Pan Fried Chicken Croquettes

Prepare the White Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. (1 minute)

Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste forms (a roux), about 1 minute. This step is crucial for thickening the sauce and preventing lumps.

Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. (5-10 minutes)

Remove from heat and let cool slightly. (10 minutes)

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, minced onion, dried parsley, garlic powder, celery seed, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.

Add the slightly cooled white sauce to the chicken mixture and stir until everything is well combined. Ensure the sauce is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the chicken mixture to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the mixture to firm up. This makes shaping the croquettes much easier.

Shape the Croquettes: Once the chicken mixture is thoroughly chilled, shape it into 6 equal-sized patties.

Coat the Croquettes: Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Roll each chicken patty in the breadcrumbs, ensuring it is completely coated on all sides. Press gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere.

Fry the Croquettes: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot before adding the croquettes.

Carefully place the breaded chicken patties into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165°F (74°C).

Serve: Remove the cooked croquettes from the skillet and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.