Coxinha Recipe (Brazilian Chicken Croquettes)
Coxinha is a popular Brazilian street food made with a soft dough filled with creamy shredded chicken, shaped like a teardrop, breaded, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. This authentic Brazilian coxinha recipe is perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Coxinha Recipe
- Authentic Brazilian flavor ๐ง๐ท
- Crispy outside, creamy chicken filling inside
- Perfect for freezing and meal prep
- Great snack for parties and gatherings
What Is Coxinha?
Coxinha (pronounced koh-SHEEN-yah) means “little thigh” in Portuguese. The snack is shaped like a chicken drumstick and traditionally filled with seasoned shredded chicken and cream cheese, then fried to perfection.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup cream cheese (or Brazilian requeijรฃo)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dough
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Salt to taste
For Coating
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups breadcrumbs
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
How to Make Coxinha (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare the Chicken Filling
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sautรฉ onion until soft, then add garlic and cook briefly. Stir in tomato sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add shredded chicken and mix well. Remove from heat and fold in cream cheese and parsley. Let the filling cool completely.
2. Make the Dough
In a saucepan, bring chicken broth and butter to a boil. Add salt, then reduce heat and add flour all at once. Stir vigorously until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the pan. Let the dough cool until warm enough to handle.
3. Shape the Coxinhas
Take a small portion of dough and flatten it in your palm. Add a spoonful of chicken filling, then close and shape into a teardrop (drumstick shape).
4. Bread the Coxinhas
Dip each coxinha into beaten eggs, then roll in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
5. Fry Until Golden
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry coxinhas in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Serving Suggestions
Serve coxinha hot with:
- Hot sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Ketchup or chili mayo
Perfect for snacks, parties, or game day!
Storage & Freezing Tips
- Refrigerator: Store cooked coxinhas for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Freeze un-fried coxinhas for up to 3 months
- Fry directly from frozen for best results
Nutrition Facts
Approximate nutrition per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 16g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the size of the coxinhas, filling, breading, and amount of oil absorbed during frying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is coxinha Brazilian?
Yes, coxinha is a classic Brazilian street food, commonly found in bakeries and snack bars across Brazil.
Can I bake coxinha instead of frying?
Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, brushing lightly with oil for crispiness.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can use ricotta cheese or omit it for a more traditional shredded chicken filling.
Can coxinha be made ahead?
Absolutely! Shape and freeze them, then fry when needed.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
- Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pรฃo de Queijo)
- Chicken Croquettes
- Empanadas de Pollo
- Arancini (Italian Rice Balls)
- Fried Chicken Dumplings
Final Thoughts
Coxinha is one of Brazil's most beloved snacks, featuring a golden, crispy exterior wrapped around a savory, creamy chicken filling. The contrast between the crunchy coating and tender, flavorful center makes every bite incredibly satisfying.
These homemade coxinhas are perfect for parties, appetizers, afternoon snacks, game days, or casual gatherings. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy a delicious taste of Brazilian street-food culture right at home. Once you master the shaping and frying, homemade Coxinha is sure to become a favorite for family and friends.

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