Coxinha is a beloved Brazilian snack that tantalizes taste buds with its crispy exterior and savory, creamy chicken filling. Its name means “little thigh,” as its shape resembles a chicken drumstick. This popular street food captures the essence of Brazilian culinary creativity and is enjoyed at parties, gatherings, and as a satisfying snack.
Serves 6 people
Appliances/Utensils:
- Sharp knives
- Cutting Board
- Large saucepan
- Wooden Spoon and spatula
- Large frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Kitchen tongs
- Deep fryer
- Slotted spoon
- Rolling pin
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Sauté onion and garlic in a large frying pan over medium heat until translucent.
2. Add shredded chicken to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Mix well with a wooden spoon.
3. Stir in cream cheese until the mixture is creamy and well-combined. Set aside to cool.
4. In a large saucepan, bring chicken stock to a boil. Gradually add flour, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the pan.
5. Transfer the dough to a cutting board and let it cool slightly. Knead until smooth.
6. Divide the dough into golf ball-sized portions. Flatten each ball with a rolling pin and place a spoonful of chicken filling in the center. Shape into a drumstick, enclosing the filling completely.
7. Beat eggs in a mixing bowl. Dip each coxinha into the egg, then coat with bread crumbs.
8. Heat oil in a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coxinhas in batches until golden brown, using kitchen tongs to handle them.
9. Remove the coxinhas with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Tips and Suggestions:
- For a cheesy twist, add shredded mozzarella to the filling.
- To make it spicier, incorporate chopped chili peppers into the chicken mixture.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a side of dipping sauces like spicy mayo or sweet chili sauce. Pair with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Estimated Time:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes