Taste the Tradition: Pennsylvania's Famous Chicken Croquettes Recipe You’ll Love

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In the heart of Pennsylvania, there's a dish that holds a special place in the culinary landscape: the beloved chicken croquette. Whether served at family gatherings or featured at local diners, these crispy bites offer a perfect balance of creamy, savory goodness and crunchy exterior. Pennsylvania chicken croquettes have been a staple for generations, representing comfort food at its finest.

These croquettes are not just an appetizer or snack; they embody a tradition of resourceful home cooking. Made with simple ingredients like leftover chicken, bread crumbs, and a flavorful bechamel sauce, this dish transforms basic leftovers into something truly extraordinary. The golden-brown crust gives way to a creamy interior, where ground chicken blends with herbs and spices, creating a bite that’s both crunchy and soft.

Recipe: Pennsylvania-Style Chicken Croquettes Serves 2, makes 8 croquettes

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. plus 2 tsp. reduced-calorie butter, divided
• 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour, divided
• 1/2 cup skim milk, at room temperature
• 6 oz. cooked, boneless chicken, ground or finely chopped
• 1 packet instant chicken broth and seasoning mix
• 3 tbsp. plain dried bread crumbs
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, heat 1 tbsp. butter over medium heat until bubbly. Add 1 tbsp. flour, stirring constantly, for about a minute. Gradually add milk while stirring, and bring to a boil. Once thickened, reduce heat and stir in the ground chicken. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the instant broth and remaining flour. On wax paper, spread bread crumbs for rolling. Shape the chicken mixture into 8 sausage-like croquettes. Dredge each in the flour mixture, then dip in the beaten egg, and roll in bread crumbs to coat evenly.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Arrange the croquettes on a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Drizzle with the remaining melted butter. Bake for 15 minutes, flip, and bake for another 5 minutes until golden brown.

The beauty of these chicken croquettes lies in their versatility. They're perfect for both casual family dinners and more formal events. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with a light gravy or dipping sauce, each bite is packed with nostalgia and flavor.

In Pennsylvania, the croquette isn't just a dish—it's a symbol of tradition, of making something delicious out of simple, leftover ingredients. Try this recipe at home and bring a piece of Pennsylvania's culinary charm to your table.

You can explore more about chicken croquette variations and other recipes from sources like Taste of Home​(Taste of Home), The Recipe Critic​(The Recipe Critic), and The Kitchen Whisperer​(The Kitchen Whisperer).