How to Make Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes

Howard Johnson's has had superb chicken croquettes for decades---and now you can duplicate that great taste in the convenience of your own home. The signature recipe is simple to follow and requires easy-to-find ingredients, although you may have to run to the grocery store to get panko breadcrumbs. Nonetheless, in an hour and a half you will have your Howard Johnson's chicken croquettes.

Things You'll Need

• Salt
• Black pepper
• 8 tablespoons butter
• Three stalks diced celery
• 1/2 cup flour
• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Cayenne pepper
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Spoon
• Clean plates
• A half an onion, diced
• Two cloves chopped or minced garlic
• Baking sheet
• Paper towels
• Pinch dry thyme leaves
• 1 cup heated milk
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Panko bread crumbs
• White pepper
• Oil, for deep-frying

Instructions

1. Rinse the chicken breasts and set them on a paper towel to dry. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Put the chicken on a greased baking sheet and sprinkle it with salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper, then add the thyme leaves.

2. Place the baking sheet into the oven for 15 minutes to roast the chicken breasts.

3. Place the butter in a heated saucepan. Once melted, add the onion, salt, pepper and celery. Cook for two minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

4. Add the flour to the butter, stirring it to coat the vegetables. Continue stirring the mixture consistently for four more minutes. Pour in the warmed milk while whisking, then simmer on the stovetop for about eight minutes.

5. Chop up the roasted chicken into large pieces. Put the pieces into a food processor and pulse until the chicken is finely chopped. Put the pieces into a bowl, then add the saucepan contents. Add the chopped parsley and stir it up to mix thoroughly. The best way to combine the mixture is to knead it with your hands.

6. Create and mold the mixture into small balls. Roll each ball in the panko bread crumbs and place them on wax paper that is on a baking sheet. Place in the refrigerator to let the croquettes set for about one hour before you deep-fry them.

7. Place each croquette into the deep fryer (make sure it is at least 325 degrees Fahrenheit) and cook them until the croquettes are golden brown. If you prefer them to be darker, keep them in the fryer a couple minutes longer. Remove the croquettes from the deep fryer and set on a clean plate.

Tips & Warnings

• Top with creamed mushrooms if desired for added flavor.

References

• Howard Johnson's Food Information