Leftover Chicken Croquettes Recipe

Chicken: Cooked and shredded, this forms the base of the croquettes.

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

Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy coating for the croquettes.

Egg: Beaten, it helps bind the ingredients together.

Onion: Chopped, it adds a bit of crunch and flavor.

Parsley: Chopped, it adds a fresh, herbal note.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth.

Olive oil: Used for frying the croquettes to a golden brown.

When forming the patties, make sure to press them firmly to ensure they hold their shape during cooking. If the mixture feels too wet, you can add a bit more breadcrumbs to help bind it together. Additionally, for an extra crispy exterior, you can coat the patties lightly in breadcrumbs before frying.

• cooked chicken - Substitute with cooked turkey: Both have similar textures and flavors, making turkey a great alternative.

• cooked chicken - Substitute with cooked tofu: For a vegetarian option, tofu provides a similar protein content and can be flavored to taste like chicken.

• mashed potatoes - Substitute with mashed sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a slightly sweeter flavor and similar texture.

• mashed potatoes - Substitute with mashed cauliflower: Cauliflower is a low-carb alternative that mimics the texture of mashed potatoes.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers provide a similar crunch and can be seasoned to taste.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier, offering a different texture.

• beaten egg - Substitute with flax egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water) is a vegan alternative that helps bind ingredients.

• beaten egg - Substitute with applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce can be used as a binder in recipes, especially for a slightly sweet flavor.

• chopped onion - Substitute with chopped shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be used in place of onions.

• chopped onion - Substitute with green onions: Green onions provide a fresh, mild onion flavor.

• chopped parsley - Substitute with chopped cilantro: Cilantro offers a different but fresh and vibrant flavor.

• chopped parsley - Substitute with chopped basil: Basil provides a sweet and aromatic alternative to parsley.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with umami richness.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat and a different flavor profile.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.

• olive oil - Substitute with butter: Butter adds a rich flavor and can be used for frying or cooking.

• Allow the chicken croquettes to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Place the cooled croquettes in an airtight container. If stacking them, use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the croquettes within 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, arrange the croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they do not touch each other.
• Freeze the baking sheet with the croquettes for about 1-2 hours, or until they are solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Transfer the frozen croquettes to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to eat, thaw the croquettes in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a frying pan with a little olive oil over medium heat.

• Oven Method:

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

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan.
  3. Place the leftover chicken croquettes in the skillet.
  4. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and have a nice golden crust.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken croquettes on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken croquettes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken croquettes on the toaster oven tray.
  3. Heat for 10-12 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the outside is crispy.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the shredded chicken, mashed potatoes, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped onion, and parsley.

• Frying pan: A pan used to cook the patties over medium heat until they are golden brown and heated through.

• Spatula: A tool used to flip the patties in the frying pan to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the ingredients like cooked chicken, mashed potatoes, and breadcrumbs accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like salt and pepper.

• Knife: Used to chop the onion and parsley finely.

• Cutting board: A surface used to chop the onion and parsley.

• Mixing spoon: A spoon used to mix the ingredients together in the mixing bowl.

• Plate: Used to hold the shaped patties before they are cooked.

• Paper towels: Used to drain excess oil from the cooked patties after frying.

• Serving dish: Used to serve the hot croquettes with your favorite dipping sauce.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and parsley ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use pre-cooked chicken: Utilize leftover chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken to save cooking time.

Ready-made mashed potatoes: Use instant mashed potatoes or leftovers to cut down on preparation.

Batch cooking: Make a larger batch of croquettes and freeze extras for quick future meals.

Preheat the pan: Heat the olive oil in the pan while shaping the patties to save time.