Howard Johnson's Chicken Croquettes Recipe
Indulge in nostalgia with this classic Howard Johnson's Chicken Croquettes Recipe. Perfectly crispy, savory, and simple to make.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 3 cups of cooked chicken finely chopped. Choose a tender, juicy variety for that authentic Howard Johnson’s chicken croquettes flavor.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons because butter makes everything better.
- Flour: 1/3 cup to help thicken our mixture and give it structure.
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup for that deep, savory flavor.
- Milk: 1 cup to add creaminess to the mix.
- Eggs: 2 large ones beaten. These will help bind our croquettes and add richness.
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, a pinch of nutmeg, and a whisper of thyme, all to taste.
- Breadcrumbs: 2 cups of seasoned breadcrumbs for that essential crispy coating.
Instructions
Cooking the Filling
- Start with a Roux: In your saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste, cooking for a minute or two to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add the Liquids: Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook this mixture until it thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Combine with Chicken: Remove the sauce from heat and fold in the chopped chicken, mixing until the chicken is well coated. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and thyme.
- Chill Out: Transfer the mixture to a dish and refrigerate until it’s firm, about 1-2 hours. This step is crucial for the croquettes to hold their shape.
Shaping and Breading
- Shape the Croquettes: Once chilled, shape the mixture into cylinders or your desired croquette shape.
- Bread Like a Pro: Dip each croquette first in the beaten eggs, then roll in the seasoned breadcrumbs until well coated.
Frying to Perfection
- Heat the Oil: In your deep fryer or heavy skillet, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, a breadcrumb should sizzle when it hits the oil.
- Fry in batches: Cook the croquettes for 3-4 minutes per batch, until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan – give them some personal space.
- Drain: Remove the croquettes and let them drain on a wire rack or paper towels.