These golden, crispy cassava croquettes filled with savory shredded chicken are a true comfort food treasure passed down through generations. Made with naturally gluten-free cassava root and tender seasoned chicken, these croquettes offer the perfect combination of creamy interior and beautifully golden exterior. Whether baked or fried, they make an irresistible snack or appetizer that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
For the Cassava Base:
- 500g cassava, peeled and chopped (1.1 lbs)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5g)
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 small onion, grated (100g / 3.5 oz)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine (15g / 0.5 oz)
- 500g cooked chicken breast, shredded (1.1 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon onion powder (8g / 0.3 oz)
- 200g cream cheese, optional (7 oz)
For Assembly:
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 150g mozzarella cheese, grated (5.3 oz)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (5g / 0.2 oz)
- Oil for greasing
Instructions
- Cook cassava by placing pieces in a pot, covering with water, adding salt, and bringing to boil. Cook 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Prepare chicken filling by heating butter in a pan. Add grated onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Add shredded chicken to the pan with onions, cooking until well heated through. Stir in onion powder and mix well. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Drain and mash cassava while still hot, removing any tough stems. Mash until completely smooth and lump-free.
- Combine ingredients by mixing the mashed cassava with the cooled chicken mixture. Use your hands to knead until well incorporated and the dough holds together.
- Shape croquettes using a dessert spoon to measure approximately 50g portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then shape into oval croquettes.
- Add cream cheese (optional) by creating a small well in some croquettes, adding a small piece of cream cheese, then reshaping to enclose.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking tray with oil.
- Prepare coating by beating the egg in a shallow bowl and combining grated mozzarella with chopped parsley in another bowl.
- Coat croquettes by dipping each one in beaten egg, then rolling in the mozzarella-parsley mixture.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Serve hot as an appetizer or snack, allowing to cool slightly before eating.
Time & Servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 20 croquettes (4-5 servings as main, 8-10 as appetizer)
Nutrition (Per Croquette)
Calories: 145
Protein: 12g
Carbs: 15g
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 2g
Why This Recipe is Good for You
These cassava croquettes provide excellent nutrition in a delicious package. Cassava is naturally gluten-free and rich in resistant starch, which supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar. The lean chicken breast delivers high-quality complete protein essential for muscle maintenance and satiety. Cassava also provides vitamin C, folate, and potassium, while the cheese adds calcium for bone health. This recipe is perfect for those with gluten sensitivities and offers a satisfying alternative to traditional wheat-based croquettes.