Crispy Chicken Croquettes Recipe with Vegan Cheese Filling

Want a snack that really delivers? Crunch outside. Tender inside. A melty, cheesy center. These chicken croquettes hit every craving.

They’re great for family nights, game days, or a small-party starter. Simple ingredients. Straightforward steps. Big payoff. And yes, we’ll show how to solidify cooking oil for hygienic leftover oil disposal, so cleanup stays easy.

Ingredients for Chicken Croquettes Recipe

The list below can make 12–14 croquettes and may serve 4–6 people.

For croquette base

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup mashed potatoes
½ cup breadcrumbs, plus more for coating
¼ cup nutritional yeast (adds “cheesy” depth)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cheese center

½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
1 tsp chopped chives (optional)

For frying

3–4 cups neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or sunflower)
FryAway Deep Fry (chosen for this oil volume to solidify after use)

Let’s Make The Most Delicious Fried Chicken Croquettes

First, a quick roadmap. Mix the base. Chill for a short set. Shape around the filling. Coat well. Fry to a deep golden crisp. That’s the flow.

1. Mix and Chill.

Add chicken, mashed potatoes, breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, and pepper to a large bowl.
Stir until the mixture looks consistent and holds together when pressed.
Refrigerate 10–15 minutes. This brief chill makes shaping clean and easy.

2. Shape and Fill.

Scoop around 2 tablespoons of the mix into your palm.
Flatten to an oval. Add 1 teaspoon of cheese to the center, along with chives if using.
Fold the edges over the cheese. Pinch to seal. Roll into a neat cylinder or oval.
Coat each piece in extra breadcrumbs. Press gently so the crumbs adhere.

3. Fry to Crisp Perfection.

Fill a deep pot with 3–4 cups of oil. Heat to 350°F (175°C)
Work in small batches. Crowding cools the oil and softens the crust.
Place the croquettes into the oil and cook for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even color.
They’re done when the shells are richly golden and firm.
Lift to a wire rack or paper-towel-lined tray to drain.

Air-fryer option: Lightly spray or brush with oil. Cook at 390°F for 10–12 minutes, turning once, until crisp.

Some Serving Ideas Beyond Just Fried Croquettes Recipe

Bring the croquettes to the table while they’re still singing with crunch.
Offer ketchup, smoky chipotle mayo, or garlic aioli on the side.
A squeeze of lemon wakes up the flavors. A pinch of flaky salt seals the deal.

Pro Tips for Consistent Crunch

Keep the filling on the drier side. Extra moisture weakens the crust.
Seal the croquettes well so the cheese stays tucked inside.
Always drain on a wire rack. Airflow keeps the bottoms crisp.
Holding for guests? Keep finished croquettes on a rack in a 250°F oven for a short time.

The Cleanest Finish: How to Solidify Cooking Oil?

Used oil doesn’t belong in the sink or the yard. Pipes clog. Waterways suffer. Here’s the quick, safe method for cooking oil disposal with FryAway:

Sprinkle & Stir – While the leftover oil is still warm, add FryAway Deep Fry and stir until dissolved.
Cool Down – Let the pot sit. As it cools, the oil becomes a firm solid.
Scoop & Toss – Lift out the solid block and place it in the trash. No jars. No drips.

Ready to Fry Another Batch?

Crunch outside. Creamy center. Clean kitchen. That’s the win. These chicken croquettes deliver comfort without the fuss. Serve them hot. Pass the dips. When you’re done, solidify cooking oil with FryAway and call it a good night. Easy cook. Easier cleanup.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I prepare the croquettes ahead of time and fry them later?

Yes. Shape and bread them, then chill for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze on a tray, then bag. Fry from frozen and add 1–2 minutes.

2. My mixture feels too soft. How do I fix it?

Stir in a tablespoon of breadcrumbs at a time until it holds. A quick 10–15 minute chill also firms the mix for cleaner shaping.

3. Which oil is best for this fried croquettes recipe?

Use a neutral, high-heat oil, such as vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil. Set a temperature of around 350°F (175°C) for even browning and reduced greasiness.

4. How do I get a louder crunch on chicken croquettes?

Double coat: dip the shaped croquettes in a little beaten egg, then coat them again with breadcrumbs. Fry in small batches and drain on a wire rack, not paper.

5. What’s the clean way to dispose of frying oil?

Don’t pour it down the drain. While the oil is warm (not hot), stir in FryAway Deep Fry. Let it set firm, then discard the solid waste. That’s how to solidify cooking oil without mess or clogged pipes.