
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsCoxinha is one of Brazil's most iconic street foods and party snacks, featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with cream cheese encased in a smooth, seasoned dough made from chicken broth and flour. The teardrop shape mimics a chicken thigh, which is what coxinha means in Portuguese. These savory croquettes are breaded and deep-fried until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining creamy and flavorful inside. Originally from São Paulo, coxinha has become a national treasure found at every Brazilian celebration, from birthday parties to casual gatherings. The key to authentic coxinha lies in the well-seasoned filling and the perfectly smooth dough that holds its distinctive shape during frying.
Instructions
step by stepPrepare the filling: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add shredded chicken breast to the skillet along with tomato paste, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and fold in cream cheese until fully incorporated. Set aside to cool completely.
Make the dough: In a large saucepan, combine chicken broth, butter, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
Reduce heat to medium-low and add all the flour at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 3-4 minutes.
Transfer dough to a large bowl and let it cool until warm but still pliable, about 10 minutes.
Shape the coxinhas: Lightly oil your hands. Take a golf ball-sized portion of dough and flatten it in your palm to create a small disc.
Place a tablespoon of the chicken filling in the center, then carefully wrap the dough around it, pinching the top to form the characteristic teardrop shape.
Set up breading station: Place beaten eggs in one shallow bowl and breadcrumbs in another.
Dip each coxinha first in the egg wash, ensuring it's fully coated, then roll in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor temperature.
Fry coxinhas in batches of 4-5, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Coxinha de Frango
Golden Brazilian chicken croquettes shaped like teardrops, filled with seasoned shredded chicken and catupiry-style cream cheese, coated in crispy breadcrumbs. A beloved street food snack across Brazil.
Ingredients
Filling
- 500 grams chicken-breast, cooked and shredded
- 4 tablespoons cream-cheese, softened
- 1 pieces onions, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato-paste
- 2 tablespoons olive-oil
- 1 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoons cumin
Dough
- 3 cups flour, all-purpose
- 3 tablespoons butter
Breading
- 3 pieces eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
Frying
- 6 cups vegetable-oil
Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground