If you’re looking for the perfect bite-sized appetizer that’s crispy on the outside, soft and savory inside, and always a hit at gatherings, chicken croquettes are the answer. These golden, crunchy delights bring together tender chicken, creamy béchamel sauce, fragrant herbs, and crispy breadcrumbs in a way that’s downright irresistible. Whether you know them as chicken croquettes, fried chicken ballsou chicken crockets, these savory bites are a classic appetizer with global appeal.
This in-depth guide will show you how to make homemade chicken croquettes that rival any restaurant, with plenty of helpful tips, tricks, variations, and serving ideas.
🧆 What Are Chicken Croquettes?
The term croquette originates from France — derived from croquer, meaning “to crunch.” French croquettes became popular in the 18th century and eventually spread throughout Europe and the world, each region adding its own unique twist. While croquettes can be made with potatoes, ham, cheese, seafood, or even vegetables, chicken croquettes remain one of the most beloved versions.
At their core, chicken croquettes are crispy, fried balls or ovals made with a creamy chicken mixture (usually thickened with a roux or béchamel), breaded, and then fried until golden brown. They make perfect party appetizers, finger foods, or savory snacks.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-quality at home – no need to buy frozen ones.
- Crispy and creamy – the texture is everything!
- Freezer-friendly – great for prepping ahead.
- Perfect for all occasions – game days, holidays, brunches, and more.
- Kid-friendly – mild yet flavorful.
🍗 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (finely shredded or chopped)
- 1 small onion, minced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups warm milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley, thyme, or mixed herbs
- Sel et poivre au goût
For Breading and Frying:
- 1/2 tasse de farine tout usage
- 2 gros œufs, battus
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- De l'huile végétale pour la friture
🧑🍳 How to Make Chicken Croquettes (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare the Creamy Chicken Mixture
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the minced onions and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir constantly to create a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir until thick and smooth.
- Add the cooked chicken, herbs, cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well and let the mixture cook for a few more minutes until it’s thick and creamy but not runny.
- Transfer the filling to a tray, smooth it out, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to shape.
Tip: The firmer the filling, the easier it is to roll and bread.
2. Shape the Croquettes
- Scoop 1–2 tablespoons of the chilled mixture and roll it into ovals, logs, or round balls.
- Repeat with the rest of the filling and place shaped croquettes on a tray.
- Optional: Freeze the croquettes for 15–30 minutes for firmer texture.
3. Bread the Croquettes
- Set up a breading station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third.
- Coat each croquette first in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Press lightly so the coating sticks.
- Optional: For extra crunch, double bread by repeating the egg and breadcrumb step.
4. Fry Until Golden
- Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry croquettes in batches until golden brown, turning to ensure even cooking (about 3–4 minutes).
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
🔥 Oven & Air Fryer Options
Baked Chicken Croquettes:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place croquettes on a parchment-lined tray.
- Lightly spray with oil and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Fried Croquettes:
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, turning once, until crispy and golden.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Chicken croquettes are delicious on their own but even better with dips or side dishes.
Sauces À Trempette:
- Aïoli à l'ail
- Chipotle mayo
- Honey mustard
- Vinaigrette Ranch
- Spicy ketchup
- Tzatziki or herbed yogurt dip
Side Dish Pairings:
- Fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Des légumes grillés
- Coleslaw
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls
- A glass of chilled white wine or lemonade
🧊 Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator:
- Store leftover fried croquettes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Freezer (Uncooked):
- After shaping and breading, freeze croquettes on a tray until solid, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 3 mois.
- Fry or bake straight from frozen — no need to thaw.
Freezer (Cooked):
- Let croquettes cool completely, then freeze.
- Reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer until hot and crispy.
🧂 Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
Croquettes are incredibly adaptable. Here are some flavorful twists to try:
🧀 Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Croquettes
- Add a cube of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Gouda) inside each croquette for a gooey center.
🌶️ Spicy Chicken Croquettes
- Mix in chili flakes, diced jalapeños, or sriracha for heat.
🍄 Chicken & Mushroom Croquettes
- Sauté chopped mushrooms and fold into the mixture for umami depth.
🥔 Chicken and Potato Croquettes
- Mix in mashed potatoes for extra softness and richness.
🧄 Garlic & Herb Croquettes
- Add roasted garlic and fresh parsley or dill for a Mediterranean flavor.
🍴 Ways to Use Leftover Croquettes
Have extras? Here’s how to repurpose them:
- Croquette Sliders: Place inside soft buns with lettuce and sauce.
- Breakfast Croquette Eggs Benedict: Top with poached egg and hollandaise.
- Croquette Salad Bowl: Serve sliced over a fresh arugula or kale salad.
- Mini Croquette Tapas Board: Pair with olives, cheese, and nuts.
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make chicken croquettes without béchamel sauce?
Yes. You can use mashed potatoes or cream cheese as a binder instead of a roux-based sauce. However, béchamel provides the classic creamy texture that croquettes are known for.
Q: Can I make chicken croquettes gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure all other ingredients are certified GF.
Q: Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, and they still come out golden and crisp — especially if you lightly spray them with oil and use panko breadcrumbs.
Q: Are chicken croquettes good for meal prep?
They’re one of the best! Make a large batch, freeze them, and fry or bake when needed. Great for parties, lunchboxes, or weeknight dinners.
📖 Chicken Croquettes Around the World
Chicken croquettes are celebrated in different forms across many cultures:
- France: The origin, typically with béchamel and often served with Dijon mustard.
- Spain: Known as croquetas, often made with ham or cod as well.
- The Netherlands: Kroketten are usually cylindrical and filled with a meat ragout.
- Japan: Korokke, a breaded mashed potato and meat croquette.
- Latin America: Often made with shredded chicken or beef, and sometimes served with plantains or rice.
📝 Final Thoughts
Ces Chicken Croquettes are a perfect balance of crunchy texture and creamy flavor — making them ideal for any occasion. From casual snacking to elegant hors d’oeuvres, their versatility, ease of preparation, and ability to be made ahead make them a must-have recipe in any home cook’s repertoire.
Whether you enjoy them as part of a tapas spread, alongside a salad for a light meal, or as a game day snack, you’ll fall in love with their comforting taste and irresistible crunch.
So, don’t wait — gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the satisfying joy of homemade chicken croquettes.
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