Chicken and cheese croquettes

Delicious Chicken and Cheese Croquettes: Simple and Tasty Recipe

What could be more comforting than a serving of crispy, golden croquettes filled with juicy chicken and cheese? These chicken croquettes with cheese are not only a delicious snack but also a perfect choice for family meals or parties. This recipe is quick, easy to prepare, and will surely attract the attention of any food lover.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g minced chicken
- 2 slices of stale bread (preferably 2 days old)
- 1 egg
- 50 g grated Delaco cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon of white flour
- 1 bunch of fresh dill, finely chopped
- Iodized salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- Golden breadcrumbs, for coating
- Flax seeds, for added texture
- 300 ml sunflower oil (for frying)

Useful tips before you start:
- Make sure the bread is a bit stale to soak better and absorb flavors. Fresh bread can make the mixture too wet.
- Delaco cheese adds a creamy note and intense flavor, but you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, according to your preferences.
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can include herbs like oregano or basil.

The history of croquettes:
Croquettes are a popular dish worldwide, being a fantastic way to transform leftover meat and vegetables into delicious snacks. This specific recipe with chicken and cheese has evolved over time, based on the tradition of combining simple ingredients to create savory and appealing dishes.

Preparing the croquettes:
1. Prepare the bread: Start by placing the two slices of bread in a bowl of cold water. Let them soak for about 5 minutes, then squeeze them well to remove excess water.

2. Meat mixture: In a large bowl, add the minced chicken, squeezed bread, peeled and finely chopped garlic, egg, grated cheese, flour, and chopped dill. Season with salt, pepper, and sweet paprika.

3. Mix everything well: Use your hands to mix all the ingredients until you obtain a homogeneous composition. Ensure all ingredients are well integrated.

4. Shape the croquettes: With your hands, take a portion of the meat mixture and shape medium-sized croquettes. You can make them round or oval, depending on your preference.

5. Coat in breadcrumbs: Place the breadcrumbs and flax seeds on a plate. Roll each croquette in this mixture to achieve a crispy crust.

6. Fry the croquettes: In a deep pan, heat the sunflower oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the croquettes, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy.

7. Drain excess oil: Once the croquettes are done, remove them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Serving and delicious combinations:
Chicken and cheese croquettes are delicious served warm, alongside a spicy chili sauce or a fresh seasonal salad. You can also add sauces like ketchup, mayonnaise, or tzatziki to enhance the flavors.

Nutritional benefits:
These croquettes are a good source of protein due to the chicken, while the cheese adds calcium and healthy fats. Dill, besides its fresh taste, is rich in antioxidants. Flax seeds provide omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, turkey is a healthy alternative and can be successfully used in this recipe.

- How can I bake the croquettes?
You can bake the croquettes at 200 degrees Celsius on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through for even browning.

- Can I freeze the croquettes?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked croquettes. Make sure to place them on a tray in the freezer before putting them in a plastic bag for freezing. You can fry them directly from the freezer.

Possible variations:
- You can add finely chopped vegetables to the mixture, such as carrots or zucchini, to make them healthier.
- Instead of cheese, you can use cream cheese for a creamier texture.

These chicken and cheese croquettes are not only a simple recipe but also a fantastic way to bring family and friends together around the table. With a crispy texture on the outside and a juicy filling, they are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen! Prepare them with love and joy, and the result will surely please everyone!