Welcome to our blog post, today, we will share the delectable Howard Johnson chicken croquettes recipe. This recipe is a must-try if you’re looking for a delightful and satisfying dish to impress your loved ones.
This recipe is made with simple ingredients that you already have in your kitchen. You only need chicken, breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, garlic, and a few spices to create these delectable croquettes.
In this article, we will give you step-by-step instructions on how to make these chicken croquettes recipe. We’ll also share some valuable tips and tricks to ensure your croquettes are crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Why You Will Love Howard Johnson’s chicken croquettes
1- Irresistible Crunch: Howard Johnson chicken croquettes have a satisfyingly crispy exterior that adds a delightful texture to every bite. The golden brown coating provides a satisfying crunch that will leave you craving more.
2- Bursting with Flavor: These chicken croquettes are packed with savory goodness. The combination of tender, shredded chicken, aromatic onions, garlic, and spices creates mouthwatering flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
3- Versatile Delight: Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family dinner, or looking for a quick snack, Howard Johnson chicken croquettes are a versatile dish that fits any occasion. Serve them as an appetizer, a main course, or a tasty addition to your lunchbox.
4- Easy to Make: Making these croquettes is very easy. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even beginner cooks can quickly whip up a batch of these delicious treats.
5- Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Impress your family and friends with this crowd-pleasing recipe. The crispy exterior and juicy interior make these chicken croquettes a hit among kids and adults. They are sure to be the star of any gathering or potluck.
6- Customizable Creations: Feel free to get creative with your chicken croquettes. You can add your favorite herbs, spices, or some cheese to customize the flavors and make them uniquely yours.
7- Freezer-Friendly: These croquettes are freezer-friendly. They can be easily reheated whenever you need a quick and delicious meal.
Equipmetn & Ingredients
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Frying pan or skillet
- Spatula or tongs
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs
- Cooking oil (for frying)
Step-by-Step Instruction for Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes Recipe
Step 1- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of finely chopped onions, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 2- Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a small cylindrical or oval shape. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used.
Step 3- In a frying pan or skillet, heat cooking oil over medium heat. Carefully place the shaped croquettes into the hot oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula or tongs to flip them gently.
Step 4- Once cooked, transfer the croquettes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 5- Serve the Howard Johnson chicken croquettes hot as an appetizer, snack, or main course. They pair well with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad.
Step 6- Enjoy the irresistible crunch and burst of flavors in every bite of these delicious chicken croquettes.
Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Croquettes
1- Use cooked chicken: Ensure that your chicken is fully cooked and shredded. This will result in tender and flavorful croquettes.
2- Opt for fresh ingredients: Fresh onions, garlic, and parsley will enhance the flavors of your croquettes. Using fresh ingredients will make a noticeable difference in taste.
3- Season well: Don’t hesitate to add seasoning. Make sure to season the chicken mixture generously with salt and black pepper to bring out the flavors.
4- Chill the mixture: After combining the ingredients, refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes. Chilling will help the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape the croquettes.
5- Shape with care: When shaping the croquettes, ensure they are evenly sized and compacted. This will help them cook evenly and maintain their shape during frying.
6- Coat evenly: Dip each croquette in beaten eggs, ensuring they are fully coated. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere well and create a crispy coating.
7- Fry at the right temperature: Heat the oil to medium heat before frying the croquettes. This will ensure they cook through evenly and develop a golden brown crust.
8- Drain excess oil: After frying, place the cooked croquettes on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any extra oil. This will help keep them crispy.
9- Serve immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the chicken croquettes immediately while they are still hot and crispy.
Serving Suggestions for Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes Recipe
1- Plating Perfection: Arrange the chicken croquettes on a serving platter or individual plates in an appealing manner. Consider placing them in a straight line or circular pattern for an eye-catching presentation.
2- Fresh Greens: Add a pop of color and freshness to your plate by serving the croquettes alongside a bed of mixed greens or a crisp salad. This enhances the visual appeal and provides a refreshing contrast to the crispy croquettes.
3- Dipping Delights: Offer a variety of dipping sauces to accompany the chicken croquettes. Classic options like tangy barbecue sauce, creamy garlic aioli, or zesty sriracha mayo can elevate the flavors and provide a customizable experience for your guests.
4- Lemon Zest: Enhance the flavors of the croquettes by garnishing them with a sprinkle of freshly grated lemon zest. The citrusy aroma and tangy taste will add a bright and refreshing element to each bite.
5- Herb Infusion: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the croquettes before serving. This adds a touch of vibrant green and imparts a burst of herbaceous flavor that complements the chicken.
6- Mini Skewers: For a fun and interactive presentation, insert small skewers into the croquettes. This makes them easy to pick up and adds a playful element to the dining experience.
7- Sauce Drizzle: Create an artistic touch by drizzling a contrasting sauce over the croquettes. Use a squeeze bottle or a spoon to create decorative patterns with a tangy sauce or a rich gravy.
8- Sidekick Sides: Serve the chicken croquettes with delicious side dishes such as roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. These complementary sides will make the meal more well-rounded and satisfying.
