Mrs. Denver'S Baked Chicken Croquettes
Mrs. Denver's Baked Chicken Croquettes offer crispy, flavorful bites combining chopped chicken, eggs, cheese, and seasonings, perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 c. milk ⓘ
- 3 hard-cooked eggs, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. grated onion
- 2 1/2 c. chopped cooked chicken ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. curry powder ⓘ
- 1/2 c. fine cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
Instructions
- Make a thick white sauce of butter, flour, salt, and milk in a medium saucepan.
- Cool the sauce slightly.
- Add chopped eggs, chopped cooked chicken, grated cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and curry powder if desired.
- Chill until the mixture is easy to handle.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Shape the chicken mixture into 12 cone or patty shapes.
- Roll the shaped croquettes in fine cracker crumbs.
- Place on a greased baking pan coated with 3 tablespoons of butter or margarine.
- Bake until well browned, about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Serve with sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken stock instead of milk when making the white sauce. If you don't have curry powder, a blend of cumin and paprika can be a delightful substitute. Make sure to chill the mixture thoroughly before shaping the croquettes to ensure they hold their shape better during baking. This recipe can also be adapted using leftover turkey for a different twist, perfect for post-holiday meals.
Serving Suggestions
These croquettes pair beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce, such as a tangy yogurt sauce or a classic ketchup, to enhance their flavor. For a comforting side, consider serving alongside mashed potatoes or a warm grain salad, which complements the croquettes well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover baked chicken croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mrs. Denver'S Baked Chicken Croquettes contains roughly 806 calories, with 17g protein, 142g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (64% of the Daily Value), calcium (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1854mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked for this recipe?
It's best to use cooked chicken for this recipe to ensure the croquettes are fully cooked and safe to eat. You can use leftover chicken or even rotisserie chicken. If you prefer to use raw chicken, consider cooking it first, shredding it, and then following the recipe as directed.
What can I do if the mixture is too thick to shape?
If the chicken mixture is too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up. It should be pliable enough to shape into croquettes but not too runny. If it’s too dry, adding a bit of moisture will help achieve the right consistency.
Is it possible to freeze these croquettes before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the shaped but unbaked croquettes. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, there's no need to thaw; simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).