Leftover Chicken Croquettes Recipe

Chicken: Cooked and shredded, this is the main protein for the croquettes.

Mashed potatoes: Adds creaminess and helps bind the mixture together.

Breadcrumbs: Provides structure and a crispy coating for the patties.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the croquettes.

Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the ingredients together.

Parsley: Fresh and chopped, it adds a burst of color and freshness to the dish.

When mixing the chicken, mashed potatoes, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, and parsley, ensure that the mashed potatoes are smooth and free of lumps. This will help the croquettes hold together better and create a more uniform texture. Additionally, chilling the mixture for about 30 minutes before shaping into patties can make the process easier and help them maintain their shape during frying.

• cooked chicken - Substitute with cooked turkey: Both have a similar texture and flavor profile, making turkey an excellent substitute for chicken in croquettes.

• cooked chicken - Substitute with cooked ham: Ham provides a different but complementary flavor, adding a savory and slightly salty taste to the croquettes.

• mashed potatoes - Substitute with mashed sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a slightly sweeter flavor and a similar creamy texture, making them a good alternative.

• mashed potatoes - Substitute with riced cauliflower: For a lower-carb option, riced cauliflower can mimic the texture of mashed potatoes while adding a subtle flavor.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes add a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor to the croquettes.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and tangy flavor, making it a suitable replacement for Parmesan.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese offers a different but rich and creamy flavor that can complement the other ingredients.

• egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: A mixture of flaxseed meal and water can act as a binding agent, making it a good vegan alternative to eggs.

• egg - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can also act as a binding agent while adding a hint of sweetness, suitable for those avoiding eggs.

• chopped parsley - Substitute with chopped cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh and slightly citrusy flavor, making it a good alternative to parsley.

• chopped parsley - Substitute with chopped basil: Basil provides a sweet and aromatic flavor, adding a different but pleasant taste to the croquettes.

• Allow the chicken croquettes to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Place the cooled croquettes in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing.
• To freeze, arrange the croquettes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
• Transfer the frozen croquettes to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the bag with the date and contents. Frozen croquettes can be stored for up to 3 months.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the croquettes in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet with a bit of olive oil over medium heat until crispy and hot.
• Serve with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush them with a bit of olive oil to keep them moist. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the exterior is crispy.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil. Place the croquettes in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and have regained their golden brown crust.

• Microwave Method: Place the croquettes on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness as well as the oven or stovetop methods.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the croquettes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method will help maintain their crispy exterior.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the croquettes on the toaster oven tray and heat for about 10 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy on the outside.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine all the ingredients together.

• Fork: Useful for shredding the cooked chicken if not already shredded.

• Measuring cups: To accurately measure out the chicken, mashed potatoes, and breadcrumbs.

• Grater: For grating the parmesan cheese if not pre-grated.

• Knife: To chop the parsley finely.

• Cutting board: A surface to chop the parsley on.

• Whisk: To beat the egg before adding it to the mixture.

• Frying pan: To fry the patties until golden brown.

• Spatula: To flip the patties in the frying pan.

• Paper towels: To drain the excess oil from the fried patties.

• Plate: To serve the hot croquettes.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Shred the cooked chicken and mash the potatoes ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use a food processor: Quickly mix the chicken, mashed potatoes, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, and parsley using a food processor.

Preheat the oil: Start heating the oil in the pan while you shape the patties to save time.

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

Use an ice cream scoop: For uniform patties, use an ice cream scoop to portion the mixture.