Coxinha de Frango: Brazilian Chicken Croquettes with Creamy Filling

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-26 · Updated 2026-04-26

Golden fried croquettes filled with shredded chicken and creamy cheese, shaped like little drumsticks and perfect as a savory snack or appetizer. This brazilian ready in about 60 minutes pairs chicken breast, water, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 2 large (about 1 lb) chicken breast
• 4 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 small, finely chopped onion
• 2, minced garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 2 tbsp, chopped parsley
• 2, beaten eggs
• 2 cups bread crumbs
• for frying vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 2 large chicken breasts, 4 cups water, and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken and shred finely.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
3. Step 3: Stir in 2 cups all-purpose flour, cooking and stirring continuously for 2 minutes to form a roux.
4. Step 4: Gradually add 1 cup milk while whisking to avoid lumps, cooking until dough pulls away from the pan and forms a smooth, thick paste.
5. Step 5: Remove dough from heat and let cool slightly. Mix in shredded chicken, 1/2 cup cream cheese, and 2 tbsp chopped parsley until well combined.
6. Step 6: Shape the dough mixture into small drumstick shapes (about 2 inches long).
7. Step 7: Dip each coxinha into 2 beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with 2 cups bread crumbs.
8. Step 8: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F. Fry croquettes in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.