Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes Recipe
Published: 15 Feb 2026
There’s something magical about foods that take you back in time, and the Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes Recipe is one of those classics. These croquettes combine a creamy chicken filling with a perfectly crispy breading, creating a dish that is both comforting and nostalgic.
Whether you grew up visiting diners or are discovering retro American cuisine for the first time, this recipe brings the charm of mid-century roadside restaurants right into your kitchen. With homemade gravy, easy preparation tips, and flexible variations, it’s a recipe that works for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or special occasions.
Get ready to enjoy a true taste of comfort food that never goes out of style. If you love rich, flavorful chicken dishes, you should try my Coopers Hawk Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe.
What Are Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes?
Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes are golden, breaded rolls made from a creamy chicken mixture. They are either deep-fried or baked until crispy on the outside while remaining soft and tender inside. Traditionally, they are served with smooth, flavorful chicken gravy that enhances the rich taste.
These croquettes became iconic through Howard Johnson’s restaurants, which began as an ice cream stand in the 1920s and later grew into one of America’s largest roadside chains. The filling is made from finely chopped chicken combined with a smooth béchamel sauce, shaped into logs, coated with breadcrumbs, and cooked to a golden brown perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes Recipe brings the perfect blend of nostalgia and flavor. The crispy exterior gives way to a creamy, velvety filling, just like the classic diner version. It works beautifully with leftover chicken, so you can use rotisserie or cooked meat without any compromise on taste.
It’s also make-ahead friendly, letting you shape and refrigerate the croquettes before frying. This recipe is ideal for family dinners or retro-themed nights, offering comfort food that everyone enjoys. Even picky eaters tend to love it, making it a simple way to recreate a classic American favorite at home.
Ingredients of Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes Recipe
To make authentic Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes at home, you’ll need ingredients for the filling, breading, frying, and classic chicken gravy. Each component brings together that perfect creamy inside and golden crunchy outside we all love.
For the Filling:
- 2 cups finely cooked chicken (mix of white and dark meat preferred)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup whole milk or cream
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
For Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups fine breadcrumbs
For Frying:
- Deep frying oil (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
For Classic Chicken Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Equipment You’ll Need
For making the Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes Recipe, you don’t need fancy gadgets. A few basic kitchen tools will help you create perfectly shaped and crispy croquettes at home.
- Large saucepan or deep frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Food processor or sharp knife for finely chopping chicken
- Shallow bowls for dredging (flour, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs)
- Chilling baking sheet to firm up croquettes
- Frying pan or deep fryer
How to make Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes Recipe: Step-by-Step
To recreate the iconic Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes, you’ll need to follow a few careful steps that balance creamy filling, crisp coating, and smooth gravy. Each stage ensures your croquettes are tender inside, golden outside, and full of that nostalgic flavor.
Prepare the Creamy Chicken Base
Start by melting butter in a saucepan and whisking in flour to form a roux. Slowly add chicken broth and milk, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety. Fold in finely chopped chicken, onion powder, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and optional parsley to create a dense, flavorful filling.
Chill the Mixture
Transfer the chicken mixture into a shallow dish and cover it. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. Chilling firms the mixture, making it easier to shape without falling apart.
Shape the Croquettes
Divide the chilled mixture into equal portions. Roll each portion into small logs or ovals, about 2–3 inches long. Make sure the surface is smooth and compact to prevent crumbling during frying.
Bread the Croquettes
Set up a breading station with bowls of flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Coat each croquette in flour, dip in eggs, and roll in breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps once more.
Fry Until Golden
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or pan. Fry croquettes in small batches for 3–4 minutes per side until they turn golden and crispy. Drain excess oil on paper towels. Optionally, bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes for a lighter version.
Make the Chicken Gravy
In a small saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a smooth paste. Gradually add chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly until thick and creamy. Season with salt and pepper, then pour over the croquettes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
At Howard Johnson’s, chicken croquettes were traditionally served in pairs or threes, covered with smooth, creamy chicken gravy and accompanied by classic sides like mashed potatoes, peas, or buttered carrots. This presentation made each plate feel comforting and complete, combining texture and flavor in every bite.
To replicate that at home, place two croquettes per person on a plate, pour a spoonful of warm gravy over them, and let it gently drip. Add a scoop of mashed potatoes and a side of peas, then finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. The result is a nostalgic diner-style plate that feels just like the originals.
Flavor Tips & Tricks
To get the perfect taste and texture for your Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes, small details make a big difference. These simple tips will help you achieve the same classic diner flavor at home.
- Perfect texture: Chop the chicken finely, but don’t puree it; small chunks keep the filling creamy and tender.
- Make ahead: Prepare croquettes up to 24 hours before frying to make shaping easier.
- Crispy coating: Chill the breaded croquettes for 15 minutes before frying to help the coating stick.
- Season the gravy: Add a pinch of poultry seasoning or herbs to mimic the Howard Johnson flavor.
- Reheating leftovers: Warm in a 350°F oven to keep them crispy; avoid the microwave.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Keeping your Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes fresh and ready is simple. With a few smart steps, you can prepare them ahead of time and enjoy them later without losing their crispiness or flavor.
- Refrigerate Cooked Croquettes: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Freeze Unbaked Croquettes: Place croquettes on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheat Properly: Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until fully heated and crispy.
- Make-Ahead Preparation: Form and bread croquettes in advance, then refrigerate until ready to fry or bake.
Variations
If you want to give the classic Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes a new twist, there are plenty of ways to mix things up while keeping that nostalgic flavor.
Simple changes to the filling, herbs, or cooking method can make each batch feel fresh and exciting.
For example, you can swap the chicken for turkey to make a holiday-inspired croquette, or add fresh herbs like thyme and sage for extra aroma.
Cheese lovers can sprinkle in shredded cheddar or Parmesan sauce for a gooey surprise inside.
You can also make mini croquettes for appetizers or try oven-baking instead of frying to keep them lighter while still crispy.
Nutrition Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional content of Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes. This will help you understand the calories, protein, and other key nutrients in each serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 65 mg |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Conclusion
To wrap things up, the Howard Johnson Chicken Croquettes Recipe covers everything from the creamy chicken filling and crispy breading to the smooth homemade gravy. We’ve explored equipment, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, serving tips, storage ideas, and even fun variations.
Guys, if you want a meal that’s both nostalgic and comforting, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. It’s perfect for family dinners, retro-themed nights, or even making ahead for busy days. Keep experimenting with flavors, enjoy the process, and buddies, stay tuned for more delicious recipes that make your kitchen feel like home.
FAQs
Chicken croquettes are small breaded rolls made from a creamy mixture of cooked chicken, roux, milk, and seasonings. The mixture is chilled, shaped, coated in breadcrumbs, then fried until golden and crispy. They’re often served hot with gravy or a dipping sauce.
Yes, leftover or rotisserie chicken works very well in this recipe. It gives you tender, flavorful croquettes without extra cooking and helps reduce food waste.
Heat the frying oil to about 350°F (175°C) before adding the croquettes. At this temperature, they cook to a perfect golden brown without absorbing too much oil.
Yes, you can bake them as a lighter option. Place the coated croquettes on a baking sheet and bake at a similar temperature until they are evenly golden and crispy.
Serve them hot with creamy gravy, mashed potatoes, peas, or buttered carrots. The crispy texture and rich filling pair well with classic sides.
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- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
