 1-2 hours or until they are firm.
- Transfer the frozen croquettes to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label the container with the date and contents.
- Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating from the refrigerator:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the croquettes on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
- Reheating from the freezer:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the frozen croquettes on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are hot and crispy.
- For a quicker option, you can reheat in a microwave:
- Place the croquettes on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
- To maintain the crispiness, avoid reheating in the microwave if possible.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray or brush them with a bit of vegetable oil to help them crisp up. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and the exterior is crispy.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil. Place the chicken croquettes in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and have regained their crispy texture.
Microwave Method: Place the chicken croquettes on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness as well as other methods.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken croquettes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken croquettes on the toaster oven tray. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.
Best Tools for Making Croquettes
Mixing bowl: To combine the shredded chicken, breadcrumbs, milk, flour, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper.
Measuring cups: To measure out the ingredients like breadcrumbs, milk, and flour.
Measuring spoons: To measure the salt and black pepper accurately.
Fork: To beat the eggs before adding them to the mixture.
Frying pan: To fry the chicken croquettes until they are golden brown.
Spatula: To flip the patties while frying them in the pan.
Paper towels: To drain the excess oil from the fried croquettes.
Plate: To place the croquettes on after they are fried and drained.
Tongs: To handle the hot croquettes safely while frying and transferring them to the paper towels.
How to Save Time on Making Croquettes
Prepare ingredients in advance: Shred the chicken and measure out the breadcrumbs, milk, flour, and spices ahead of time.
Use a food processor: Quickly combine the chicken mixture using a food processor to save time on mixing.
Preheat oil while shaping: Start heating the vegetable oil while you shape the patties to reduce waiting time.
Double batch: Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick meal later.
Uniform shape: Use an ice cream scoop to ensure all patties are the same size for even cooking.

Chicken Croquettes Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 cup Flour
- 2 Eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, ½ cup of breadcrumbs, milk, flour, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Shape the mixture into small patties.
- 3. Coat each patty with the remaining breadcrumbs.
- 4. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- 5. Fry the patties until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- 6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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