These Latin Chicken Croquettes are crispy on the outside and deliciously tender on the inside, filled with a savory mixture of chicken, ham, and a blend of seasonings. A perfect appetizer or snack, these croquettes are popular in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine. They can be served at parties, with a dipping sauce, or even as a filling meal when paired with a side dish. The addition of ham gives them a rich, savory flavor, making them a must-try recipe!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• ¼ cup minced yellow onions

• 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped into small chunks

• ¼ cup Serrano ham (or prosciutto di Parma as a substitute), chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced

• 1 dash paprika (for a light heat)

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup Italian seasoned dry breadcrumbs

• Vegetable or corn oil for frying (about 1-inch depth)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:

   • In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the minced onions, parsley, and paprika, cooking until the onions are soft.

   • Add the chopped chicken and Serrano ham (or prosciutto), mixing well. Stir in the flour, then whisk in the milk. Continue cooking while whisking until the mixture thickens, which should take about 10 minutes.

2. Chill the Mixture:

   • Transfer the thickened chicken mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out and flattening it. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

3. Shape the Croquettes:

   • Once chilled, cut the mixture into slices and shape them into croquette forms (like a small cheesestick).

4. Bread the Croquettes:

   • In a bowl, whisk the eggs. In a separate bowl, place the breadcrumbs. Dredge the croquettes first in the egg, then coat them with the breadcrumbs. Arrange them on a baking sheet and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.

5. Fry the Croquettes:

   • Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet over medium-low heat. Fry the croquettes in batches, turning them to brown on all sides, until golden and crispy.

6. Serve:

   • Remove the croquettes from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrients

• Calories: 350 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 25g

• Protein: 18g

• Fat: 20g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Cholesterol: 95mg

• Sodium: 450mg

• Potassium: 300mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 3g

What are Latin Chicken Croquettes?

Croquettes, or croquetas, are a popular dish across many cultures. These bite-sized snacks are typically made from a creamy filling that is breaded and deep-fried to create a satisfying crispy outer shell. In Latin American and Caribbean cuisines, croquettes are made with various fillings, including chicken, ham, cheese, and even seafood. The basic process of making croquettes involves preparing a rich filling, chilling it to set, shaping it into small cylinders, and then breading and frying them until golden brown.

Latin Chicken Croquettes are particularly cherished for their perfect balance of textures. The crispy outer layer provides a satisfying crunch, while the creamy, tender filling is packed with the savory flavors of chicken and ham, complemented by aromatic herbs and a light paprika kick. They are often served as appetizers at gatherings or parties, as they are easy to serve and eat with your hands. They can also be enjoyed as a hearty snack or paired with a light side for a fulfilling meal.

A Delicious Combination of Chicken and Ham

The choice to include both chicken and ham in the filling adds an incredible depth of flavor. Chicken is a mild, versatile meat that provides a tender base for the croquettes, while ham, particularly Serrano ham or prosciutto, introduces a savory, salty richness that elevates the entire dish. The contrast between the mild chicken and the more flavorful, cured ham creates a dynamic filling that bursts with flavor in every bite.

The inclusion of ham also adds a touch of smokiness, which pairs wonderfully with the paprika and parsley, bringing a complexity to the dish. The paprika offers a gentle heat that complements the saltiness of the ham, while the parsley adds a refreshing note, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.

The Role of the Creamy Base

The creamy filling of Latin Chicken Croquettes is an essential component that ensures the croquettes remain tender on the inside while retaining their shape during frying. The base of the filling is made by cooking butter with onions, then incorporating flour to create a roux that thickens the mixture. Whole milk is gradually whisked in to create a smooth, creamy texture that serves as the foundation for the chicken and ham.

The use of milk adds richness to the filling, while the flour ensures that the mixture holds together when it’s chilled and shaped into croquettes. The butter brings a luxurious flavor, and the onions sautéed in the butter enhance the savory base, adding a mild sweetness to balance the overall richness of the croquettes.

Breaded and Fried to Perfection

The process of breading and frying the croquettes is what transforms the creamy filling into the irresistible snack we know and love. After the chicken and ham filling is prepared and chilled to set, the croquettes are shaped into small logs or rounds. They are then dipped into egg wash before being coated in Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. The breadcrumb coating is essential for providing the signature crispy exterior that contrasts with the soft, creamy filling inside.

Frying the croquettes in vegetable oil or corn oil ensures they turn golden brown and crispy. The oil must be hot enough to cook the croquettes evenly, resulting in a crispy texture without becoming greasy. It is important to fry the croquettes in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, allowing each croquette to cook uniformly and maintain its crisp texture.

The Versatility of Latin Chicken Croquettes

One of the standout features of Latin Chicken Croquettes is their versatility. While they are traditionally served as a starter or appetizer, they can also be enjoyed as a main dish. For a heartier meal, serve the croquettes with a side of rice, salad, or vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish. They can be paired with a simple tomato-based dipping sauce, aioli, or even a salsa verde to add an extra burst of flavor.

At gatherings or parties, Latin Chicken Croquettes are ideal for serving in large quantities. They can be passed around as finger food and are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking to make these croquettes ahead of time, you can prepare them, bread them, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to fry. This makes them a convenient option for entertaining or meal prepping, as they can be fried fresh when needed.

The croquettes can also be served as a topping for salads or as part of a sandwich or wrap for a more filling option. The crispy croquettes work well in a burger-style bun, with some extra lettuce, tomato, and a spicy mayo for added flavor.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Benefits

While Latin Chicken Croquettes are undeniably delicious, they are also an indulgent treat due to the fried nature of the dish. However, there are some nutritional benefits to the ingredients used. The chicken provides a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. The ham adds a savory richness and is a good source of iron, which is vital for oxygen transport in the body.

The milk in the filling adds calcium and vitamin D, both of which are important for bone health. Parsley is rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps strengthen the immune system and improve skin health. The onions and garlic in the mixture also have various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and potential heart health benefits.

To make the croquettes a bit lighter, you can consider baking them instead of frying, although this will alter their texture. You can also experiment with using ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to the ground meat, or opt for vegetarian croquettes by substituting the meat with mashed potatoes or a vegetable medley.

The Cultural Significance of Croquettes in Latin Cuisine

Croquettes hold a special place in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine. These countries have long traditions of making small, fried snacks, with variations of croquettes being served throughout the region. The flavors and fillings of croquettes can vary widely, but they all share the common characteristic of being savory, flavorful, and crispy. Croquettes are often served at family gatherings, festivals, or celebrations, where they are enjoyed as part of a shared meal or as a quick snack.

The inclusion of Serrano ham or prosciutto in Latin Chicken Croquettes reflects the European influence on Latin American cuisine, particularly from Spain and Italy. The combination of these rich, savory ingredients brings a unique depth of flavor to the croquettes, elevating them from a simple fried snack to a sophisticated dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Latin Chicken Croquettes are a flavorful and crispy treat that brings together the savory goodness of chicken, ham, and herbs, all wrapped in a crispy breadcrumb coating. They are perfect for serving as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main dish when paired with a side. The balance of textures—the crispy exterior and creamy, flavorful filling—makes these croquettes a crowd-pleasing option for any meal or celebration. Whether served with a dipping sauce or in a sandwich, Latin Chicken Croquettes are versatile, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite.

Their cultural significance in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines adds to their appeal, and the ability to adapt the recipe based on dietary preferences makes them a flexible dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. So, whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a flavorful meal, Latin Chicken Croquettes are a must-try recipe that combines tradition, flavor, and comfort in every bite.