Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make snack for your next gathering? Look no further than this Healthier Coxinhas recipe! These Brazilian chicken croquettes are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for parties, game nights, or simply as a tasty snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and aromatic spices creates a mouthwatering filling.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch of Coxinhas in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and freeze them for later, so you always have a tasty snack on hand.
Ingredient Notes:
Filling:
- Chicken breast: Provides a lean protein base for the filling.
- Onion and garlic: Add sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing vegetables.
- Tomato paste: Adds richness and color.
- Cream cheese: Makes the filling creamy and authentic.
- Parsley or green onion: Adds a fresh touch.
- Salt and black pepper: Balances flavors.
Dough:
- Chicken broth: Forms the base of the dough.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the dough.
- Butter: Adds richness and elasticity.
- Salt: Enhances the dough’s flavor.
Coating:
- Egg: Helps breadcrumbs stick.
- Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy coating.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the chicken: In a pot, simmer the chicken breast with onion, garlic, bay leaf, and salt until cooked. Shred the chicken.
- Make the filling: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, then add tomato paste, shredded chicken, cream cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Make the dough: Heat chicken broth with butter and salt, then add flour to form a dough.
- Assemble the Coxinhas: Flatten a portion of dough, place a spoonful of filling, and shape into a teardrop.
- Coat and cook: Dip Coxinhas in beaten egg, coat with breadcrumbs, and cook until golden and crispy.
Helpful Tips:
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.
- Freeze shaped Coxinhas before coating for easier handling.
- Serve with hot sauce or aioli for extra flavor.
- Swap chicken for shredded turkey or pork for a different twist.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes before shaping for easier handling.
- Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough and filling evenly.
- Brush Coxinhas with oil before air frying for a golden finish.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Healthier Coxinhas with a side of fresh salad, pickled veggies, or a refreshing caipirinha cocktail for an authentic Brazilian experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store leftover Coxinhas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes until crispy and heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I bake these Coxinhas instead of frying them? Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F until golden and crispy.
- Can I use gluten-free flour for the dough? Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative.
- Can I make the filling ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the Coxinhas when ready to cook.
Conclusion:
Now that you have the recipe for these delicious Healthier Coxinhas, it’s time to get cooking! Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a tasty snack, these crispy treats are sure to be a hit. Try them out, and don’t forget to share your feedback with us!
Print
Healthier Coxinhas Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 12 coxinhas 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Brazilian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Healthier Coxinhas Recipe offers a lighter take on the traditional Brazilian snack by using air frying instead of deep frying. The chicken filling is creamy and flavorful, encased in a crispy breadcrumb coating.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 1 medium chicken breast (200–250 g / 7–9 oz)
- ½ small onion, finely chopped (40 g / 1.5 oz)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp olive oil (5 ml)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (15 g / 0.5 oz, optional)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (30 g / 1 oz, Catupiry or similar)
- 1 tbsp parsley or green onion, chopped (5 g)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Dough:
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (375 ml)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (190 g / 6.7 oz)
- 1 tbsp butter (14 g / 0.5 oz)
- Pinch of salt
Coating:
- 1 egg, beaten
- Cooking spray or a little oil for brushing
- 1 ¼ cups breadcrumbs (125 g / 4.5 oz, panko preferred)
Instructions
- Cook the Filling: Sauté onions, garlic, and chicken in olive oil. Add bay leaf, tomato paste, cream cheese, and seasonings. Shred the chicken and mix well. Set aside.
- Make the Dough: Boil chicken broth, then add flour, butter, and salt. Cook until a dough forms.
- Assemble Coxinhas: Flatten dough, add filling, and shape into teardrop. Dip in beaten egg, coat with breadcrumbs, then air fry until golden.
Notes
- You can also bake the Coxinhas in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Feel free to customize the filling with additional herbs or spices for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 coxinha
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg