Leftover Chicken Croquettes Recipe

Chicken: Shredded leftover chicken adds protein and flavor to the croquettes.

Mashed potatoes: These provide a creamy texture and help bind the mixture together.

Egg: A beaten egg acts as a binding agent to hold the croquettes together.

Breadcrumbs: These add structure and a bit of crunch to the croquettes.

Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the croquettes.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the flavor.

Flour: Used for coating the croquettes before frying to ensure a crispy exterior.

Vegetable oil: Necessary for frying the croquettes to a golden brown perfection.

When shaping the croquettes, ensure your hands are slightly damp to prevent the mixture from sticking. This will help you form uniform patties that cook evenly.

• leftover chicken - Substitute with leftover turkey: Both have similar textures and flavors, making turkey a great alternative for chicken in croquettes.

• mashed potatoes - Substitute with sweet potato mash: Sweet potatoes add a slightly different flavor and a bit of sweetness, but they work well in binding the croquettes.

• beaten egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water to create a vegan binding agent.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Cornflakes provide a similar crunchy texture and can be used as a gluten-free option.

• chopped parsley - Substitute with chopped cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh and slightly citrusy flavor, which can be a nice twist in the croquettes.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can replace salt, though you may need to adjust the quantity to taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used as a direct substitute for black pepper.

• flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used for coating and will give a crispier texture when fried.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier alternative and works well for frying, though it has a slightly different flavor profile.

• Allow the croquettes to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Place the cooled croquettes in an airtight container. If stacking them, use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing.
• To freeze, arrange the croquettes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
• Once frozen, transfer the croquettes to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the croquettes in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. For a quicker option, use the microwave's defrost setting.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet with a little vegetable oil over medium heat until warmed and crispy.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Lightly spray or brush the croquettes with a bit of vegetable oil to help them crisp up.
  4. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the exterior is crispy.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of vegetable oil to the pan.
  3. Place the chicken croquettes in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are heated through and crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken croquettes on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken croquettes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Air fry for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the shredded chicken, mashed potatoes, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.

• Fork: This will help you mix the ingredients thoroughly in the mixing bowl.

• Measuring cups: These are essential for accurately measuring out the chicken, mashed potatoes, and breadcrumbs.

• Measuring spoons: Use these to measure the salt and black pepper precisely.

• Chopping board: This is where you will chop the parsley.

• Knife: Use this to finely chop the parsley.

• Plate: Place the flour on this to coat the croquettes.

• Frying pan: Heat the vegetable oil in this to fry the croquettes.

• Spatula: Use this to flip the croquettes while frying to ensure they are golden brown on both sides.

• Paper towels: These will help drain the excess oil from the fried croquettes.

• Tongs: Use these to handle the croquettes while frying and transferring them to the paper towels.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Shred the chicken and mash the potatoes the night before to save time.

Use a food processor: Quickly combine the chicken, mashed potatoes, and other ingredients using a food processor.

Preheat the oil: Start heating the vegetable oil while you shape the croquettes to save time.

Batch frying: Fry multiple croquettes at once to reduce overall cooking time.

Use a cookie scoop: Shape the croquettes uniformly with a cookie scoop for even cooking.