Mouth-watering Brazilian Chicken Appetizer Recipe
Imagine yourself walking down a bustling street in Brazil. The air is filled with the sizzling sounds and savory aromas of street food vendors frying up delicious treats. Among these popular snacks is coxinhas de galinha, a golden brown, deep-fried croquette filled with savory shredded chicken and spices.
As a chef specializing in Brazilian and American cuisine, I have perfected the art of making these mouthwatering chicken croquettes. Coxinhas de galinha can be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, and they are sure to please any crowd with their bold flavors and crispy exterior. So why not bring the taste of Brazil to your kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe?
With just a handful of ingredients, a bit of patience, and some deep-frying know-how, you can create an authentic Brazilian treat that will transport your taste buds right to the streets of Rio de Janeiro. So grab your cooking utensils, put on some music, and let’s make some coxinhas de galinha!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a new favorite appetizer that will impress your taste buds? Search no more! This Brazilian Chicken Appetizer, also known as Coxinhas De Galinha, is the perfect dish for you.
This dish has everything you want in an appetizer – it’s savory, crispy on the outside, and soft and flavorful on the inside. The filling, made with shredded chicken meat and spices like garlic and onion, is cooked just right to release all the savory flavors.
What sets this dish apart from other appetizers is the dough that encases the filling. Made with milk and butter, it adds a rich and creamy texture that complements the chicken perfectly. This dough is then shaped into little teardrops, resembling chicken drumsticks or croquettes.
And don’t worry about this being too difficult to prepare. Though it does require a food processor to finely shred your chicken, it’s all worth it when you see your friends and family enjoy it. It’s also a great way to make use of leftovers from last night’s roasted chicken dinner.
Not only is this appetizer delicious, but it’s also a popular street food snack in Brazil. If you’ve ever been to Brazil or tasted coxinhas before, you’ll know how addictive they can be!
So why not bring a little bit of Brazilian cuisine into your own kitchen? This recipe is perfect for any occasion – a family gathering or a casual get-together with your friends. Trust me, once you get the hang of making coxinhas de galinha, it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for any social event.
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to create this scrumptious Brazilian Chicken Appetizer. Don’t worry, you won’t need hard-to-find ingredients for this recipe. Most of the items can be found in your local grocery store. For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 white onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of milk
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cups of breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil works best)
Optional Salsa or chili sauce for serving
Pro tip: You can also use pre-cooked shredded chicken from a rotisserie chicken or any leftover roasted or boiled chicken instead of boiling fresh chicken for an easy and fast preparation.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gone through the ingredients, it’s time to get cracking with the recipe. Coxinhas de galinha may seem daunting but with a few tips, you can create this delicious Brazilian street food snack at home.
Step 1: Preparing the Filling
First, take a pan and heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, some garlic cloves and continue frying until they become translucent. Then include finely cut chicken cutlets or breasts and cook for around 20 minutes until it turns golden brown.
Next, add some chicken broth and let it cook for another 10 minutes until fully absorbed. If you want to spice up your coxinha, add some chilli sauce or salsa to the filling mixture.
Let the mix cool for a bit then shred it into small pieces. Once done, set aside and start preparing the dough.
Step 2: Making the Dough
Take a pot and combine milk, water, and butter over medium heat until it begins to boil. Reduce heat and add flour slowly into the pot while continuously stirring.
After 5 minutes, the dough should be cooked, devoid of lumps and pull away from the side of the pot. Mix in some cream cheese until completely blended then remove from heat.
To check whether your suave dough is ready, roll a small amount between your fingers; If making a smooth ball is an easy task, you are good to go!
Step 3: Assembling Your Coxinha
It’s time to combine everything! Start by dividing your dough in small pieces then roll each one into a small ball with about a spoon full of shredded chicken as filling. Roll again so the filling is covered with this flavorful goodness all around.
Give these rolled balls their signature shape by pinching them at the bottom, giving them a teardrop shape so that they resemble a drumstick.
Step 4: Frying Your Coxinhas
Now we are ready for the final step which is cooking. To make sure your coxinha comes out perfectly golden brown and crispy, heat some oil in a deep pot or fryer set to 350°F.
