Recipes

Crispy Chicken-Leg Croquettes

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🍗 Crispy Chicken-Leg Croquettes

Potato & Mozzarella-Stuffed Drumsticks

Golden on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside — these croquettes turn ordinary chicken drumsticks into something spectacular. They’re crispy, flavorful, and filled with a smooth potato–mozzarella mixture that melts in your mouth!

🧂 Ingredients (for 6 servings)

For the Chicken:

  • 6 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Filling:

  • 2 large potatoes, peeled and boiled
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded or diced
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

For the Coating:

  • ½ cup flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • Oil, for frying

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

  1. Use a sharp knife to carefully loosen the meat from the bottom of each drumstick (around the bone).
  2. Push the meat upward gently to form a “meatball” shape at the top while leaving the bone clean like a handle.
  3. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and drizzle with olive oil.
  4. Bake or pan-sear the drumsticks for 15–20 minutes at 200°C (400°F) until lightly cooked but not browned. Set aside to cool.

2. Make the Potato Filling

  1. In a bowl, mash the boiled potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.
  2. Mix in the mozzarella cheese and parsley.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning — it should be rich and cheesy.

3. Stuff the Drumsticks

  1. Take each pre-cooked drumstick and form a layer of the potato mixture around the meat, shaping it into a smooth oval or croquette around the bone.
  2. Press gently to make sure the filling adheres well.

4. Coat the Croquettes

  1. Roll each stuffed drumstick lightly in flour.
  2. Dip into beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
  3. For extra crunch, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb step twice.

5. Fry or Bake

  • To fry: Heat oil in a deep pan to 170°C (340°F). Fry each croquette for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
  • To bake (lighter option): Brush with oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes until crispy.

6. Serve

Drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dip — garlic mayo, spicy ketchup, or cheese sauce all work beautifully!

🍽️ Tips & Variations

  • Add grated carrots or peas to the potato mix for color and nutrition.
  • Replace mozzarella with cheddar or gouda for a different flavor.
  • Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh herbs right after frying for an extra gourmet touch.

🌟 Serving Idea

Serve these croquettes with a side of coleslaw, fresh salad, or buttery mashed potatoes. They also make amazing party snacks — just use smaller drumsticks or boneless chicken pieces!

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