Chicken Croquettes

Name: Chicken Croquettes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: PT-466719H4M4S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter; ¼ cup flour; 1 cup warm milk; salt and pepper to taste; 2 1/2 cups finely chopped cooked chicken; 3 tablespoon finely chopped onion; 3 tablespoon finely chopped red pepper; 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper; 3 eggs; 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs; vegetable oil for frying

December 27, 2021 by Beth Pierce 35 Comments

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These AMAZING Chicken Croquettes are crispy breaded deep fried balls of chicken, onion, celery, and bell peppers in a smooth white cream sauce. They are crispy on the outside yet juicy and luscious on the inside. You will be so pleasantly surprised at how easy this recipe is and how delicious they turn out.

A plate full of fresh fried chicken croquettes

How to make Chicken Croquettes

Start by making the white sauce which is very similar to a béchamel sauce only thicker. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium low heat. Then whisk in the flour cooking for about 2 minutes while whisking continuously. Slowly whisk in the milk cooking for just a couple of minutes to thicken it. Then whisk in the salt and pepper to taste and let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

Now in a medium bowl combine the cooked chicken, onion, red pepper, celery, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and the cooled white sauce. Then stir to combine, cover with wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl and add the breadcrumbs to another shallow bowl. Using a 1 1/2 tablespoon scoop the mixture out and roll each ball. Then dunk it in the eggs and then in breadcrumbs. Now back into the eggs and then into the breadcrumbs. Place each ball on a parchment covered sheet while you work.

Making chicken croquettes is fairly easy

Heat about 2 inches of oil in a Dutch Oven or heavy pot. Using a candy thermometer heat the oil to 325-350 degrees. Work in batches of 4-5 balls, frying until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and for best results serve promptly.

Fry the crispy croquette balls until gulden brown

Recipe notes and helpful tips

Chop everything very fine so the balls are easy to roll and fry. You want a little bit of everything in each bite.
The sauce will be quite thick. That is a good thing so the balls are easier to roll.
You can prepare the mixture a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you are ready to dunk, roll, and fry.
Use a candy thermometer to help maintain the correct oil temperature. A heavy pot like a Dutch oven or stockpot will also help maintain the temperature well.
Remove the fried balls from the oil using a spider strainer or slotted spoon. Remove to paper towels to drain any excess grease and keep them crispy and crunchy.
These croquettes are delicious cooked in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees. Then spritz the balls with cooking oil. Add the croquettes in a single layer cooking for about 10 minutes or until golden brown. Gently shake the basket a couple of times while cooking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best results reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees for about 3-5 minutes. Or reheat on a baking sheet at 350 degrees for about 8 minutes.

Panko breaded croquette balls fry up super crispy and delicious.

What to serve with Chicken Croquettes

Mashed Potatoes
Chicken Gravy
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Buttered Egg Noodles
Southern Green Beans
French Fries
Coleslaw
Garden Salad

How to freeze Chicken Croquettes

Prior to frying – make the croquettes according to the recipe instructions placing on a parchment covered baking sheet with space between each ball. Then place the baking sheet in the freezer on a flat surface. Once frozen transfer the balls to a heavy duty freezer bag. This process is known as flash freezing. Now you can fry off a portion of the batch at a time. Remove the number of balls from the freezer that you would like to fry and let them thaw while the oil is reaching temperature. Fry according to recipe directions.

After frying – let the balls fully cool before packing in a sturdy freezer container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. For best results reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees for about 3-5 minutes. Or reheat on a baking sheet at 350 degrees for about 8 minutes. If you want to store them in a heavy duty freezer bag flash freeze them first.