Chicken croquettes with cheese

Chicken Croquettes with Cheese – A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Treat

Total Time: 1h 15min
Preparation Time: 30min
Cooking Time: 45min
Servings: 4

When it comes to dishes that delight the taste buds, chicken croquettes with cheese are undoubtedly a winning choice. Whether you serve them as appetizers, alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, or on a lavish platter of goodies, these croquettes are guaranteed to be appreciated, especially by the little ones. Plus, they are a fantastic way to transform ordinary chicken into a crispy and savory delight.

A Bit of History

Croquettes originated in French cuisine, where they were initially made from cooked meat or purees, then coated in breadcrumbs and fried. Over time, this recipe has been adapted in various cultures, now having numerous variations, from beef to vegetable croquettes. Today, chicken croquettes with cheese are a favorite in many households due to their simplicity and versatility.

Necessary Ingredients

- 600 g minced chicken (breast, thighs, or a combination)
- 1 medium onion
- A handful of chopped fresh parsley
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 slices of bread (preferably white or whole grain)
- 50 ml milk
- 50 g cheese
- 2 eggs
- Breadcrumbs (about 200 g)
- White flour (about 100 g)
- Oil for frying
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Ingredients: Start by grinding the chicken if you haven't purchased minced meat. Then, finely chop the onion and peel the garlic, which you will crush.

2. Soaking the Bread: Place the slices of bread in cold milk and let them soak for 5-10 minutes. This will help achieve a fluffy texture for the croquettes.

3. Mixing the Meat: In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, onion, crushed garlic, well-squeezed bread, one beaten egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well with a spatula or your hands until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

4. Preparing the Cheese: Cut the cheese into long sticks. This will add a delicious creaminess inside your croquettes.

5. Preparing for Frying: Set up three plates: one with white flour, another with breadcrumbs, and a third where you will beat the other egg with a pinch of salt. Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand to facilitate the frying process.

6. Shaping the Croquettes: With wet hands (to prevent the mixture from sticking), take a portion of the meat mixture, flatten it, add a stick of cheese in the middle, and cover it with meat, forming a circle. Make sure it is well sealed so it doesn't come apart during frying.

7. Breading the Croquettes: Dip the croquettes in flour, then in the beaten egg, and finally in breadcrumbs, ensuring they are evenly coated. This process will provide a crispy and golden crust.

8. Frying: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot enough (you can check by throwing in a breadcrumb, which should rise immediately), carefully plunge the croquettes into the hot oil. Fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden and crispy.

9. Removing: Once the croquettes are ready, remove them to a plate lined with a napkin to absorb excess oil. This step is essential for achieving a perfectly crispy and non-greasy texture.

10. Serving: You can serve the croquettes hot, alongside an easy-to-make mashed potato or on a platter with various appetizers. A fresh summer salad or a yogurt sauce with garlic pairs excellently with them.

Useful Tips

- Variations: You can add other ingredients to the meat mixture, such as chopped olives, bell peppers, or even spices like paprika or cumin for an extra flavor boost.
- Storage: These croquettes can be frozen before frying. Place them on a tray and leave them in the freezer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to prepare them, you can fry them directly from the freezer, adjusting the cooking time.
- Nutritional Benefits: These croquettes are a good source of protein due to the chicken and also contain fresh vegetables. The cheese provides calcium and healthy fats, while the parsley offers essential vitamins for a strong immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Absolutely! Turkey works wonderfully with this recipe and offers a lighter taste.

- How can I make healthier croquettes? Replace frying with baking in the oven. Place the croquettes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and lightly brush them with oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 200°C, turning them on both sides to achieve an even crust.

- What other sauces can I serve with croquettes? You can try a spicy tomato sauce, tzatziki, or even a mustard and honey sauce, which adds a sweet and tangy note.

Now that you know all the secrets to preparing the most delicious chicken croquettes with cheese, all that's left is to get to work. Enjoy every step and don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!