Print

Chicken Croquette Hungarian: A Delicious & Authentic Recipe

Print Recipe

Crispy and flavorful Hungarian Chicken Croquettes filled with tender shredded chicken, sauteed vegetables, and aromatic spices, coated in panko breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 tbsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crispiness)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Optional: Hot Hungarian paprika for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Poach or bake the chicken thighs until cooked through. To poach, simmer in water for 20-25 minutes. To bake, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 25-30 minutes.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened (5-7 minutes). Add garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper; cook until tender (5-7 minutes).
  3. Add Spices: Stir in sweet paprika, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Shred Chicken: Let the cooked chicken cool slightly, then shred it finely with two forks.
  5. Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Add the shredded chicken to the skillet with the cooked vegetables and spices. Stir well to combine.
  6. Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to reduce slightly.
  7. Make Sour Cream Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and all-purpose flour until smooth.
  8. Add Sour Cream Mixture: Slowly pour the sour cream mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent curdling. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  9. Add Parsley: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  10. Cool Mixture: Transfer the chicken mixture to a large bowl and let it cool completely.
  11. Add Eggs: Once the chicken mixture is completely cool, crack in the two large eggs and mix well to combine.
  12. Form Croquettes: Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Take a spoonful of the chicken mixture (about 2-3 tablespoons) and shape it into an oval or cylindrical shape.
  13. Coat Croquettes: Roll the croquette in the breadcrumbs, making sure it’s completely coated on all sides. Press the breadcrumbs gently to help them adhere to the croquette.
  14. Chill (Optional): Place the coated croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during frying.
  15. Heat Oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a large, deep skillet or pot to reach a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C).
  16. Fry Croquettes: Carefully place the croquettes into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry them in batches, about 3-4 at a time, for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
  17. Drain: Remove the fried croquettes from the skillet and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
  18. Serve: Serve the chicken croquettes hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and optional hot Hungarian paprika.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the chicken.
  • Cool the chicken mixture completely before adding eggs.
  • Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying.
  • Panko breadcrumbs provide the best crispiness.
  • Refrigerating the croquettes before frying helps them hold their shape.

Find it online: https://www.yumbymika.com/chicken-croquette-hungarian/