Chicken Pot Pie Croquettes

Craving comfort food with a twist? Say hello to Chicken Pot Pie Croquettes! These crispy little golden bites are filled with all the creamy, savory goodness of a classic chicken pot pie, but in a fun, bite-sized form. Imagine tender chunks of chicken, mixed with a creamy veggie-filled sauce, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden breading. They’re perfect as an appetizer, snack, or a fun twist on dinner. Trust me, these croquettes are everything you love about chicken pot pie—just in a much more portable form!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Pot Pie Croquettes

Comforting and Familiar

If you’re a fan of classic chicken pot pie, these croquettes are your dream come true. The filling is creamy, flavorful, and loaded with vegetables and tender chicken. Every bite will remind you of your favorite comfort food, but with an exciting new twist!

Crispy & Golden

The exterior is perfectly crisp and golden, while the inside is warm, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s the ultimate combination of textures that will make you want to eat more and more.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These croquettes are incredibly versatile. Serve them at a party as an appetizer, make them for a cozy weeknight dinner, or pack them up for lunch. No matter the occasion, these croquettes will steal the show.

Make-Ahead Friendly

You can make these ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. They reheat wonderfully, making them perfect for meal prep or preparing in advance for a gathering.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible Chicken Pot Pie Croquettes:

For the Croquette Filling:

• Cooked Chicken: Tender and juicy chicken breast or thigh, shredded or diced. Leftovers from a roasted chicken work perfectly here!
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables: A classic blend of peas, carrots, and corn. If you prefer, you can use fresh vegetables, but the frozen mix makes this step quick and easy.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: The rich, creamy base for the filling. This provides that comforting, saucy texture and flavor.
• Butter: For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the filling.
• Onion: A small onion, finely chopped, for that savory base flavor.
• Garlic: A couple of garlic cloves, minced, to give the filling that extra depth of flavor.
• Chicken Broth: To adjust the consistency of the filling. You’ll want it thick but spoonable.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning, to taste.
• Dried Thyme: For a bit of that herby goodness that makes chicken pot pie taste like home.

For the Breading:

• Flour: For dredging the croquettes.
• Eggs: To help the breadcrumbs stick and give the croquettes a nice golden color.
• Breadcrumbs: For that crispy exterior. Panko breadcrumbs work wonderfully for extra crunch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional, but adds an extra layer of flavor to the breading.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

2. Add the Veggies

Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes until they’re heated through.

3. Make the Sauce

Add the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens up. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Add the cooked chicken and stir until everything is well incorporated.

4. Chill the Filling

Transfer the filling to a bowl and let it cool for about 30 minutes to an hour. This will help the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape into croquettes.

5. Shape the Croquettes

Once the filling is cool enough to handle, scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into a small log or ball. Repeat until all the filling is used up.

6. Bread the Croquettes

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese (if using). Roll each croquette first in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.

7. Fry the Croquettes

Heat oil in a deep skillet or large frying pan over medium heat. Carefully add the croquettes to the hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to fry them in batches.

8. Drain and Serve

Once fried, place the croquettes on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, honey mustard, or a tangy marinara!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 croquette (of 12)
Calories per serving: 125
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 230mg
Total Carbohydrates: 10g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 6g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Pot Pie Croquettes

As an Appetizer

These croquettes are perfect for serving as finger food at a party or gathering. Pair them with dipping sauces like ranch, garlic aioli, or marinara for an extra flavor boost.

As a Snack

They’re ideal for a savory snack or light dinner. Serve them with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

As a Fun Dinner Option

These croquettes are fun enough to serve as the main dish, especially for picky eaters or kids. They’ll love the crispy outside and creamy chicken pot pie filling!

Additional Tips

• Make Them Ahead: You can shape and bread the croquettes ahead of time. Simply freeze them before frying and cook from frozen when you’re ready to serve. They’ll be just as crispy and delicious.
• For Extra Crunch: If you like a super crunchy exterior, double-dip your croquettes in the egg and breadcrumbs. This will give them an extra crispy coating!
• Baking Option: If you’d prefer to bake them instead of frying, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the breaded croquettes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping them halfway through.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
A1: Yes! You can substitute the chicken with turkey, or even make a vegetarian version using mushrooms or a combination of vegetables for a plant-based twist.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare and bread the croquettes ahead of time, and store them in the fridge or freezer. When ready, simply fry or bake them to crispy perfection.

Q3: Can I bake the croquettes instead of frying them?
A3: Yes! For a lighter version, you can bake the croquettes. Simply place them on a baking sheet, lightly spray with cooking spray, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q4: How can I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover croquettes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to retain their crispy texture.

Q5: Can I use store-bought chicken instead of cooking my own?
A5: Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and will save you time.

Q6: How do I make sure the croquettes hold together?
A6: Be sure to let the filling cool completely before shaping it into croquettes. This helps firm up the mixture and makes it easier to handle. If you’re finding them too soft, you can add a bit of breadcrumbs to the filling.

Q7: Can I make these without the breading?
A7: Sure! You can make unbreaded croquettes and serve them with a sauce for dipping, or try rolling them in crushed crackers or cornmeal for a different texture.

Q8: Can I freeze the uncooked croquettes?
A8: Yes! Once breaded, place the croquettes on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, fry or bake them straight from the freezer.

Q9: How can I adjust the flavor?
A9: Feel free to get creative! You can add herbs like rosemary or sage to the filling, or mix in some grated cheese for extra richness.

Q10: Can I make these gluten-free?
A10: Yes! You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend to make the croquettes suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

These Chicken Pot Pie Croquettes are the ultimate comfort food with a crispy, fun twist! Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a new weeknight dinner idea, these croquettes are sure to be a hit. With a creamy, savory filling and a golden, crispy exterior, you won’t be able to stop at just one!

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