Amazing Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes recipe

Welcome to the world of delicious taste, Pleasantrecipe. Today, we will discuss the famous Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes recipe, which looks like a crunchy, delicious golden bite. Making this recipe is straightforward. You must follow the instructions in this article and have all the ingredients mentioned here.

What is Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes recipe?

Bringing back the nostalgic flavors of Howard Johnson’s, the iconic chain known for its homey, comforting dishes, today we’re diving into the heart of comfort food with the Howard Johnson chicken croquettes recipe. This dish, once a staple at Howard Johnson’s restaurants, offers a crispy exterior with a tender, flavorful chicken inside, capturing the essence of classic American cuisine.

Origin of Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes recipe

The Howard Johnson chicken croquettes recipe was a beloved menu item, epitomizing the chain’s commitment to providing hearty, comforting meals that felt like home-cooked food. With its iconic orange-roofed restaurants, Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes recipe became a staple along American highways, offering travelers a taste of home wherever they went. This recipe revives those cherished memories, allowing you to recreate a piece of American culinary history in your kitchen.

How to make Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes recipe

Making this recipe is very easy. You must follow our simple instructions and make this delicious recipe for your friends and family.

Ingredients you’ll need

• 2 cups cooked chicken, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying

Step By Step Instructions

• Prepare the Filling: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth, cooking for about 2 minutes without letting it brown.
• Make the Roux: Gradually add the milk to the saucepan, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and thickened—season with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
• Combine Chicken: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir the chopped chicken and parsley. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
• Shape Croquettes: Once the mixture has cooled enough to handle, shape it into small cylinders or ovals. Place them on a plate and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up.
• Breading: Dip each croquette first in beaten eggs and then roll them in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
• Fry: Heat oil in a frying pan or a deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Fry the croquettes in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels.

Equipment you needed

• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Plate or tray
• Frying pan or deep fryer

My recommendations and tips

• Chill the Chicken Mixture: Put the chicken mixture in the fridge until it’s cold. This makes it easier to shape the croquettes and keeps them from falling apart when you fry them.
• Double Dip for Crispy Croquettes: If you want crunchy croquettes, dip them in egg and breadcrumbs twice before frying. This gives them an extra crispy coating.
• Serve with Gravy or Sauce: When ready to eat, serve the croquettes with some creamy gravy or your favorite dipping sauce. It makes them taste even better, like the ones you get at Howard Johnson restaurants.

Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes recipe taste

Howard Johnson’s chicken croquettes are a delightful blend of creamy and crispy textures. The seasoned chicken mixture inside is tender and flavorful, complemented by the crunchy breadcrumb coating. They’re savoury with hints of herbs and spices, making them perfect comfort food.

What to serve Howard Johnson Chicken with

You can serve Howard Johnson’s chicken croquettes with various sides to make a complete and tasty meal. Here are some options:

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken croquettes. The smooth texture of the potatoes complements the crispy exterior of the croquettes.

Steamed Vegetables: Serve your chicken croquettes with steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a healthy and colorful addition to your meal.

Crisp Garden Salad: A crisp garden salad with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing is a refreshing side dish that balances out the richness of the chicken croquettes.

Buttered Corn on the Cob: Corn on the cob slathered with butter is a simple yet delicious side that adds sweetness and texture to your meal.

Creamy Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw provides a crunchy and tangy contrast to the savory chicken croquettes, making it a great side dish option.

Fresh Dinner Rolls: Serve warm dinner rolls on the side to soak up any extra gravy or sauce from the chicken croquettes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Chilling the Mixture: Skipping the chilling step can make the mixture too soft and difficult to shape into croquettes. Make sure to chill the mixture thoroughly before shaping.

Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many croquettes at once can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy, greasy croquettes. Fry them in batches to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.

Not Properly Seasoning the Mixture: Forgetting to season the chicken mixture adequately can result in bland croquettes. Taste the mixture before shaping to ensure it’s well-seasoned with salt, pepper, and other desired spices.

Skipping the Double Dipping: Double dipping the croquettes in egg and breadcrumbs helps create a crispy exterior. Skipping this step can result in croquettes with less crunch.

Using Too Much Filler: Adding too much filler, like breadcrumbs or flour, can make the croquettes dry and dense. Use just enough to bind the mixture together without overpowering the chicken flavor.

Not Testing Oil Temperature: Frying croquettes in too hot oil can cause them to burn on the outside while remaining undercooked inside. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and adjust it as needed.

Handling the Croquettes Roughly: Handling the croquettes too roughly when shaping or frying them can cause them to fall apart. Gently shape them and carefully transfer them to the frying pan to maintain their shape.

Not Draining Excess Oil: Failing to drain the fried croquettes on paper towels after cooking can result in oily, greasy croquettes. Allow them to drain for a few minutes before serving to remove excess oil.

Healthier Options

To make the recipe healthier, lean chicken and bake instead of fry. Be mindful of portions and serve with nutritious sides like vegetables. Avoid excess oil and choose whole-grain breadcrumbs for added nutrition.

Final Remarks

The Howard Johnson chicken croquettes recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a trip down memory lane, bringing back the comforting flavors of a bygone era. Whether you’re a fan of the original dish or discovering it for the first time, these croquettes offer a delicious taste of Americana that’s sure to please. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s bring back the classic taste of Howard Johnson’s into our homes. You can find more similar recipes. One of the most popular is Rustic Potato; you will like it more in the blog.