Season 09 - Lunch / S09L20
Croquetas de Pollo with Cilantro Mayo
Story
The sun had just started to peek through the wooden blinds of Don Luis’s kitchen when the scent of shredded chicken, garlic, and onion began to dance through the air. He wore his signature jean-and-leather apron, a gift from his grandson, and hummed an old bolero as he stirred the creamy béchamel. Croquetas remind me of those days when nothing was wasted—only transformed,” he said, smiling. As Luna curled up at his feet and Toby sniffed around for fallen breadcrumbs, Don Luis shaped the croquettes with the same care he used to roll marbles as a child in Puerto Rico. He whisked together a zesty cilantro mayo, and just like that, his abuela’s legacy had a modern twist. 🌿🐓🥖 Time, Calories & Cost
Ingredients
- For the Croquetas:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 4 tbsp butter
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.25 cup finely diced onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk, warm
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 0.5 cup grated mozzarella or manchego (optional for gooey joy)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Pinch of paprika or cayenne (optional kick)
- For the Cilantro Mayo:
- 1 cup fresh cilantro (packed)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- 1Make the béchamel base: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add onions and garlic, cook until translucent (2–3 min). Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in warm milk until thick and smooth.
- 2Add chicken & cheese: Fold in the shredded chicken and optional cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let mixture cool completely (chilling 1–2 hours makes shaping easier).
- 3Shape & bread: Form mixture into oval or round croquetas. Dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. Repeat if extra crispy is your thing. 😋
- 4Fry time: Heat oil in a pan (~350°F/175°C). Fry croquetas in batches until golden (2–3 min per side). Drain on paper towels.
- 5Cilantro mayo: Blend all mayo ingredients until smooth and creamy. Chill before serving.
- 6Serve: Stack those croquetas high with a ramekin of cilantro mayo in the center. Cue the salsa music! 🕺🏽🎶
About the narrator
Don Luis · A character for three generations
Don Luis is the brand character and narrator for this catalog: a warm voice for Puerto Rican family recipes tested by the real creator behind the brand. The project carries three generations of flavor and writes each recipe step by step so any kid can follow it.
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