Grilled Coxinha de Frango with Spiced Cream Cheese Filling

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Brazilian-style chicken croquettes with a creamy, spiced cream cheese filling, grilled for a smoky finish instead of fried. This Brazilian recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, pairs shredded cooked chicken breast, cream cheese, softened, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 280 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast, 1/2 cup softened cream cheese, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp chopped green onions, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until well combined and creamy.
  2. Step 2: In a saucepan, bring 1 cup whole milk and 3 tbsp unsalted butter to a boil.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and immediately stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour vigorously until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides.
  4. Step 4: Transfer dough to a bowl and let cool slightly. Then, knead in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Divide dough into 12 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc, place about 1 tbsp of the chicken-cream cheese filling in the center, and shape into a teardrop or drumstick shape, sealing edges well.
  6. Step 6: Dip each shaped coxinha into 2 beaten large eggs, then coat thoroughly with 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs.
  7. Step 7: Preheat grill to medium heat and spray coxinhas lightly with olive oil spray.
  8. Step 8: Grill coxinhas for 6-8 minutes per side, turning carefully, until golden and heated through with a smoky aroma.
  9. Step 9: Serve warm as a flavorful appetizer or snack.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Coxinha de Frango with Spiced Cream Cheese Filling take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (40 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Coxinha de Frango with Spiced Cream Cheese Filling?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cream cheese, softened from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Coxinha de Frango with Spiced Cream Cheese Filling?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Coxinha de Frango with Spiced Cream Cheese Filling for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Coxinha de Frango with Spiced Cream Cheese Filling?

Brazilian brazilian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes