Coxinha Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Brazilian Chicken Croquettes
Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with the irresistible delight of Coxinha? This classic Brazilian snack is a beloved street food and party favorite, known for its crispy exterior and succulent chicken filling. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you create perfectly golden, melt-in-your-mouth Coxinhas that will impress everyone.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes approximately 20 Coxinhas. Adjust quantities as needed.
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dough:
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter or vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- Breadcrumbs for coating
- Vegetable oil for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Delicious Chicken Filling:
- Sauté Aromatics: In a pan, melt the butter and sauté the onions and garlic until softened. This will build the foundation of flavor for your Coxinha filling.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, parsley, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Cook until heated through and the flavors meld. This simple step elevates the Coxinha experience!
- Cool Completely: Let the chicken mixture cool completely before proceeding to the next step. This is crucial for easy handling of the dough.
Making the Coxinha Dough:
- Make a Roux: In a saucepan, combine the water, salt, and butter. Bring to a boil.
- Add Flour: Reduce heat to low and add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon or spatula until a smooth dough forms. This process creates the perfect texture.
- Cook the Dough: Continue stirring for 2-3 minutes, or until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball.
- Incorporate Eggs: Remove the dough from heat and gradually add the beaten eggs, mixing until well combined. The eggs add richness and bind the dough beautifully.
- Cool the Dough: Let the dough cool slightly before shaping the Coxinhas.
Shaping and Frying the Coxinhas:
- Assemble the Coxinhas: On a lightly floured surface, roll out small portions of the dough into tear-drop shapes. Fill each with a spoonful of the cooled chicken mixture. Seal the dough tightly around the filling. This process requires a little patience, but it's worth the effort!
- Bread the Coxinhas: Dip each Coxinha in beaten egg and then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Ensure complete coverage for a perfect crispy crust.
- Fry to Perfection: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the Coxinhas in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the Coxinhas from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Coxinha Success:
- Don't overfill: Overfilling can cause the Coxinhas to burst during frying.
- Proper cooling: Ensure both the chicken filling and the dough are completely cool before assembling.
- Fresh ingredients: Using fresh ingredients significantly enhances the flavor.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to customize the seasoning to your liking.
Serving Suggestions:
Coxinhas are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or party food. They are delicious on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauces like aioli or chimichurri.
This recipe will guide you to creating unforgettable Coxinhas. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results! Remember to share your culinary creations using #CoxinhaRecipe – we'd love to see your masterpieces!
