Brazilian Coxinha: A Crispy Delight
Brazilian cuisine is a vibrant mix of flavours, textures, and traditions, and one of its most beloved street foods is Coxinha. These golden, crispy croquettes are shaped like little teardrops and filled with a savoury shredded chicken mixture. Whether enjoyed as a snack, party appetizer, or comfort food, Coxinha is a staple in Brazilian households and cafés.
The Story Behind Coxinha
The name "Coxinha" translates to "little thigh" in Portuguese, referring to its shape, which resembles a chicken drumstick. Legend has it that the dish was created when a Brazilian prince only wanted to eat chicken drumsticks, prompting a cook to craft a snack that mimicked the shape but used shredded chicken instead. Over time, Coxinha became a national favourite, enjoyed across Brazil in various sizes and flavours.
How to Make Coxinha at Home
If you want to experience the authentic taste of Coxinha, making them at home is a rewarding process. Below is a detailed recipe to help you create these delicious croquettes from scratch.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- A pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 white onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika (or cayenne pepper)
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Coating:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the garlic and onions until soft and golden.
- Add the shredded chicken, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and mix in the cream cheese and parsley. Set aside.
2. Make the Dough
- In a pot, bring the chicken broth, milk, butter, and salt to a boil.
- Gradually add the flour, stirring continuously until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a flat surface and knead while warm until smooth.
3. Shape the Coxinha
- Pinch off a piece of dough (about the size of a large egg) and roll it into a ball.
- Flatten the dough and spoon some filling into the centre.
- Wrap the dough around the filling, shaping it into a teardrop or pear shape.
4. Coat and Fry
- Dip each Coxinha into the beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil to 350°F (180°C) and deep-fry until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Where to Buy Ready-Made Coxinha
If you prefer a quicker option, you can purchase ready-made frozen Coxinha from [Emporio Brasil](https://www.emporio-brasil.com/). They offer a variety of Coxinha packs, including Beth’s Coxinha, which comes in both mini and full-size versions - Emporio Brasil](https://www.emporio-brasil.com/products/beths-coxinha-50-pack) – Emporio Brasil](https://www.emporio-brasil.com/products/beths-coxinha-full-size-4-pack?variant=47488140738904). Additionally, Emporio Brasil stocks ingredients for making your own Coxinha at home.
Whether you make them from scratch or buy them frozen, Coxinha is a delightful treat that brings a taste of Brazil to your kitchen. Enjoy! 🍗✨