Pea and Ricotta Croquettes
- Easy
- 50 min
Chicken and pea croquettes are such a fun twist on the usual meatballs you’d see at an Italian table—especially up north, where folks just love mixing peas with meat. These chicken croquettes bring together tender boiled chicken and sweet green peas, held together with rich Grana Padano cheese and eggs. What you end up with is something that fries up crispy on the outside, but stays moist and super satisfying inside. Perfect for family get-togethers—yeah, totally. They work as tasty little bites before a meal or even as the main event with a big, fresh salad. Kids and adults? Love 'em, since they’re mild but packed with enough cheese and chicken flavor to stand out from your usual pea croquettes or standard meatballs.
You’ll notice how the peas add a creamy texture. I mean, every bite feels kinda different from your typical chicken dishes. Some Italian families serve these chicken and pea croquettes warm, straight from the pan, while others like them cool—makes for a quick snack. Either way, the flavors fit just about any mood—which is great. It's also a neat way to use up leftover chicken or try something that’s playful but rooted in old-school Italian tradition. Compared to mashed potato croquettes or heavier breaded chicken patties, these are lighter and, really, a bit more fun—something you can whip up for lunch, dinner, or a weekend picnic.
Regional twists? Sure, sometimes they swap in different cheeses, but Grana Padano gives it that special touch. Whether you like fried chicken croquettes or prefer the baked approach, the inside is always soft and fluffy, while the outside gets that golden crunch everyone craves in homemade croquettes. No matter how you serve them, they’re an easy win for anyone who digs Italian comfort food that feels special but not too fussy. Plus, they’re super versatile, pairing well with a variety of sides, making them ideal for gatherings or just a casual meal. If you’re looking for something different, these croquettes offer a really, really great combo of flavors that’ll surely impress your friends and family. For sure.
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To prepare chicken and pea croquettes, start by placing all the vegetables and rosemary in a pot with plenty of cold water 1. As soon as the water comes to a simmer, add the chicken breast 2 and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes 2. Then add the peas 3 and let them cook for about 5 minutes.
Drain the chicken, setting it on a cutting board 4, and then drain the peas, keeping them aside 5. Cut the breast into pieces 6
and place it in a blender 7 to crumble it 8 and transfer it to a bowl. Then proceed to chop the parsley with a knife, making it very fine 9
In the bowl with the crumbled chicken, add the thyme leaves by separating them from the stem 10. Also add the parsley 11, the grated Grana Padano, and the slightly beaten eggs 12.
Add the peas you set aside 13, adjust the salt and pepper 14, and start mixing gently, keeping the peas intact, with all the ingredients 15.
Get a compact dough 16 and proceed to form the croquettes 17: just take some dough and shape it between your hands to get a roll about 2-2.5 inches long. As you go, place the croquettes on a tray with parchment paper. In a bowl, crack the eggs and beat them quickly with a fork 18
and dip one croquette at a time 19. Pick it up with a fork and roll it in the breadcrumbs 20: place your breaded croquettes on the same tray 21.
Heat plenty of seed oil in a pan, and when it is at 356°F, dip a few pieces at a time 22 to keep the temperature constant, preventing the pieces from getting soaked with oil. Cook for a few minutes until golden brown 23. Then drain your chicken and pea croquettes on a tray with paper towels and serve them piping hot 34!