If you grew up eating at the famous orange-roofed restaurants, you know the magic of these treats. The Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes Recipe is a legendary comfort food classic.
People traveled miles just to get a taste of these crispy, golden-brown cones. They are crunchy on the outside and incredibly creamy on the inside.
This Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes Recipe brings that nostalgic restaurant flavor right into your own home kitchen. Learning how to make Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes Recipe is easier than you might think!
What Makes This Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes Recipe Special
This dish is a true blast from the past. Most modern chicken nuggets are just processed meat. However, these croquettes use real chicken and a rich, buttery gravy base.
The texture is the real star here. You get a loud crunch from the breadcrumbs followed by a melting center.
It feels like a hug on a plate. It is a fancy way to use leftovers, yet it feels like a gourmet meal. Families love them because they are fun to eat and very filling.
Equipment List
- Large saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- A sharp knife or food processor
- Baking sheet
- Deep fryer or heavy skillet
- Whisk
- Wire cooling rack
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Howard Johnson Style Chicken Croquettes
- Servings: 4 to 6 people
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins (plus chilling time)
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American Retro
- Calories: 340 kcal per serving
Ingredients You Need for Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes Recipe
- 3 cups cooked chicken, very finely minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups fine Panko or plain breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Make the Thick Sauce
Melt your butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Cook until the mixture becomes very thick and heavy.
2. Season the Base
Add your salt, pepper, and onion powder to the thick white sauce. Stir in the fresh parsley for a pop of color. Taste the sauce to ensure the seasoning is perfect. This sauce holds everything together.
3. Mix in the Chicken
Fold the finely minced chicken into the thick sauce. Stir until every piece of chicken is well coated. The mixture should look like a very stiff dough. This is the heart of the recipe.
4. Chill the Mixture
Spread the chicken mixture into a shallow dish. Cover it with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least two hours. Chilling makes the dough easy to shape.
5. Shape the Croquettes
Take a large spoonful of the cold chicken mixture. Use your hands to mold it into a cone or cylinder shape. Traditionally, Howard Johnson served them as pointed cones. Keep them uniform in size.
6. Coat in Breadcrumbs
Set up a small station with beaten eggs and breadcrumbs. Dip each cone into the egg wash first. Then, roll it in the breadcrumbs until fully covered. Press the crumbs so they stick well.
7. Fry Until Golden
Heat your oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit in a deep pan. Carefully drop a few croquettes into the hot oil. Fry for about 3 to 5 minutes until they are dark golden brown.
8. Drain and Serve
Remove the croquettes with a slotted spoon. Place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve them while they are steaming hot and perfectly crispy.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Chilling is Key: Never skip the chilling step or the shapes will fall apart in the oil.
- Use a Food Processor: Pulse the chicken for a few seconds to get the perfect fine texture.
- Add Celery: For extra crunch, add finely minced sautéed celery to the mix.
- Turkey Twist: You can use leftover Thanksgiving turkey instead of chicken for a great variation.
- Air Fryer Option: Spray with oil and air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes for a lighter version.
Interesting Facts About Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes Recipe
Did you know Howard Johnson’s was once the largest restaurant chain in the United States? Their menu was famous for having 28 flavors of ice cream and these specific croquettes.
The “HoJo” croquette was always served with a side of bright yellow gravy. It became a staple of American road trip culture in the 1950s and 60s. Many people remember eating these while sitting in those iconic blue booths.
Perfect Dishes to Serve With Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes Recipe
These go perfectly with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. Most people enjoy them with a rich chicken gravy poured over the top.
Green peas or buttered corn add a nice sweetness to the plate. A simple garden salad can help cut through the richness of the fried chicken. If you want the full restaurant experience, serve a scoop of ice cream for dessert afterward!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the shaped, uncooked croquettes for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Use an oven or air fryer at 350°F to keep the outside crispy.
- Avoid Microwaves: Microwaving will make the breadcrumbs soggy and soft.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Cholesterol | 110mg |
| Sodium | 480mg |
| Total Carbs | 22g |
| Protein | 24g |
Health Benefits
This Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes Recipe is a great source of high-quality protein. Using real chicken provides essential amino acids for muscle repair.
The milk and butter add calcium and healthy fats to your diet. When you make them at home, you avoid the heavy preservatives found in frozen fast food. It is a satisfying meal that keeps you full for a long time.
FAQs about Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes Recipe
Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned chicken if you drain it very well. However, fresh roasted chicken provides much better flavor and texture for this specific dish.
Why did my croquettes fall apart while frying?
This usually happens if the mixture was not chilled long enough. The sauce needs to be very cold and firm before it hits the hot frying oil.
What is the best oil for frying these chicken treats?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all excellent choices. They have a high smoke point, which ensures your croquettes get crispy without burning.
Can I bake these instead of frying them?
You can bake them at 400°F for about 20 minutes. They will be less crunchy than the fried version, but they are still very tasty and healthier.
Final Thoughts
Making this Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes Recipe is like taking a trip back in time. It is a simple, honest meal that the whole family will enjoy.
The combination of the creamy interior and crispy shell is truly hard to beat. I hope you enjoy bringing this classic piece of Americana into your modern kitchen!
Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken very finely minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 2 cups fine Panko or plain breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Make the Thick Sauce
- Melt your butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Cook until the mixture becomes very thick and heavy.
Season the Base
- Add your salt, pepper, and onion powder to the thick white sauce. Stir in the fresh parsley for a pop of color. Taste the sauce to ensure the seasoning is perfect. This sauce holds everything together.
Mix in the Chicken
- Fold the finely minced chicken into the thick sauce. Stir until every piece of chicken is well coated. The mixture should look like a very stiff dough. This is the heart of the recipe.
Chill the Mixture
- Spread the chicken mixture into a shallow dish. Cover it with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least two hours. Chilling makes the dough easy to shape.
Shape the Croquettes
- Take a large spoonful of the cold chicken mixture. Use your hands to mold it into a cone or cylinder shape. Traditionally, Howard Johnson served them as pointed cones. Keep them uniform in size.
Coat in Breadcrumbs
- Set up a small station with beaten eggs and breadcrumbs. Dip each cone into the egg wash first. Then, roll it in the breadcrumbs until fully covered. Press the crumbs so they stick well.
Fry Until Golden
- Heat your oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit in a deep pan. Carefully drop a few croquettes into the hot oil. Fry for about 3 to 5 minutes until they are dark golden brown.
Drain and Serve
- Remove the croquettes with a slotted spoon. Place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve them while they are steaming hot and perfectly crispy.
Notes
- Chilling is Key: Never skip the chilling step or the shapes will fall apart in the oil.
- Use a Food Processor: Pulse the chicken for a few seconds to get the perfect fine texture.
- Add Celery: For extra crunch, add finely minced sautéed celery to the mix.
- Turkey Twist: You can use leftover Thanksgiving turkey instead of chicken for a great variation.
- Air Fryer Option: Spray with oil and air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes for a lighter version.