Carefully add a batch of coxinhas into the hot oil, flipping after 4-5 minutes until it turns an even golden colour. Now, take them out and place them over a paper-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
Serve the delicious and crispy coxinha de galinha, either as an appetizer or Brazilian street food snack with some chili sauce on the side. You can enjoy it hot or cold, it tastes divine either way!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to change up this Brazilian chicken appetizer recipe a bit? Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try to personalize your coxinhas de galinha:
– Meat: If you’d rather not use chicken in this recipe, you can substitute it for shredded beef or pork. This will give your coxinhas de galinha a different flavor profile and texture.
– Cheese: Adding cream cheese or your favorite cheese to the dough mixture can give your coxinhas de galinha a creamy and cheesy flavor. You can also add cheddar, parmesan, or any other type of cheese you prefer.
– Vegetables: For a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with finely chopped vegetables, such as carrots, mushrooms, and zucchini. Adding vegetables will bring more color and texture to your coxinhas de galinha.
– Heat level: Adjust the spiciness of your coxinhas de galinha by adding more or less chili sauce or salsa. If you are not a fan of spicy food, omit the chili sauce altogether.
– Dough: Experiment with different types of dough for the coxinhas de galinha. For example, instead of using regular dough made with wheat flour, try using sweet potato, cassava, or yucca flour for a gluten-free option.
Remember that any substitution or variation may change the overall taste and texture of the dish. So if you’re unsure about how these changes will impact your coxinhas de galinha, make sure to test them out before serving at your next gathering.
Serving and Pairing
Now that your coxinhas de galinha are gracefully placed on a plate, you’re probably wondering what to pair them with for ultimate satisfaction. Don’t worry, I have some suggestions that will not disappoint.
These chicken croquettes are best served warm and pair perfectly with a homemade salsa or chili sauce. The tangy and spicy flavor from the dips will heighten the taste of the coxinhas while unfurling their distinct textures in your mouth.
For a classic Brazilian street food experience, enjoy your coxinhas with a chilled Caipirinha, Brazil’s national drink. The cocktail’s blend of sugarcane rum, lime juice, sugar, and ice is perfect for cutting through the richness of the fried chicken.
If alcohol isn’t your thing, a glass of cold Guarana soda would also do wonders to quench your thirst and balance out the flavors of the chicken croquettes.
If you want to make it a complete meal, serve your coxinhas de galinha on a bed of fresh greens such as arugula or spinach with some diced tomatoes and onions sprinkled on top. The burst of freshness from the veggies would be a great complement to the deep-fried crispiness of the croquettes.
Don’t forget to savor every bite and immerse yourself in Brazilian culture. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Are you planning on serving these delicious coxinhas de galinha at a party or event? Or do you simply want to prepare them ahead of time for an easy weeknight snack option? Either way, there are a few tips and tricks to keep your coxinhas fresh and tasty.
For make-ahead preparation, you can prepare the dough and filling in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to assemble and cook, allow both components to come to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.
Once cooked and cooled, coxinhas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven set to 375°F for 10-15 minutes until they are heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a microwave for one minute on high power.
If you have leftovers that you’re not planning to eat right away, consider freezing them for later. First, let the coxinhas cool completely before placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for one hour before transferring them into an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to two months.
When it’s time to enjoy your frozen coxinhas, bake them at 375°F straight from the freezer for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and heated through.
By following these simple make-ahead, storing, and reheating tips, your homemade coxinhas de galinha will taste just as good as freshly made!
Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving perfect results with any recipe requires skill, knowledge, and attention to detail. As someone who has spent years perfecting my Brazilian chicken appetizer recipe, I have learned a few tips along the way that can help take your coxinhas de galinha to the next level.
First of all, when making the dough for the coxinhas, be sure to use ice-cold water. The cold temperature helps create a more cohesive dough that will hold its shape while frying. Additionally, it’s important to use a food processor or blender to mix the dough thoroughly, ensuring uniform consistency and texture.
When shaping the coxinhas, use a light touch. Overworking the dough can lead to tough, chewy results. It’s also important to make sure that the chicken filling is fully enclosed by the dough to prevent leakage during frying.
