Name: Brazilian Coxinha Recipe: Crispy Chicken Croquettes to Delight Any Appetite Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-497231H18M55S
Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 halves); 4 to 5 cups chicken broth; 1 carrot, halved; 2 medium onions (1 for broth, 1 for sautéing); 2 bay leaves; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 lime, juiced; 2 cloves garlic; 2 tablespoons butter; Kosher salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 2 to 3 cups fine breadcrumbs; Vegetable oil, for frying; Salt and pepper, to season breadcrumbs

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 67 reviews

If you have a craving for something utterly delicious and irresistibly crispy, you are going to fall head over heels for this Brazilian Coxinha Recipe: Crispy Chicken Croquettes to Delight Any Appetite Recipe. These golden little drumstick-shaped croquettes are packed with tender, flavorful shredded chicken blended with creamy cheese and delicate herbs, all wrapped up in a rich dough and fried to perfect crunchiness. They’re the kind of treat that feels special yet comforting, ideal for sharing with friends or indulging all by yourself as a snack or appetizer. Once you try this recipe, Brazilian coxinhas will become a favorite go-to that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a baking tray with eight light beige dough balls arranged in two rows on a white marbled surface. Next to the tray on the right, there is a white cup filled with a light orange liquid, likely an egg wash. Below the cup is a white bowl filled with fine, light brown breadcrumbs. The scene is well-lit with natural soft light, giving a clean and simple look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every great recipe starts with quality, thoughtful ingredients, and this one is no exception. The mix is simple yet essential, balancing moisture, flavor, and texture to create those iconic coxinhas that are crispy on the outside, tender and cheesy on the inside. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need and why.

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that gets gently poached for tenderness and then shredded for the filling.
4 to 5 cups chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor and moistness while cooking the chicken and forming the dough.
1 carrot, halved: Infuses a subtle sweetness into the broth during cooking.
2 medium onions: One for poaching and one finely chopped for a savory sauté that boosts the filling’s flavor.
2 bay leaves: Give aromatic warmth to the broth without overpowering.
8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Brings luscious creaminess to the shredded chicken mix.
1 lime, juiced: The perfect hint of brightness to balance richness.
2 cloves garlic: Adds a gentle punch of savory aroma.
2 tablespoons butter: Used for sautéing and enriching the filling.
Kosher salt, to taste: Enhances every element of the dish, never skip!
Pepper, to taste: Adds subtle heat and balance.
3 to 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, giving it structure and softness.
2 large eggs: For egg wash to help the breadcrumbs adhere perfectly.
2 to 3 cups fine breadcrumbs: The crucial crunch layer that defines a great coxinha.
Vegetable oil, for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point to achieve that perfect golden exterior.

How to Make Brazilian Coxinha Recipe: Crispy Chicken Croquettes to Delight Any Appetite Recipe

Step 1: Poach the Chicken and Prepare the Broth

Start by gently simmering the chicken breasts in chicken broth along with a halved carrot, one onion, and bay leaves. This step infuses the chicken with subtle flavor while keeping it moist and tender. Cooking just until there's no pink left inside ensures perfect shredding. Set the chicken aside to cool while reserving the flavorful broth. This broth will later be the foundation for the dough, so remember to measure it carefully.

Step 2: Shred and Flavor the Chicken Filling

Once cooled, shred the chicken finely using forks or a food processor’s plastic blade to create a delicate texture. Stir creamy softened cream cheese and fresh lime juice into the shredded chicken, giving it that sexy richness and nice tang. In a pan, sauté finely chopped onion and garlic in butter until golden, then mix it right into the chicken, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. This seemingly simple step transforms the filling with layers of flavor that you’ll savor in every bite.

Step 3: Make the Dough

Measure about 3 cups of your reserved chicken broth and bring it to a rolling boil. Slowly whisk in an equal amount of flour, stirring vigorously to avoid lumps as the mixture thickens into a dough. This dough is the heart of the coxinha, combining the broth’s savoriness with a soft yet sturdy texture. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, then transfer the dough to the fridge for an hour to chill and firm up, making it easier to shape later.

Step 4: Shape the Coxinhas

Once your chicken filling and dough have had time to chill, it’s time to shape the croquettes. Use floured hands to roll the dough into golf ball-sized pieces. Hollow out the center of each ball, nest a spoonful of the chicken filling inside, and carefully close the dough around it. Then, pull and pinch the dough into that classic drumstick-shaped coxinha. This shaping step might take a little practice, but it’s incredibly satisfying and adds to the fun of this recipe.