Remember, the presentation is an opportunity to enhance the overall dining experience.
Avoid These Mistakes
You should avoid these mistakes that people often make when making them:
1- Overcooking the chicken: Be careful not to overcook it before shredding it. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough, resulting in less flavorful croquettes.
2- Skipping the chilling step: It’s important to refrigerate the chicken mixture for about 30 minutes before shaping the croquettes. Chilling helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to handle and shape.
3- Inadequate seasoning: Ensure that you season the chicken mixture well with salt, black pepper, and any other desired spices. Taste the mixture before shaping the croquettes to ensure it is properly seasoned.
4- Inconsistent shaping: Take care to shape the croquettes into uniform sizes and shapes. Inconsistent shaping can result in uneven cooking times and an unappealing presentation.
5- Insufficient coating: Fully coat the croquettes in beaten eggs and breadcrumbs. Inadequate coating can lead to uneven browning and a less crispy exterior.
6- Crowding the pan: Avoid overcrowding the frying pan or skillet when cooking the croquettes. Crowding can cause the croquettes to steam instead of achieving a crispy texture. Fry them in batches if necessary.
7- Incorrect frying temperature: Maintain the oil at medium heat while frying the croquettes. If the oil is too hot, the exterior may brown too quickly while the interior remains undercooked.
8- Drain excess oil: Place the cooked croquettes on a paper towel-lined plate to remove extra oil after frying. Skipping this step can result in greasy croquettes.
9- Not serving immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the chicken croquettes immediately after frying. Delayed serving can cause them to lose their crispiness.
What to Serve with Howard Johnson’s Chicken Croquettes Recipe
When serving these Chicken Croquettes, you have various options to complement and enhance the meal. Here are some delicious side dishes and accompaniments that pair well with the croquettes:
1- Dipping Sauces: Offer a selection of dipping sauces such as tangy barbecue sauce, creamy garlic aioli, zesty sriracha mayo, or a classic honey mustard. These sauces add extra flavor and a customizable element to the croquettes.
2- Mixed Greens Salad: Serve the croquettes alongside a fresh mixed greens salad. Toss together a combination of lettuce, spinach, arugula, or your favorite greens. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing and balanced side.
3- Roasted Vegetables: Roast a medley of colorful vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli. Season them with herbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper for a flavorful and nutritious side dish.
4- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Whip a batch of creamy mashed potatoes to serve alongside the croquettes. The potatoes’ smooth, buttery texture pairs well with the crispy croquettes.
5- Coleslaw: Prepare a tangy and crunchy coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing. The refreshing coleslaw adds a nice contrast to the savory croquettes.
6- Rice Pilaf: Serve the croquettes with a flavorful rice pilaf. Prepare the pilaf with aromatic ingredients like onions, garlic, and spices to complement the chicken croquettes.
7- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Grill some fresh corn on the cob and serve it alongside the croquettes. Brush the corn with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and herbs for a tasty and summery side.
8- Fresh Fruit Salad: Create a vibrant fruit salad with seasonal fruits like berries, melons, grapes, and citrus. The sweetness and juiciness of the fruits provide a refreshing contrast to the savory croquettes.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Croquettes
1- Storage: Allow the cooked chicken croquettes to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag and store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
2- Freezing: If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the croquettes. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months.
3- Reheating in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen or refrigerated croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy. Adjust the time accordingly if reheating from the refrigerator.
4- Reheating in a Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of cooking oil. Place the croquettes in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated and crispy.
5- Reheating in the Microwave: While not the ideal method for maintaining crispiness, you can conveniently use the microwave. Place a few croquettes on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 30-second intervals until warm. Be aware that the texture may become slightly softer.
6- Check for doneness: Regardless of the reheating method, ensure that the croquettes are heated all the way through before serving. Cut one open or use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Nutritional Facts
Amount Per Serving
- Calories: 230 kcal per croquette
- Fat: 13 grams
- Carbohydrates: 14 grams
- Fiber: 2.5 grams
- Sodium: 310 milligrams
FAQs
Can I make the croquettes gluten-free?
Yes, you can make the croquettes gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or alternative coatings such as crushed gluten-free crackers or cornmeal.
Can I use a different type of cheese in the recipe?
Yes, you can use a different type of cheese in the recipe. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese varieties to customize the flavor of the croquettes.
Can I bake the croquettes instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the croquettes instead of frying them. Baking them in the oven can produce a healthier alternative with a crispy exterior.
Can I make a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this recipe by substituting the chicken with plant-based alternatives such as cooked and mashed chickpeas, tofu, or textured vegetable protein.
Can I use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs will give the croquettes a lighter and crispier texture.
Conclusion
This Chicken Croquettes Recipe offers a delicious and crispy treat that will satisfy your taste buds. With its flavorful combination of ingredients and versatile serving options, these croquettes are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a fan of appetizers, snacks, or main courses, Howard Johnson’s Chicken Croquettes are a must-try dish that will leave you wanting more.