Teeny-Weeny Coxinha
This fun Brazilian street food is traditionally formed into the shape of a drumstick to represent the main filling ingredient: chicken. In fact, coxinha (pronounced co-SHEEN-ya) means little chicken drumsticks in Portuguese. We like to make them extra mini for snacking.
This fun Brazilian street food is traditionally formed into the shape of a drumstick to represent the main filling ingredient: chicken. In fact, coxinha (pronounced co-SHEEN-ya) means little chicken drumsticks in Portuguese. We like to make them extra mini for snacking.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 1 large chicken breast
- 1/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 celery rib, quartered
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 quart vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 onion, peeled and quartered
- 1 carrot, peeled and quartered
- 8 ounces packaged cream cheese, softened
- 1 ear corn, kernels cut off the cob
- 1 cup plain italian bread crumbs
- Carbohydrate 17 g(6%)
- Cholesterol 28 mg(9%)
- Fat 16 g(24%)
- Fiber 1 g(5%)
- Protein 6 g(13%)
- Saturated Fat 3 g(17%)
- Sodium 265 mg(11%)
- Calories 233
Step-by-step
- In a large pot, preheat oil to 350°F. In another large pot, combine broth, onions, carrots, and celery and bring to a simmer. Carefully add chicken, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Poach chicken for 12 to 15 minutes, or until just cooked through. Turn off heat, but leave the pot of hot poaching liquid on the stove. Remove chicken from liquid and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- For the filling, finely chop or shred chicken into a large mixing bowl. Add cream cheese, corn, green onions, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Fold to combine.
- Strain 1 1/2 cups of the poaching liquid and discard the rest. In a saucepan over high heat, bring reserved liquid and oil to a boil. Add flour and stir vigorously until dough forms. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 5 minutes. Roll out to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out small rounds using a 3-inch circle cutter or the rim of a round cup. Place a small scoop (about 1 tablespoon) of the filling in the center of each round. Pinch dough together at the top to seal, creating plump little teardrop-shaped pouches. In a small bowl, lightly whisk eggs and milk together. Place bread crumbs in another small bowl. Carefully dip each pouch into the egg wash and then the bread crumbs until fully coated. Fry coxinha in small batches for 7 to 9 minutes, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels, lightly season with salt, and serve hot.
Teeny-Weeny Coxinha: A Brazilian Snacking Adventure
As a busy working mom, I’m always on the lookout for quick, delicious, and fun snacks that I can whip up for my family. This recipe for teeny-weeny coxinha completely stole my heart! Not only are they adorable, perfectly bite-sized, but the taste is unbelievably addictive. These little Brazilian chicken drumsticks (that’s what "coxinha" means!) are a delightful twist on traditional appetizers, perfect for parties, potlucks, or a simple weeknight treat.
I first discovered coxinha during a trip to Brazil. I was captivated by the vibrant street food scene, and these little savory pastries stood out. The crispy exterior gave way to a creamy, flavorful chicken filling – it was pure perfection! The challenge was finding a way to make them at home, without spending hours in the kitchen. That's where the "teeny-weeny" part comes in. I adapted the recipe to create smaller, more manageable portions, which makes the cooking process much faster without compromising the incredible taste. And let me tell you, the mini size is perfect for snacking; you can easily pop several in your mouth without feeling overly full.
The preparation itself is surprisingly straightforward, even for a novice cook like myself. It's all about layering flavors and textures. The perfectly poached chicken provides a tender base for the creamy filling. The addition of corn, green onions, and garlic creates a burst of fresh flavors that complements the richness of the cream cheese beautifully. The dough is incredibly easy to work with, and rolling it out thin ensures that every bite is a balance of crispy shell and delicious chicken filling. And let's not forget the satisfying crunch you get from the breadcrumb coating!
One of the best things about these teeny-weeny coxinhas is their versatility. They can be served hot, straight out of the fryer, or made ahead of time and frozen for later. The freezing process doesn't affect their deliciousness at all; simply pop them in the fryer straight from the freezer, and you'll have a batch of crispy, warm treats ready in minutes. This makes them ideal for meal prepping or having a quick snack on hand during busy weeks. I’ve even started incorporating them into my kids’ lunchboxes – they’re a hit with the whole family!
Beyond the ease of preparation and deliciousness, the sheer joy of creating these little nuggets is a bonus. The process of shaping them into teardrop forms is both therapeutic and fun. It's a great activity to do with children, allowing them to participate in the kitchen and creating lasting memories while enjoying a tasty snack. Plus, the look of these little golden-brown delights on a platter is impressive, no matter the occasion.
So, if you're looking for a unique and delicious snack to add to your repertoire, or a fun and flavorful treat for your next gathering, look no further than teeny-weeny coxinhas. Trust me, once you try them, they'll become a staple in your kitchen, too. The combination of crispy dough, succulent chicken filling, and irresistible flavor is an absolute winner, and the convenience makes it perfect for any busy lifestyle. Prepare to be amazed by this surprisingly simple recipe that delivers big on taste and satisfaction.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying. Fry in small batches to ensure even browning and crispy results.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference. Feel free to add more garlic, pepper, or any other herbs you enjoy.
- Get creative with fillings. While the classic chicken filling is divine, you can experiment with other meats or even vegetarian options.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Aioli, chimichurri, or even a simple sriracha mayo would be fantastic additions.
These teeny-weeny coxinhas aren't just a snack; they're an experience. They’re a taste of Brazil, a moment of joy in the kitchen, and a delicious treat that everyone will love. Give them a try – you won't regret it!
