Holiday feasts often leave us with an abundance of delicious leftovers. While a classic turkey sandwich is always a treat, sometimes you crave something new, exciting, and equally comforting. That’s where these incredible baked turkey or chicken croquettes come in! They are consistently my absolute favorite way to repurpose leftover turkey, especially after Thanksgiving, and work just as beautifully with any leftover cooked chicken, including those convenient rotisserie chickens from the grocery store. This recipe is a culinary game-changer for reducing food waste and enjoying a second act for your holiday mains.
In today’s fast-paced world, finding quick, easy, and economical meal solutions is more important than ever. One of my personal goals has been to embrace home cooking more frequently, moving away from the expensive habit of ordering takeout. Many busy days working on DIY projects often lead to late meals, making takeout a tempting but costly fallback. To combat this, I’m focusing on timeless recipes that are straightforward to prepare, can be frozen for future convenience, and rely on ingredients I typically keep on hand. This delightful leftover croquette recipe, perfect with either turkey or chicken, ticks all those boxes, making it an ideal addition to your weekly meal plan.
The Ultimate Leftover Transformation: Baked Turkey & Chicken Croquettes
While these croquettes traditionally make their grand appearance in our home immediately following Thanksgiving or Christmas, their appeal isn’t limited to the festive season. They are genuinely fantastic any time of year! Imagine pairing them with classic holiday sides like creamy mashed potatoes and rich gravy, or even a tangy cranberry sauce for those who enjoy a sweet counterpoint to savory flavors. Personally, I find them delightful on their own, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese or vibrant green onions. I still recall how, as a child, I’d often crack them open to savor the creamy filling, occasionally bypassing the crispy breadcrumb shell altogether – a testament to how irresistible the interior truly is.
Watch a video demonstration of how to make these delicious croquettes!
Print Recipe
Easy Baked Leftover Turkey or Chicken Croquettes
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Average Rating: 4.7 from 3 reviews
Transform your leftover turkey or chicken into these incredibly delicious, oven-baked croquettes! This simple and basic recipe is a perfect way to give new life to holiday leftovers or any cooked poultry, resulting in crispy, savory bites that the whole family will love. Say goodbye to food waste and hello to a new family favorite!
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time:
- Total Time:
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 tablespoon butter
- 4 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt & black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cups cooked chicken or turkey, finely grated (or chopped in a food processor)
- Shake & Bake coating mix or panko breadcrumbs for coating
Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour, cooking for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste (roux). Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, continuing to cook and stir until the mixture thickens considerably.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add salt, pepper, onion powder, and the beaten egg to the thickened cream mixture. Blend thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely grated or chopped cooked chicken or turkey with a pinch of extra salt and pepper, along with the fresh chopped parsley.
- Add the cooled cream mixture to the chicken/turkey mixture. Use a spoon or your hands to combine everything well, ensuring the poultry is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the mixture is cold and firm enough to handle.
- Once chilled, remove the mixture from the refrigerator. Using a cookie scoop as a guide (for approximately 2-inch balls), roll the croquettes into your desired shape (classic round, cone, or oval shapes work best). Dip each shaped croquette into another beaten egg (this acts as an egg wash), then roll thoroughly in the bread crumb mixture (Shake & Bake coating or panko breadcrumbs) until fully coated.
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Place the coated croquettes in a lightly greased baking dish or onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and heated through.
- Serve your croquettes warm! You can create your own homemade white gravy or use leftover turkey gravy. They pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, a crisp fresh salad, or a simple steamed vegetable side dish (see suggestions below for more ideas!).
Notes & Tips for Perfect Croquettes
- Alternative Cooking Methods: While we traditionally bake these in the oven to keep them lighter, you can also shallow-fry them in a large skillet with a little olive oil or cook them in an air fryer until crispy and golden.
- Meat Substitutions: Although this recipe shines with leftover turkey or chicken, you can easily substitute ground chicken or turkey that has been pre-cooked and seasoned. For leftovers, a food processor is excellent for achieving a fine, consistent texture in the meat.
- Flavor Enhancements: For an extra layer of flavor, melt a slice of Swiss cheese over the top of your croquettes during the last few minutes of baking. Other cheese varieties like cheddar or mozzarella would also be delicious! Feel free to experiment with different herbs (thyme, sage) or a pinch of garlic powder for added depth.
- Storage & Freezing: Cooked croquettes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For future meals, these croquettes freeze exceptionally well! After shaping and coating, flash freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be baked directly from frozen (adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time) for a convenient meal anytime.
Since the initial sharing of this cherished family recipe, I’ve heard from many who often associate croquettes with classic salmon croquettes! Interestingly, I hadn’t realized this dish was considered a Southern classic, given that my entire family hails from the north. I suppose our family recipe creators, not being avid seafood eaters, naturally gravitated towards chicken, turkey, and ham croquettes instead. This was particularly true since it was primarily a leftover-based dish, and the only seafood we typically enjoy around the holidays are crab legs—though a crab croquette version, akin to mini crab cakes, sounds like an intriguing culinary adventure for another day!
These versatile bites also make fantastic appetizers for larger gatherings, easily satisfying hungry guests before the main course. But if you’re aiming to make this a hearty meal, as we often do, you’ll need some equally delightful side dish suggestions. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Delicious Side Dish Pairings for Your Croquettes
Below is a curated list of simple and quick side dish ideas that perfectly complement the savory richness of these croquettes. Many of these recipes will soon have dedicated posts on the blog, so keep an eye out for detailed instructions! Since our main dish is so straightforward, I believe the accompanying sides should be just as easy to whip up, even on the busiest of weeknights.
- Refreshing Cucumber Salad: A light, crisp cucumber salad offers a wonderful contrast to the warmth of the croquettes.
- Vibrant Bell Pepper Salad or Roasted Red Peppers: The sweetness of bell peppers, whether fresh in a salad or roasted to perfection, adds a delightful flavor dimension.
- Hearty Green Bean Casserole or Crispy Air Fryer Green Bean Fries: Classic comfort food or a lighter, crunchy alternative, green beans are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Creamy Leftover Mashed Potatoes and Rich Gravy: The ultimate comfort pairing, especially if you have these staples from your holiday meal.
- Quick Instant Pot Broccoli: For a speedy and healthy green, Instant Pot broccoli retains its nutrients and vibrant color.
- Savory Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli: A beautifully roasted medley of potatoes and broccoli provides a satisfying and flavorful accompaniment.
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Our Favorite Kolaczki Cookie Recipe
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Mom’s Quick and Easy Hot Pepper Jelly
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