A Treasured Family Recipe Made Modern
Transform simple chicken into elegant, cheese-filled croquettes with this cherished family recipe. These golden-brown delights feature a perfectly seasoned chicken exterior with a melty mozzarella center, served over zesty marinated onions. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, these croquettes are guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For the Croquettes:
- 3 chicken fillets (about 600g/21oz)
- 1 large onion, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, grated
- 20g (0.7oz) fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon dried garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- Breadcrumbs (as needed)
- 50ml (1.7 fl oz) vegetable oil for frying
For the Marinated Onions:
- 1 large onion, sliced into half-rings
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
To Serve:
- Your favorite tomato sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
- Process chicken fillets in a blender until finely minced
- Grate onion, drain excess liquid
- Grate bell pepper, drain excess liquid
- Combine minced chicken with grated vegetables
- Add parsley, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika
- Mix thoroughly
- Add breadcrumbs if mixture is too wet
- Form the Croquettes:
- Wet hands with water
- Take a portion of chicken mixture
- Place a cube of mozzarella in center
- Form into an oval shape around cheese
- Place on bamboo skewer (optional)
- Repeat with remaining mixture
- Chill and Prepare:
- Cover formed croquettes with plastic wrap
- Freeze for 20 minutes to firm up
- Make Marinated Onions:
- Slice onion into half-rings
- Combine with salt, sugar, and lemon juice
- Mix well and let marinate while cooking croquettes
- Cook the Croquettes:
- Heat oil in a large pan
- Fry croquettes until golden brown on all sides
- Turn frequently to maintain shape
- Drain on paper towels
Timing
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chilling Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 6)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Drain vegetable liquid thoroughly to prevent soggy croquettes
- Keep hands wet while forming to prevent sticking
- Don’t skip the freezing step – it helps maintain shape
- Maintain medium heat to cook through without burning
- Turn frequently for even browning
- Use a thermometer to ensure oil is at 350°F (175°C)
Variations and Substitutions
- Use turkey instead of chicken
- Substitute different cheese varieties
- Add finely chopped spinach to mixture
- Use fresh garlic instead of powder
- Add different herbs like dill or chives
- Make smaller versions for appetizers
Common FAQs
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, form and freeze for up to 1 month before cooking.
Q: Why do my croquettes fall apart?
A: Ensure mixture is well-drained and chilled before frying.
Q: Can these be baked instead?
A: Yes, at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Q: How do I know they’re cooked through?
A: Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store uncooked croquettes in freezer up to 1 month
- Keep cooked croquettes in refrigerator up to 3 days
- Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes
- Can prepare chicken mixture day before
- Marinated onions keep for up to 5 days refrigerated
- Don’t store assembled raw croquettes without freezing