Speaking of frying, it’s essential to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. This ensures that the coxinhas cook evenly and turn out crispy and golden brown. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and adjust accordingly.
Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and sauces. While traditional accompaniments like chili sauce or salsa are always delicious choices, cream cheese can add an unexpected twist. No matter what you choose, let your culinary creativity shine through.
By following these tips and using high-quality ingredients, you’ll be able to create coxinhas de galinha that are sure to impress. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at a dinner party or enjoying them as a street food snack on a lazy afternoon, these chicken croquettes are a true taste of Brazil.
FAQ
Now, it’s time to answer some frequently asked questions for this Brazilian Chicken Appetizer recipe. Whether you’re new to Brazilian cuisine or an experienced chef, these FAQs will help make sure your coxinhas de galinha turn out perfectly every time. So, let’s dive in and address some common questions about this delicious dish!
What is coxinha dough made of?
The coxinha is a popular Brazilian snack made with dough that is prepared using wheat flour and chicken broth. This dough can also contain mashed potato, depending on personal preference. The dough is then stuffed with spiced shredded chicken meat or a whole chicken drumstick. The filling consists of catupiry cheese or requeijão mixed with chicken, onions, parsley, scallions, turmeric, and sometimes tomato sauce.
What are the different coxinhas?
Coxinhas, a popular Brazilian dish, were traditionally made with seasoned chicken. However, Snack Mania has decided to bring some variety to the table by introducing several new flavors of these delicious fritters. Our menu includes OG Chicken, Buffalo Chicken, Beef, Cheese, Broccoli Cheddar, Ham & Cheese, Kibbeh (Beef croquettes), and even Codfish options.
How do you eat coxinha?
When you receive your coxinha on a plate or napkin, it can be a bit tricky to know how to eat it without making a mess. Some people might attempt to eat it with the tip facing up, but that’s not really the intended way to enjoy this delicious snack. The proper technique involves holding the coxinha by its tip and eating the bottom first, which requires a basic understanding of the coxinha’s shape and structure.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Brazilian chicken appetizer (coxinhas de galinha) recipe is a must-try for anyone who enjoys bold and flavorful street food snacks. With its crispy outer layer and succulent shredded chicken filling, these coxinhas are the perfect blend of savory goodness in every bite.
Whether it’s a small gathering or full-blown party, these coxinhas are sure to be a hit. They are easy to make and can be adjusted to fit any dietary restrictions or preferences. Plus, they pair well with a variety of sauces and dips, like salsa or chili sauce, for an extra kick of flavor.
So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Once you experience the golden-brown deliciousness of these coxinhas de galinha, there will be no turning back. Trust me; you won’t regret it!
Brazilian Chicken Appetizer (Coxinhas De Galinha) Recipe
Ingredients
- cooking oil, for frying
- 1 1/2 kg chicken cutlets
- 1 -2 cup water
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- salt and pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs, or as needed
For the dough
- 1 cup rice flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/4 teaspoon chili sauce
Serve with
- chili salsa (optional if you want it hot or not)
Instructions
- Heat cooking oil on a pan and when hot enough, add and brown the chicken at both sides.
- Add 1-2 cups of water enough to boil chicken for 20 mins or until tender. Don't forget to cover it. Drain and set aside liquid.
- When chicken is cool enough, separate the meat from the bones. Cut the breast into12 long strips and set aside.
- Mince the rest of the meat and combine with onion, cloves, salt and pepper. You can use a food processor to make the mincing and mixing quick just by pulsing it. Set aside. You can also set aside the thin bones to serve as a sticks for the chicken later on.
- For the dough: mix rice flour with milk, add enough chicken juices that was set aside to make a firm dough. Then, add butter and egg yolks to soften it. Add and mix the minced chicken. Add chili sauce and mix.
- Divide dough in 12 equal parts. Flatten it a bit with palm, add a piece of chicken breast from near the edge. Roll to cover then shape it like a bulb or teardrop with a tapered end. You can push in the thin bones at the thin part of the shaped dough so they looks like chicken drumsticks.
- Roll in breadcrumbs and fry in hot oil until golden brown putting it on strainer or napkins to help drain excess oil.
- Serve with chili salsa.
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.