Crispy Potato Croquettes with Creamy Chicken Filling

Let me tell you, these Crispy Potato Croquettes with Creamy Chicken Filling are everything you want in a bite-sized treat—crispy on the outside, creamy and comforting on the inside, and absolutely irresistible. Think about golden, crispy potato shells with a rich, savory chicken filling that’s creamy and packed with flavor. These croquettes are perfect for a snack, an appetizer, or even as part of a main course when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. I’m not kidding when I say, once you take a bite, you won’t be able to stop at just one!

These little gems are the perfect balance of textures. You’ve got the crunch from the golden breadcrumbs, the soft fluffiness of the mashed potatoes, and then that decadent creamy chicken filling that just melts in your mouth. Honestly, they’ll be gone before you know it—so don’t forget to make extra! Trust me, these are a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love Crispy Potato Croquettes with Creamy Chicken Filling

Let me tell you why this recipe is going to become a favorite:

Comfort Food Perfection: With a creamy chicken filling inside crispy mashed potatoes, every bite is pure comfort. You’ll feel like you’re wrapped in a warm hug.

Crowd-Pleaser: These croquettes are perfect for gatherings, parties, or family meals. They’re bite-sized, making them great for sharing, and everyone loves a crispy, creamy treat!

Satisfying & Hearty: The creamy chicken filling makes these croquettes more than just a snack—they’re filling and satisfying, perfect for when you want something a little more substantial.

Customizable: You can make them your own by adding herbs, spices, or different types of cheese to the filling. Want to add a little heat? A dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes works wonders.

Easy to Make Ahead: You can prepare the croquettes ahead of time, freeze them, and then fry them up when you’re ready. They make a great meal prep option!

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ingredients in Crispy Potato Croquettes with Creamy Chicken Filling

Here’s the magic behind these croquettes. While the ingredients might look simple, the flavors come together in the most delightful way.

Potatoes

A good mashed potato base is key. Make sure they’re soft, creamy, and well-seasoned. It’s all about that fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Chicken

Cooked, shredded chicken is the star of the filling. Tender and juicy, it absorbs the creamy sauce and makes the croquettes feel hearty and satisfying.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese brings that luscious, velvety texture to the filling. It’s the secret to making the filling creamy without being overly rich.

Onion & Garlic

A touch of sautéed onion and garlic gives the filling a depth of savory flavor that balances out the richness of the cream cheese.

Bread Crumbs

You’ll need both for coating the croquettes. The breadcrumbs give them that irresistible golden crunch when fried.

Parmesan Cheese

Grated Parmesan adds a bit of sharpness and flavor to both the filling and the breading. A little goes a long way!

(Note: measurements for these ingredients are listed in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Ready to dive in? Here’s how to make these crispy, creamy potato croquettes!

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Start by boiling the potatoes until they’re tender (about 15 minutes). Once cooked, drain and mash them until smooth. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a touch of butter for extra richness. Set aside to cool.

Make the Creamy Chicken Filling

In a skillet, heat some oil and sauté the onion and garlic until softened and fragrant (about 4 minutes). Add in the shredded chicken, cream cheese, and a bit of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well-combined and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like (a pinch of thyme or rosemary is a great addition). Set aside to cool.

Form the Croquettes

Take a spoonful of mashed potatoes and flatten it into your palm. Place a small spoonful of the creamy chicken mixture in the center, then gently fold the edges of the potato around the filling to seal it. Roll the croquette into a smooth ball or oval shape. Repeat with the rest of the mixture.

Coat the Croquettes

Set up two shallow bowls—one with beaten eggs and another with breadcrumbs. Dip each croquette first into the egg wash, then coat it with breadcrumbs. This ensures they’re crispy all around when fried.

Fry the Croquettes

Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the croquettes, frying them in batches so they don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve your crispy potato croquettes with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch, spicy mayo, or even a tangy mustard. Enjoy while they’re still warm and crispy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 servings (approx.)
Calories per serving: 450 kcal (estimate)
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 500mg
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 18g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Crispy Potato Croquettes with Creamy Chicken Filling

These croquettes are tasty on their own, but they’re also perfect when paired with some delicious sides or sauces.

• Dipping Sauces: Try them with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, sriracha aioli, or even a tangy mustard sauce to really amp up the flavor.
• Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of the croquettes.
• Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with a slice of garlic bread on the side for dipping!
• Roasted Veggies: Roasted veggies like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers make for a nice, light side that complements the heartiness of the croquettes.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare these croquettes ahead of time and freeze them before frying. Simply coat them and place them on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid. When you’re ready to cook them, fry them straight from the freezer (just make sure to add an extra minute or two to the frying time).
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian alternative, swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower. The creamy filling will still be dreamy!
• Spices & Herbs: Experiment with your favorite seasonings. A little smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne can give these croquettes a fun twist.
• Crispier Coating: If you like an extra-crispy exterior, double coat the croquettes—first dip them in the egg and breadcrumbs, then dip them again in the egg and breadcrumbs for a thicker coating.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A1: Yes! For a healthier alternative, you can bake the croquettes in the oven. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spray with a little cooking oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q2: Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes?
A2: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using store-bought mashed potatoes is a great shortcut.

Q3: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can prepare the creamy chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be sure to let it cool before using it to fill the croquettes.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover croquettes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to get them crispy again.

Q5: Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded?
A5: Yes! Ground chicken works just as well. Just cook it through before adding the cream cheese and seasonings.

Q6: Can I freeze the croquettes?
A6: Yes! Freeze the croquettes before frying. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Fry from frozen when ready to serve!

Q7: Can I add cheese to the filling?
A7: Absolutely! A bit of shredded mozzarella or cheddar would melt beautifully into the filling, making it even more indulgent.

Q8: Can I use a different type of breadcrumb?
A8: Yes, you can use panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crunchy coating, or even gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need a gluten-free option.

Q9: Can I make these croquettes spicy?
A9: Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños to the filling for a little heat.

Q10: Can I make these croquettes with beef or pork?
A10: Absolutely! You can swap out the chicken for cooked, shredded beef or pork to suit your taste.

Conclusion

These Crispy Potato Croquettes with Creamy Chicken Filling are the ultimate combination of crispy, creamy, and comforting. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a snack, or just because, they’re guaranteed to impress. Crispy on the outside, creamy and savory on the inside, these croquettes are a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more. Enjoy!

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