The first bite of Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes is like a cozy hug from Grandma on a chilly day. Imagine crispy golden exteriors giving way to creamy, savory chicken filling that dances with flavors of herbs and spices. This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that reminds you of family gatherings, laughter around the dinner table, and the comfort of home-cooked meals. These croquettes are ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or an elegant appetizer at your next gathering.
I can still hear the laughter from my cousin’s wedding when these croquettes stole the show. Everyone went crazy over them, and I may or may not have snuck back for seconds (or thirds). Who can resist those crunchy bites filled with tender chicken? Prepare yourself for a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds sing!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights
- The delicious flavor profile features savory chicken and zesty herbs
- Visually appealing with their golden brown crust, they look irresistible on any plate
- Versatile enough to be served as appetizers or main courses, you’ll want to make them again and again
Sharing these delightful croquettes with friends makes everyone smile; they’re always a hit at gatherings!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts for a hearty filling, but adjust based on your crowd size.
- Onion: A small onion adds sweetness; dice it finely for even cooking.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is best—use 2-3 cloves for robust flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brightens the dish; opt for fresh over dried.
- Eggs: Two eggs help bind the mixture together and give it structure.
- Breadcrumbs: Use plain breadcrumbs for coating; they create that coveted crunch.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; don’t skip them!
- Cooking Oil: Choose vegetable oil for frying—it’s neutral and allows the flavors to shine.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
This recipe will take you through each essential step in crafting these delightful croquettes.
Cook the Chicken: Start by boiling 3-4 chicken breasts in salted water until fully cooked—about 15-20 minutes should do it. Shred them into bite-sized pieces afterward.
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté one finely chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves until fragrant and translucent—about 5 minutes works wonders here.
Mix Ingredients Together: Combine shredded chicken, sautéed onions and garlic in a mixing bowl along with chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and two beaten eggs. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
Shape the Croquettes: Using your hands, form small patties or oval shapes about 2 inches wide. Aim for uniformity to ensure even cooking later.
Bread the Croquettes: Roll each shaped croquette in plain breadcrumbs until they’re fully coated—this gives that satisfying crunch we all love!
Fry Until Golden Brown: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the croquettes in batches until golden brown on both sides—about 3-4 minutes per side works perfectly.
These steps will guide you smoothly into the world of Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes. Enjoy every moment spent preparing this delightful dish!
You Must Know
- Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes are not just delicious; they’re a nostalgic bite of comfort
- Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these croquettes can easily become your go-to recipe for gatherings or cozy nights in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping your ingredients—chop, mix, and then form the croquettes. Fry them in batches to ensure even cooking and that perfect golden crust.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add veggies like spinach or carrots for a colorful twist. Experiment with spices to create your unique flavor profile!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover croquettes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, bake at 350°F until crispy again—no one likes a soggy croquette!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly shaped croquettes, refrigerate formed patties for at least 30 minutes before frying
- This helps them hold their shape better while cooking
- Always use fresh breadcrumbs for an extra crunch and flavor boost that frozen ones can’t match.</p>
- <p>If you find your mixture too wet, add more breadcrumbs until it holds together nicely
Sometimes I serve these at family gatherings, and they disappear faster than I can plate them! The smiles on everyone’s faces make all the effort worthwhile.
FAQ
How can I make Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I bake these croquettes instead of frying?
Yes, bake them at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
What dipping sauces pair well with chicken croquettes?
Try honey mustard, ranch dressing, or a zesty marinara sauce for delightful combinations.
Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Description
Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes are a nostalgic treat that embodies comfort food at its finest. With crispy, golden exteriors and a creamy, savory chicken filling bursting with herbs and spices, these croquettes deliver a delightful crunch with every bite. Perfect for any occasion, they can be served as appetizers or main dishes, making them a versatile favorite for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Cook chicken breasts in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with sautéed onions, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and beaten eggs until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small patties (about 2 inches wide).
- Roll each patty in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry croquettes in batches until golden brown on both sides (3-4 minutes per side).
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croquette (45g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
