Chicken Coxinha Recipe

Coxinha is a popular Brazilian snack that resembles a chicken drumstick, filled with a delicious seasoned chicken mixture. It’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a tasty treat at home. Below is a complete recipe for making Chicken Coxinhas.

Ingredients
For the Filling:
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon chopped parsley (optional)
1/2 cup cream cheese (optional for creaminess)

For the Dough:
2 cups chicken broth (or water)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
4 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon salt
For Coating and Frying:
2 large eggs (beaten)
2 cups breadcrumbs
Oil for frying

Instructions
Preparing the Filling:
Sauté the Vegetables: In a frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent.
Add Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add cream cheese if desired for extra creaminess. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Making the Dough:
Boil Liquid: In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth (or water) to a boil. Add salt and butter.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually add flour and cornmeal to the boiling liquid, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture forms a smooth, thick dough (about 5-7 minutes), pulling away from the sides of the pan.
Cool Dough: Turn off the heat and allow the dough to cool slightly.

Assembling the Coxinhas:
Shape the Coxinhas: Once the dough is cool enough to handle, take a small piece (about the size of a golf ball) and flatten it in your palm. Place a spoonful of filling in the center, then fold the dough over the filling to form a teardrop shape. Pinch the edges to seal tightly.
Repeat: Continue this process until all the dough and filling are used.

Coating and Frying:
Prepare for Frying: Set up a dipping station with beaten eggs and breadcrumbs. Dip each coxinha in the egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
Heat Oil: In a deep frying pan, heat oil over medium heat (enough for deep frying).
Fry Coxinhas: Carefully add coxinhas to the hot oil in batches. Fry until golden brown on all sides (about 3-4 minutes). Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes
Servings
Yield: About 20-25 coxinhas, depending on size.

Tip:
Serve your homemade coxinhas hot, with a side of dipping sauce like spicy ketchup or a creamy garlic dip.