Step 5: Bread and Chill

Whisk eggs in a bowl and season breadcrumbs with salt and pepper in another shallow dish. Dip each shaped coxinha first in the egg wash, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs for that incredible crunch. Let them chill again for about an hour to set the coating before frying; this ensures the breading sticks perfectly and the croquettes fry up beautifully golden.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 360 degrees Fahrenheit, making sure there's enough oil to completely submerge the coxinhas. Fry them in small batches to avoid temperature drops, about 2 minutes per batch, until deep golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, and serve warm to enjoy the full range of textures and flavors right when they’re at their best.

How to Serve Brazilian Coxinha Recipe: Crispy Chicken Croquettes to Delight Any Appetite Recipe

The image shows six golden-brown, teardrop-shaped fried snacks arranged on a white plate with a blue rim. Each piece has a crunchy, textured coating that looks crispy and rough. The snacks are placed on the plate in a close group, with small green parsley leaves scattered around for garnish. The background is a white marbled surface, with part of a blurred green object in the back. The lighting highlights the warm, crispy texture of the snacks, making them look freshly made and appetizing photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Present your coxinhas with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro to add a burst of green freshness that complements the rich filling beautifully. A small wedge of lime on the side can also invite guests to add a drop of zestiness, enhancing the flavors with a citrusy lift. For an extra touch, drizzle a bit of creamy garlic sauce or spicy aioli alongside for dipping.

Side Dishes

Coxinhas are wonderfully versatile when it comes to sides. Pair them with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the richness or serve alongside black beans and rice for an authentic Brazilian-style meal. Crunchy vegetable sticks or pickled vegetables also add fantastic texture contrasts that brighten the plate without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or make serving easier, try skewering a few smaller coxinhas for a fun finger food option or arranging them in a rustic basket lined with parchment. Creating a “build-your-own” platter with sauces and mini salads invites everyone to customize their bites and makes the experience more engaging and social. Let your imagination run wild—this recipe is ready for your creative spin.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store cooked coxinhas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled preserves their crispness and flavor, making it easy to enjoy delicious leftovers without fuss. Reheat them in the oven to bring back that fresh-from-the-fryer texture.

Freezing

Both cooked and uncooked coxinhas freeze beautifully. For cooked, cooled croquettes, pop them into a freezer bag, and they’ll keep up to 3 months. If freezing uncooked, unbreaded coxinhas, freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to bags for convenience. When ready, coat and fry directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat, place refrigerated or frozen coxinhas in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 6 to 12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. This method refreshes the crispy exterior and warms the filling evenly without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

What makes coxinhas different from other croquettes?

Coxinhas are uniquely shaped like chicken drumsticks, filled with seasoned shredded chicken mixed with cream cheese, which creates a tender, creamy contrast to the crunchy breaded exterior. Their distinct shape and filling set them apart from more general croquette varieties.

Can I use leftovers chicken for the filling?

Absolutely! Using leftover chicken works well, just adjust seasonings to taste and ensure the chicken is shredded finely. The cream cheese and sautéed onion mixture will help bring everything together for the perfect filling.

Is it possible to bake the coxinhas instead of frying?

While traditional coxinhas are deep-fried for that iconic crispy texture, you can bake them at a high temperature until golden. They won’t be quite as crunchy, but baking is a lighter alternative that still yields tasty results.

How do I prevent the coxinhas from breaking apart while frying?

Make sure to seal any cracks in the dough with your fingers before breading, chill the breaded coxinhas for at least an hour, and avoid overcrowding the frying pot. These steps ensure the shape holds and the breading crisps evenly.

Can I prepare coxinhas in advance for a party?

Definitely! You can prepare the filling and dough a day ahead, shape and bread them, then fry just before serving. Alternatively, freeze the shaped coxinhas and fry them directly from frozen for last-minute convenience.

Final Thoughts

This Brazilian Coxinha Recipe: Crispy Chicken Croquettes to Delight Any Appetite Recipe is truly a labor of love with an unforgettable payoff. It’s perfect for bringing people together around the table, sharing smiles over crispy, tender bites filled with soulful flavor. Whether you're planning a casual get-together or simply want to treat yourself, these coxinhas deliver joy in every golden, crunchy mouthful. Give them a try—you might just have discovered your new favorite comfort snack!

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