mini oven fried chicken croquettes

Wichita, KS
Updated on Dec 7, 2014

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

  • Step 1
    THE BROTH
  • Step 2
    Gather and prep your ingredients.
  • Step 3
    Add the butter to a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Step 4
    When the foaming subsides add the flour and whisk until smooth, about 1 minute.
  • Step 5
    Chef’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.
  • Step 6
    Combine the liquids (milk, stock) into a single container, and then slowly add to the roux, while constantly whisking.
  • Step 7
    Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens.
  • Step 8
    Remove from the heat, and allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes.
  • Step 9
    THE CROQUETTES
  • Step 10
    In a good size bowl, add the chicken with the panko breadcrumbs, the parsley, salt, pepper, and cayenne, and then lightly toss to combine.
  • Step 11
    Chef’s Note: You can purchase pre-cooked chicken; however, I prefer to slowly cook my own in some butter and grapeseed oil.
  • Step 12
    Beat the eggs, add them to the bowl, and gently fold together.
  • Step 13
    Add the reserved sauce to the bowl.
  • Step 14
    Fold the mixture until thoroughly blended
  • Step 15
    Cover the bowl, and allow the ingredients to rest in the refrigerator for about 2 hours, or overnight.
  • Step 16
    Chef’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.
  • Step 17
    COATING & BAKING
  • Step 18
    Place a rack in the middle position, and preheat the oven to 360f (182c).
  • Step 19
    In a small dish, combine the Parmesan cheese with the remaining panko breadcrumbs.
  • Step 20
    Using an ice cream scoop (if you have one) scoop out a nice portion of the croquette mixture, and form into a ball.
  • Step 21
    Chef’s Note: Each of the mini croquettes should weigh about 2.5 ounces.
  • Step 22
    Carefully roll the croquette in the breadcrumb/Parmesan mixture.
  • Step 23
    Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and make sure they are not touching.
  • Step 24
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Step 25
    Serve as appetizers with a nice sauce, or make them bigger and serve them as a main dish (along with your favorite sides). Enjoy.
  • Step 26
    Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
  • Step 27
    Chef'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.

Discover More

Category: Chicken
Keyword: #panko
Keyword: #Yummy
Keyword: #croquette
Keyword: #chicken
Keyword: #Appetizer
Ingredient: Chicken
Diet: Low Fat
Method: Bake
Culture: Southern

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