Craving a taste of Brazil? Look no further! These delightful Brazilian Coxinha Chicken Fritters are a delicious and surprisingly easy-to-make appetizer or snack. These golden-brown, crispy treats are filled with a savory chicken and cheese mixture, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Brazil. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring perfectly golden, flavorful Coxinha every time. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these irresistible Brazilian Coxinha Chicken Fritters!
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 12 Fritters |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Nutrition per serving (approximate): Calories: 200, Fat: 12g, Protein: 10g, Carbohydrates: 15g.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked Chicken Breast, shredded | 2 cups |
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
| All-purpose Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Shredded Mozzarella Cheese | 1 cup |
| Breadcrumbs | 2 cups |
| Eggs | 2, beaten |
| Vegetable Oil | For frying |
Cooking Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, butter, flour, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. The mixture should be thick and creamy.
- Stir in the mozzarella cheese. Make sure it’s well combined with the chicken mixture.
- On a clean surface, roll small portions (about 1.5-2 tablespoons) of the chicken mixture into oval shapes, creating the iconic teardrop shape of the Brazilian Coxinha. Be gentle, but firm.
- In separate shallow dishes, prepare your breading station: place the beaten eggs in one dish and the breadcrumbs in another.
- Dip each chicken oval into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Next, roll the egg-coated chicken oval in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well to the chicken mixture. Repeat until all Coxinhas are fully breaded.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a breadcrumb dropped in sizzles immediately.
- Carefully place the breaded Coxinhas in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy. The Brazilian Coxinha should be fully cooked through.
- Once golden brown and cooked through, carefully remove the Brazilian Coxinha from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Let the Coxinhas cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed while warm.
Serving Suggestions: These Brazilian Coxinha Chicken Fritters are fantastic served warm as an appetizer or snack. They pair perfectly with a variety of dips, including mayonnaise, aioli, or even a spicy chimichurri sauce. For a more complete meal, serve them alongside a fresh salad.
Notes/Tips:
- For the best results, use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh chicken breast and good quality cheese.
- If you want to add a touch of extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
- To ensure your Coxinhas are perfectly cooked and not greasy, make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying. Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in batches.
- These Brazilian Coxinha Chicken Fritters can be made ahead of time and reheated. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in a preheated oven or air fryer for best results.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses in your filling, such as parmesan or cheddar.
- If making these Brazilian Coxinha Chicken Fritters ahead of time for a large gathering, they can be frozen before frying. Simply follow the same steps but freeze the breaded Coxinha on a tray lined with parchment paper, then transfer to a freezer bag for easy storage.
Enjoy your homemade Brazilian Coxinha Chicken Fritters! They’re a delicious and rewarding treat, perfect for any occasion.
