If you’re searching for a new party favorite or a way to reinvent classic comfort food, Chicken Pot Pie Croquettes are about to become your new obsession. Imagine everything you love about a steamy chicken pot pie—tender chicken, creamy filling, and cozy vegetables—but reimagined in bite-sized, golden-fried croquettes that deliver crunch and nostalgia in every bite. These croquettes transform beloved flavors into hand-held treats, making them perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or whenever you crave something extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Chicken Pot Pie Croquettes is refreshingly simple, yet each item packs an essential punch. Every component works together to deliver the ultimate balance of flavor, texture, and irresistible crispness. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you’ll love each piece of the puzzle.
- Cooked Chicken (2 cups, shredded): Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver, but any cooked chicken will work, giving structure and heartiness to the filling.
- Mixed Vegetables (1 cup, peas, carrots, corn): These classic pot pie veggies bring color, sweetness, and subtle crunch to each croquette.
- Mashed Potatoes (1 cup): This acts as a creamy binder, keeping the filling rich and moist while adding a faithful pot pie touch.
- Chicken Broth (½ cup): Provides a savory backbone for the filling, enhancing that quintessential pot pie flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup for roux, 1 cup for dredging): The roux thickens the sauce and the extra flour ensures the croquettes hold their shape during frying.
- Unsalted Butter (¼ cup): Adds deep richness to both the sauce and the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon) & Onion Powder (½ teaspoon): These pantry staples make every bite slightly more aromatic and savory.
- Salt and Pepper: To season everything just right—taste as you go for perfect balance.
- Panko Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Their extra crunch delivers that irresistible outer shell after frying.
- Eggs (2, beaten): The magic adhesive that helps the breadcrumbs cling to every inch of the croquettes.
- Vegetable Oil (for frying): Choose a neutral oil for frying to ensure a crispy, golden finish without added flavor.
How to Make Chicken Pot Pie Croquettes
Step 1: Create the Savory Roux
Start by melting your butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s foamy, then whisk in the flour. Let it cook for about a minute—it’ll bubble up and turn lightly golden. The key is to keep stirring so nothing scorches. You’re building a base that will make your filling thick and creamy, just like classic pot pie.
Step 2: Whisk Together a Velvety Sauce
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly, making sure there are no lumps. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture until it thickens into a luscious sauce, then take it off the heat. This step delivers that distinctive chicken pot pie flavor in every single croquette.
Step 3: Mix in Chicken, Vegetables, and Potatoes
Fold the shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, and mashed potatoes into the sauce. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape but still moist—if it feels too loose, add a little more mashed potato. Set aside and let it cool completely. This is what gives Chicken Pot Pie Croquettes their rich, hearty core.
Step 4: Shape and Chill the Croquettes
With cool hands, form the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds or small ovals and place them onto a lined baking sheet. Once shaped, pop them into the fridge for at least 30 minutes; this crucial step helps them firm up so they won’t fall apart during frying.
Step 5: Dredge and Coat for Crunch
Set up your dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Start by rolling each croquette in flour, dip it in egg to coat all sides, then roll it in panko until every bit is covered. The triple coating creates a crunchy, golden shell for your Chicken Pot Pie Croquettes.
Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F. Fry the croquettes in batches, giving them enough space to brown up evenly. Each will need about 3–4 minutes per side to get perfectly crisp and golden. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any extra oil.
How to Serve Chicken Pot Pie Croquettes
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way! Sprinkle your Chicken Pot Pie Croquettes with finely chopped fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and an herbal touch. For a bolder finish, try a dusting of cracked black pepper or even a pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving.
Side Dishes
These croquettes are pure comfort on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with fresh green salads, creamy coleslaw, or classic pickles to cut through the richness. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a bowl of warm soup or roasted seasonal vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your imagination run wild! Serve Chicken Pot Pie Croquettes on a platter with little bowls of dipping sauces like herbed ranch, honey mustard, or spicy aioli. For parties, stack them on a rustic board with mini skewers or cocktail picks—guests will love grabbing their own. You can even tuck them into slider buns with lettuce for a playful, comfort-filled snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Chicken Pot Pie Croquettes (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Layer parchment or wax paper between croquettes to keep their coating crisp.
Freezing
Chicken Pot Pie Croquettes freeze beautifully. Arrange uncooked, breaded croquettes on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. When a craving strikes, fry them straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to your cooking time.
Reheating
To restore their trademark crunch, reheat croquettes in a 375°F oven for about 12 minutes, or air fry until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy, and always check the center to make sure they’re heated through before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or another meat instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Turkey is a fantastic substitute, especially if you have leftovers around the holidays. You can even use chopped ham or cooked mushrooms for a different twist.
How do I keep my croquettes from falling apart while frying?
Making sure your filling is completely cool and firming the croquettes in the fridge are essential. A proper panko coating also acts as a shield, helping each Chicken Pot Pie Croquette hold its shape and develop a crisp, golden crust.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! If you’d like a lighter alternative, arrange the breaded croquettes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, mist lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F for around 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
What dipping sauces pair well with Chicken Pot Pie Croquettes?
Classic ranch and honey mustard are always crowd-pleasers, but don’t overlook other fun options like sriracha mayo, garlic aioli, or a tangy dill sauce. Each will highlight a new aspect of the nostalgic filling!
Can I make these in advance for a party?
Definitely! Assemble and bread your croquettes beforehand, then refrigerate until ready to fry. You can also freeze them, frying just before guests arrive so they’re piping hot and crispy fresh from the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Pot Pie Croquettes are a celebration of comfort and creativity, packed with all the familiar flavors you adore in every crispy bite. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, give these croquettes a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear! Don’t be surprised if they become your most-requested recipe.
Print
Chicken Pot Pie Croquettes Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 croquettes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Chicken Pot Pie Croquettes are a delightful twist on the classic comfort food. Crispy on the outside and filled with a creamy, savory mixture of chicken, vegetables, and mashed potatoes, these bites are perfect for a party or as a tasty appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Croquettes:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add chicken broth and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Fold in chicken, vegetables, and mashed potatoes.
- Shape the Croquettes: Form the mixture into balls or ovals, refrigerate to firm up.
- Dredge and Fry: Roll croquettes in flour, dip in egg, then coat in panko. Fry until golden brown.
Notes
- Enhance with thyme or sage for extra flavor.
- Freeze before frying for make-ahead convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croquette
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
