Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes Recipe
When I first stumbled upon the Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes Recipe, it felt like I had found a piece of history wrapped in a crispy, golden crust.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Frying Pan or Deep Fryer
- Medium Saucepan (for the gravy)
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spatula
- Shallow Dishes (for breading)
- Cooling Rack with Paper Towels (to drain the croquettes)
Ingredients
For the Croquettes
- Cooked = 02 cups shredded chicken (leftover or rotisserie chicken works great)
- Butter = 03 tablespoons
- Flour = 04 tablespoons all-purpose
- Milk = 01 cup
- Onion = 01 tablespoon finely chopped
- Salt = 01 teaspoon
- Black Pepper = 1/2 teaspoon
- Paprika = 1/4 teaspoon
- Egg = 01 beaten
- Breadcrumbs = 01 cup
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Gravy
- Butter = 02 tablespoons
- Flour = 02 tablespoons all-purpose
- Chicken = 01 cup broth
- Milk = 1/2 cup
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step by Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
- Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until soft, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add the shredded chicken and mix everything well.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Shape the Croquettes
- Once chilled, shape the mixture into small balls or patties.
- Set up a breading station with eggs and breadcrumbs.
- Dip each croquette in the egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Fry the Croquettes
- Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a frying pan.
- Fry the croquettes in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Place fried croquettes on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk until thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the croquettes hot with creamy gravy on top.
- Enjoy!
Servings and Preparation Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes for chilling the mixture
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Serves: This recipe makes about 8-10 croquettes, serving 4 people.
Notes
Here are some tips that will help you make the best Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes at home:
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked chicken. You can use chicken from a roast, grilled chicken, or even poached chicken breasts.
- Chill the Mixture: After making the chicken mixture, it’s important to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help the croquettes hold their shape when you form them into balls or patties.
- Breading Tip: For an extra crispy coating, you can double-bread the croquettes. Dip them in the egg wash and breadcrumbs once, and then repeat the process to ensure a thick, crunchy crust.
- Frying Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the croquettes. If the oil is too cool, the croquettes will absorb too much oil and become greasy. The ideal temperature is around 350°F (175°C).
- Serve with Gravy: These croquettes are traditionally served with a creamy chicken gravy. You can use store-bought gravy or make your own by thickening some chicken broth with a little flour and butter.