Coxinha (Brazilian Arancini)
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Coxinha is a beloved Brazilian snack that’s the perfect bite-sized appetizer, crisp on the outside and filled with a savory, rich chicken mixture. Often compared to arancini, these golden beauties are shaped like chicken drumsticks and packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something delicious, coxinhas are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 300g |
| Carrot | 1 |
| Celery | 1 stalk |
| Onion | 1 (half finely chopped) |
| Tomato passata | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 2 cloves (minced) |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tablespoons (chopped) |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | As needed |
| Salt | As needed |
| Black pepper | As needed |
| Chicken broth | 400ml |
| All-purpose flour | 250g |
| Whole milk | 125ml |
| Butter | 50g |
| Egg yolk | 1 |
| Additional all-purpose flour | 50g |
| Additional whole milk | 75ml |
| Bread crumbs | As needed |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken Filling:
Start by cutting the chicken breast into small chunks. Peel and chop the onion, then peel and chop the carrot and celery into pieces. Set these vegetables aside. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot. Add one garlic clove, either crushed or finely chopped, and sauté until fragrant. Add the half onion, chopped, and let it cook for around 10 minutes until softened and translucent. -
Add Tomato and Chicken:
Stir in the tomato passata and allow it to cook for a few minutes, letting the flavors blend. Next, add the chopped chicken breast, stirring well. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. -
Simmer and Flavor:
Add the chicken broth to the pot along with the bay leaves. Stir everything together and let it simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. -
Finish the Chicken Mixture:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. Remove the bay leaves, then chop the chicken mixture finely and mix in the fresh parsley. -
Prepare the Dough:
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly add the whole milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Once the mixture thickens into a smooth dough-like consistency, remove from heat and let it cool slightly. -
Combine and Shape:
Add the egg yolk to the dough and mix thoroughly. Once the dough has cooled, take a portion about the size of your palm (around 50 grams) and flatten it slightly with your hands. Use your thumb to make a small indentation in the center and fill it with approximately 10 grams of the prepared chicken filling. Carefully seal the dough around the filling and shape it into a small drumstick-like form. -
Prepare for Frying:
In a shallow bowl, create a batter by combining the remaining milk and all-purpose flour. Place the breadcrumbs in another shallow bowl. Dip each formed coxinha into the batter and then coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumbs. -
Fry the Coxinhas:
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan over medium heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, dip the tip of a wooden skewer into the oil—if it bubbles around the skewer, the oil is ready for frying. Carefully place the coxinhas into the hot oil one by one, frying for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. -
Drain and Serve:
Once fried, remove the coxinhas from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve the coxinhas hot, and enjoy the crispy, savory goodness of these Brazilian treats.
Coxinhas are perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special events. Their crisp, golden exterior contrasts beautifully with the flavorful, tender chicken filling inside. These delightful snacks can be prepared ahead of time and fried just before serving, ensuring you always have a warm, irresistible appetizer ready to impress your guests.
