Chicken Coxinha with Cream Cheese: An Irresistible, Easy Recipe

Chicken Coxinha with Cream Cheese: an irresistible, easy recipe and one of the most loved treats in Brazilian cuisine. This version of the classic coxinha, filled with shredded chicken and creamy cheese, is perfect for any occasion — a party, an afternoon snack, or even a quick meal. In this article, we share a detailed chicken coxinha with cream cheese recipe, including tips, variations, and a nutrition table. Get ready to learn every secret to making the best chicken coxinha with cream cheese you have ever tasted.

Ingredients

To prepare chicken coxinha with cream cheese, you will need the following ingredients:

Dough Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 chicken bouillon cubes
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• Salt to taste

Filling Ingredients

• 500g (17.6 oz / 1.1 lb) cooked, shredded chicken breast
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons good-quality olive oil
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 200g (7 oz) good-quality creamy cheese (Brazilian requeijão)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh herbs (parsley and green onion) to taste

Breading and Frying Ingredients

• 2 beaten eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Filling

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until golden.
2. Add the Chicken: Add the shredded chicken and mix well.
3. Stir in the Tomato Sauce: Add the tomato sauce and season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs to taste. Cook for a few minutes until everything is well combined.
4. Add the Cream Cheese: Remove from the heat and mix the creamy cheese into the chicken. Set aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Dough

1. Boil the Liquids: In a large pan, place the water, milk, chicken bouillon cubes, and butter. Bring to a boil.
2. Stir in the Flour: As soon as it boils, add the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms that pulls away from the bottom of the pan.
3. Cook the Dough: Keep cooking the dough for a few minutes so it cooks through. Remove from the heat and let it cool.

Step 3: Shaping the Coxinhas

1. Shape the Dough: With hands greased with oil or margarine, take small portions of dough, roll into balls, then flatten them in your palm.
2. Fill the Coxinhas: Place a portion of the chicken-and-cheese filling in the center and close the dough, shaping it like a drumstick (coxinha).
3. Bread the Coxinhas: Dip the coxinhas in the beaten eggs and then in breadcrumbs, coating all sides well.

Step 4: Frying the Coxinhas

1. Heat the Oil: In a deep pan, heat enough oil to cover the coxinhas.
2. Fry the Coxinhas: Fry the coxinhas in hot oil until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Yield and Prep Time

• Yield: About 30 coxinhas
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Coxinha with Cream Cheese

Although it is a fried treat, chicken coxinha with cream cheese can provide important nutrients, such as protein from the chicken, calcium from the cheese, and vitamins and minerals from the herbs and seasonings used.

Nutrition Facts

Below is the nutrition table for one serving of chicken coxinha with cream cheese (about 80g / 2.8 oz per piece):

Component	Amount per Serving (80g)
Calories	200 kcal
Carbohydrates	20 g
Protein	10 g
Total Fat	10 g
Saturated Fat	3 g
Trans Fat	0 g
Dietary Fiber	1 g
Sodium	300 mg
Calcium	50 mg
Iron	1 mg

Tips for Perfect Chicken Coxinha with Cream Cheese

• Smooth, Uniform Dough: Stir the dough well so it is smooth and lump-free.
• Creamy Filling: Be generous with the creamy cheese to guarantee a rich, creamy, tasty filling.
• Frying Just Right: Fry the coxinhas in hot oil, but do not let them burn. They should be golden and crispy outside, soft inside.

Recipe Variations

The chicken coxinha with cream cheese recipe can be adapted in many ways to please every taste:

• Chicken Coxinha with Catupiry: Replace the creamy cheese with Catupiry for an even richer flavor.
• Chicken and Cheese Coxinha: Add pieces of cheese to the chicken filling for an extra touch of creaminess.
• Vegetarian Coxinha: Replace the chicken with hearts of palm or sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian version.

Serving Suggestions and Sides

Chicken coxinha with cream cheese is delicious on its own, but it can be served with many sides to make your meal even more special:

• Sauces: Serve with assorted sauces, such as hot sauce, ketchup, seasoned mayonnaise, or mustard.
• Salads: Pair with a fresh green-leaf salad to balance the plate.
• Drinks: A cold drink, such as soda, juice, or beer, perfectly complements the coxinha flavor.

History and Fun Facts About Coxinha

Coxinha is a typical Brazilian snack that became popular in the 1950s and 1960s. Its origin is wrapped in several stories, but the best known says it was created in São Paulo, inspired by European croquettes. Today, it is one of the country’s most loved snacks, found at parties, snack bars, and bakeries.

The cream-cheese version is a more modern adaptation, created to bring even more creaminess and flavor to the traditional snack. Requeijão, a typical Brazilian ingredient, pairs perfectly with chicken, creating an irresistible combination.

Comparison: Traditional Coxinha vs. Coxinha with Cream Cheese

While traditional coxinha is filled only with shredded chicken, the cream-cheese version adds an extra layer of creaminess and flavor. Both are delicious, but chicken coxinha with cream cheese offers a richer, more indulgent experience.

• Traditional Coxinha: Filled only with shredded chicken, it has a simpler, straightforward flavor.
• Coxinha with Cream Cheese: Filled with shredded chicken and creamy cheese, it is creamier and tastier.

Conclusion

Chicken coxinha with cream cheese is a recipe that unites tradition and modernity, offering irresistible flavor and a unique texture. With affordable ingredients and a relatively simple preparation, it is a perfect choice for any occasion. Try making this recipe at home and surprise your family and friends with this delight.

Preparing chicken coxinha with cream cheese is a wonderful way to bring a touch of tradition and flavor to your everyday life. Besides being delicious, it is also a practical, tasty way to enjoy special family moments. Try following this recipe and enjoy every bite of this amazing treat.

We hope you enjoyed this complete guide on how to prepare chicken coxinha with cream cheese. Follow the tips and suggestions presented here to guarantee a perfect, tasty result. Enjoy your meal!

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