Homemade Coxinha Recipe – Brazilian Chicken Croquettes You Will Love

Get ready to try one of the most popular snacks in Brazil: crispy, golden croquettes filled with creamy chicken. Coxinha is a classic Brazilian street food, warm and crunchy on the outside with a soft, flavorful filling.

Recently, I’ve been cooking my way through some of Brazil’s iconic dishes. I started with feijoada, the rich black bean stew, and then tried moqueca, a creamy fish stew with coconut milk and peppers.

I even cooked a few cuts of picanha, the juicy Brazilian steak that’s famous for its tenderness.

This time, I decided to go for something simple. There is a reason why people in Brazil love coxinha(pronounced koh-SHEEN-yuh). You will see why in the following recipe.

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Homemade Coxinha Recipe

Coxinhas are a popular Brazilian snack, featuring a savory chicken filling encased in a smooth, buttery dough and deep-fried to perfection.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Chilling Dough 1 hour hr

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine Brazilian

Servings 2 People

Calories 160 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Medium saucepan
• 1 Large frying pan or pot
• 1 Mixing bowls
• 1 Large spoon or spatula
• 1 Slotted spoon (for frying)
• 1 Deep frying thermometer Optional
• 1 Paper towels
• 1 Small bowls for breading setup
• 1 Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

  

For the Dough

• 2 Cups Chicken Broth
• 1½ Cups All-Purpose Flour
• 2 Tbsp Butter
• ½ Tsp Salt

For the Filling

• 1½ Cups Cooked shredded chicken breast
• ¼ Cup Cream cheese
• ¼ Cup Chopped onions
• 1 Clove Clove garlic minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped optional

For Breading and Frying

• 2 Eggs beaten
• 1 Cup bread crumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Dough

  In a medium saucepan, combine chicken broth, butter, and salt.

  Bring to a boil over medium heat.

  Once boiling, add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a spatula until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pot, about 3-5 minutes. The dough should be smooth and pliable.

  Remove from heat and let the dough cool for 15-20 minutes or until it’s cool enough to handle.
  
• Make the Filling

  In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, chopped onions, and minced garlic.

  Mix well until the filling is creamy and well combined.

  Season with salt, pepper, and parsley or cilantro to taste.
  
• Shape the Coxinhas

  With slightly oiled hands, take a small ball of dough (about the size of a golf ball) and flatten it in your palm.

  Place a spoonful of chicken filling in the center of the dough.

  Carefully close the dough around the filling and shape it into a teardrop or drumstick shape, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed.

  Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
  
• Bread the Coxinhas

  Set up two small bowls: one with beaten eggs and the other with bread crumbs.

  Dip each coxinha in the beaten eggs, then roll in bread crumbs, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
  
• Fry the Coxinhas

  In a large frying pan or pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat (to around 350°F, if using a thermometer).

  Fry the coxinhas in batches for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown on all sides.

  Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to paper towels to drain.
  

Video

Notes

• Avoid overcrowding the frying pan to ensure even cooking.
• Chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes in the fridge makes it easier to handle and shape.
• Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature—too hot, and the dough will brown too fast; too cool, and the croquettes will absorb too much oil.

Keyword Appetizers, Brazilian Cuisine, Chicken Recipe, Deep Fried, Party Snacks

Serving Suggestions for Coxinha

Dipping Sauces

• Classic Garlic Aioli: A creamy garlic dip that complements the savory filling with a smooth, rich taste.
• Spicy Brazilian Mayo: Blend mayonnaise with a splash of sriracha or Brazilian pimenta hot sauce for a mild, flavorful kick.
• Fresh Chimichurri: This herb-based sauce made with parsley, garlic, and vinegar brings a zesty, fresh contrast to the rich croquettes.
• Brazilian Ketchup & Pimenta Sauce: Authentic and simple, this duo is a classic pairing for coxinha in Brazil. Try a tangy ketchup alongside a mild, fruity hot sauce for a traditional touch.

Side Salad

• Citrus Avocado Salad: Toss mixed greens with sliced avocado, orange segments, and thinly sliced red onion, dressed with a light lime vinaigrette.
• Simple Tomato & Herb Salad: Combine fresh, ripe tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and red onion, then season with a pinch of sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil or lime juice.

Brazilian Snack Spread

• Pão de Queijo: Brazilian cheese bread that’s warm, chewy, and perfect alongside coxinha.
• Pastel: Small, fried pastries stuffed with fillings like cheese, ground beef, or hearts of palm add another layer of texture and flavor.
• Brigadeiros: These chocolate truffles are a sweet finish, balancing out the savory flavors of the other snacks.

Perfect Pairing Drinks

• Guaraná Soda: This lightly sweet, fruity soda is a popular Brazilian favorite and goes well with fried foods.
• Caipirinha: Brazil’s classic cocktail made with cachaça, fresh lime, and sugar, adds a refreshing tartness that pairs nicely with coxinha.
• Iced Passion Fruit Juice (Suco de Maracujá): Known for its tropical, tangy taste, passion fruit juice is refreshing and complements the salty, savory flavors.

Last Words

Coxinha brings Brazil’s street food right into your kitchen.

The recipe you just read gives you the basics to make them, but don’t hesitate to make it your own. Try different dips, tweak the spices, or even experiment with fillings. These little croquettes are perfect for a snack, a gathering, or just treating yourself to something delicious and different.

I hope you enjoy making (and eating) these as much as I do. Enjoy!

Next on the menu – Brigadeiros