mini oven fried chicken croquettes
Okay, it’s about 4:00 in the morning, the temperature outside is flirting with the freezing mark, and I’m up and about. Guru, my Jack Russell terrier is following me and probably wondering what I’m doing out of my nice warm bed. Well, I have an idea for a new appetizer, and it’s time to make it happen. Chicken croquettes have been around for a long time, but these are going into the oven; as opposed to the traditional deep-frying method, and I’ve added panko over regular breadcrumbs to give them a bit of a crunch... that and a few other tricks. So, you ready… let’s get into the kitchen.
prep time
30 Min
cook time
30 Min
method
Bake
yield
8 as appetizers 4 as main dish
Ingredients
- THE BROTH
- 3 tablespoons sweet butter, unsalted
- 3 tablespoons flour, all-purpose variety
- 1/2 cup milk, whole fat
- 1/2 cup chicken stock, not broth
- THE CROQUETTES
- 2 cups chicken breast, cooked and finely chopped
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, kosher variety, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- COATING & BAKING
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- * SEE ADDITIONAL TIPS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE RECIPE.
How To Make mini oven fried chicken croquettes
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Step 1THE BROTH
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Step 2Gather and prep your ingredients.
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Step 3Add the butter to a saucepan over medium heat.
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Step 4When the foaming subsides add the flour and whisk until smooth, about 1 minute.
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Step 5Chef’s Note: The process of combining fat and butter is known as making a roux. There are several ways to make a roux, and we’re making a blonde roux (please no blonde jokes). In other words, whisk to combine, but don’t allow the mixture to brown.
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Step 6Combine the liquids (milk, stock) into a single container, and then slowly add to the roux, while constantly whisking.
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Step 7Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens.
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Step 8Remove from the heat, and allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes.
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Step 9THE CROQUETTES
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Step 10In a good size bowl, add the chicken with the panko breadcrumbs, the parsley, salt, pepper, and cayenne, and then lightly toss to combine.
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Step 11Chef’s Note: You can purchase pre-cooked chicken; however, I prefer to slowly cook my own in some butter and grapeseed oil.
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Step 12Beat the eggs, add them to the bowl, and gently fold together.
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Step 13Add the reserved sauce to the bowl.
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Step 14Fold the mixture until thoroughly blended
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Step 15Cover the bowl, and allow the ingredients to rest in the refrigerator for about 2 hours, or overnight.
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Step 16Chef’s Note: This resting period is very important because it will help to firm up the croquettes when they are baking. If you skip this step they will have a tendency to fall apart as they bake, and I hate it when that happens.
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Step 17COATING & BAKING
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Step 18Place a rack in the middle position, and preheat the oven to 360f (182c).
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Step 19In a small dish, combine the Parmesan cheese with the remaining panko breadcrumbs.
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Step 20Using an ice cream scoop (if you have one) scoop out a nice portion of the croquette mixture, and form into a ball.
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Step 21Chef’s Note: Each of the mini croquettes should weigh about 2.5 ounces.
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Step 22Carefully roll the croquette in the breadcrumb/Parmesan mixture.
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Step 23Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and make sure they are not touching.
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Step 24Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Step 25Serve as appetizers with a nice sauce, or make them bigger and serve them as a main dish (along with your favorite sides). Enjoy.
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Step 26Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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Step 27Chef's Tips: I made a second batch of these and added a bit of pepper-jack cheese and some parmesan. Then I added a bit of cayenne, salt, and pepper to the coating. Served them up swimming in a plate of homemade tomato sauce.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
Discover More
Category:
Chicken
Category:
Meat Appetizers
Tag:
#Quick & Easy
Keyword:
#panko
Keyword:
#Yummy
Keyword:
#croquette
Keyword:
#chicken
Keyword:
#Appetizer
Ingredient:
Chicken
Diet:
Low Fat
Diet:
Low Sodium
Diet:
Soy Free
Method:
Bake
Culture:
Southern
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