Description
Delicious Brazilian coxinha chicken balls, perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups of milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup cream cheese or requeijão (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a pot with the chicken broth, half of the onion, and one clove of garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Remove and let cool. Shred the chicken.
- Prepare the Dough: In a saucepan, heat the milk, butter, and a pinch of salt until it starts boiling. Slowly add in the flour, stirring constantly until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Let the dough cool.
- Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, heat a little oil. Sauté the remaining onion and garlic until soft. Add the chopped tomato and tomato paste, cook for about 5 minutes. Mix in the shredded chicken. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Shape the Coxinhas: Take a small amount of dough and flatten it in your hand. Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center. Add a small scoop of cream cheese if desired. Shape the dough around the filling into a teardrop or drumstick shape.
- Bread the Coxinhas: Dip each coxinha into the beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumbs until well coated.
- Fry the Coxinhas: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coxinhas in batches until they are golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Notes
- Ensure the dough is cool enough to handle before shaping it around the filling.
- You can prepare the chicken filling a day in advance to save time.
- Test one coxinha first to ensure the oil temperature is correct and adjust as necessary.
- Serve the coxinhas hot, ideally with a spicy dipping sauce for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 coxinha