Chicken Croquettes

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  Vegetable oil(15g)
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  Ground Chicken(454g)

  Usually near ground turkey in the meat section. Check fat % on label.

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  ½ tsp salt ($0.02)
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  ¼ Tsp Black Pepper (Freshly Cracked, $0.04)
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  Garlic powder(3g)
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  Butter(30g)
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  Flour, All-Purpose, White(45g)
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  Whole Milk(240g)
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  ½ tsp salt ($0.02)
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  ¼ Tsp Black Pepper (Freshly Cracked, $0.04)
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  Garlic powder(3g)
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  ¼ tsp onion powder ($0.01)
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  ¼ tsp dried parsley ($0.01)
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  Vegetable oil(480g)
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  Flour, All-Purpose, White(60g)
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  Egg, Whole, Large(50g)
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  2 Tbsp water ($0.00)
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  Bread Crumbs, Panko, Dry(240g)

Instructions

1. 1Gather and prepare all ingredients.
2. 2Heat the vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground chicken, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, and ½ tsp garlic powder.
3. 3Cook the chicken for about 8 minutes, breaking it up as you go, until fully cooked and no longer pink. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked chicken to a medium bowl and set aside.
4. 4Wipe out the skillet. Melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add 3 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute.
5. 5Slowly add the milk, whisking as you go. Continue whisking for about 2 minutes until thick and smooth.
6. 6Turn off the heat and whisk in the remaining ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley.
7. 7Pour the sauce on top of the ground chicken and fold to combine. Place the bowl in the refrigerator to cool for at least 30 minutes.
8. 8Once the croquette mixture is cold, pull the bowl from the refrigerator. Using a 1/8 cup (or 2 tablespoons), evenly divide and shape the croquettes into 14 ovals. Place them on a parchment-lined plate. Place the plate in the freezer for at least 2 hours.
9. 9After two hours, start preheating the vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium-low heat. Grab 4 medium bowls or shallow dishes. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the egg and 2 tablespoons of water. In the third bowl, add the panko. Leave the last bowl/plate empty.
10. 10Pull the croquettes from the freezer. Roll each oval in flour, covering all sides, and transfer it to the egg bowl. Roll it in the egg wash, letting any extra drip off, then transfer to the panko. Roll the croquettes and press them to ensure full coverage. Place them on the empty plate until all are breaded.
11. 11Heat the oil to 350°F-365°F, turning it up to medium if needed. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the croquettes into the oil. Do not overcrowd the pot, and work in batches. I was able to fit five into my pot at a time.
12. 12Fry, undisturbed for about 2 minutes, until golden brown. Using tongs, gently flip and continue cooking for another 2 minutes.
13. 13Once the croquettes are done, place them on paper towels to drain. Make sure to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F and continue frying until all the ovals are done, then enjoy.