Are you craving those crispy, golden-brown chicken croquettes that remind you of your grandmother’s kitchen? You’re not alone! As a food blogger who’s spent years hunting down the best comfort foods, I’ve discovered that finding good chicken croquettes can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But don’t worry – I’ve done the legwork for you!
In this guide I’ll share all my secrets on where to buy chicken croquettes, whether you’re looking for frozen options to heat at home or freshly made ones to enjoy right away. Let’s dive into the world of these delicious breaded chicken treats!
What Are Chicken Croquettes Anyway?
Before we jump into where to buy them, let’s quickly talk about what makes a chicken croquette so special. These little nuggets of joy are typically made from
- Finely minced or shredded chicken
- A creamy binding sauce (often béchamel)
- Herbs and seasonings
- A crispy breadcrumb coating
- Deep-fried to golden perfection
The result? A crispy exterior that gives way to a creamy, flavorful chicken filling. They’re basically heaven in bite-size form!
Major Retailers That Sell Chicken Croquettes
1. Walmart
Walmart is one of the best places to find chicken croquettes. They offer several options
- TOMA Croquetas (8ct for $6.86) – These are authentic style croquettes found in their frozen section
- Tyson Products – While not traditional croquettes, Tyson offers similar products like:
- Crispy Chicken Fries
- Boneless Chicken Nugget Bites
- Buffalo Style Boneless Chicken Bites
What I like about Walmart is that you can either shop in-store or order online for pickup/delivery, making it super convenient when you’re having a croquette craving!
2. Specialty Grocery Stores
If you’re looking for more authentic or gourmet options:
- Whole Foods Market – Check their prepared foods section for freshly made options
- Trader Joe’s – They occasionally carry frozen chicken croquettes as part of their rotating international selections
- International Markets – Spanish, Cuban, or Latin American markets often have authentic croquetas
3. Online Retailers
Don’t have access to a store with good croquettes? No problem!
- Instacart – They deliver from local grocery stores and carry items like Weaver Original Chicken Croquettes (12.5 oz package)
- Amazon – Search for frozen chicken croquettes that ship with dry ice
- Goldbelly – For gourmet options shipped nationwide from famous restaurants
Regional Chains That Might Carry Chicken Croquettes
Depending on where you live, these regional grocers often stock chicken croquettes:
- Publix (Southeast US) – Check their deli and frozen sections
- Wegmans (Northeast US) – Known for their wide selection of prepared foods
- H-E-B (Texas) – Often carries both frozen and fresh options
- Kroger/Fred Meyer – Usually stocks frozen varieties
Specialty Options for Chicken Croquette Lovers
If you’re looking for something specific, here are some specialty options:
Gluten-Free Chicken Croquettes
While harder to find, some options include:
- Applegate Natural Gluten-Free products at Walmart ($11.72) – These aren’t labeled as croquettes but offer a similar gluten-free breaded chicken experience
Homestyle/Authentic Options
For those wanting a more authentic experience:
- Coxinha Brasileira de Frango – Brazilian-style chicken croquettes, available at Walmart through specialty vendors (around $39.90 for a pack)
- Spanish-style croquetas – Found at specialty import stores
Making Your Own Chicken Croquettes
Sometimes the best option is DIY! I’ve found that making chicken croquettes at home is:
- More economical
- Customizable to your taste preferences
- Actually not that difficult!
All you need is:
- Cooked chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- Butter, flour, and milk for the béchamel
- Your favorite seasonings
- Breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
My Personal Experience with Store-Bought Croquettes
I’ve tried MANY different brands over the years, and honestly, some are definitely better than others. The Weaver Original Chicken Croquettes available through Instacart are pretty decent for a quick fix. They have that creamy interior and crispy exterior that makes croquettes so satisfying.
However, the TOMA Croquetas from Walmart are closer to what you’d find in a Spanish restaurant. They’re a bit more expensive, but worth it for the authentic flavor!
Tips for Buying Frozen Chicken Croquettes
When buying frozen croquettes, keep these tips in mind:
- Check the ingredients list – Quality croquettes should list chicken as the first or second ingredient
- Look at the breading ratio – You want more filling than coating
- Consider the cooking method – Some are designed for oven baking, others for air frying or deep frying
Where NOT to Buy Chicken Croquettes
I’ve had some disappointing experiences too. Generally, I’d suggest avoiding:
- Gas station frozen sections (the quality just isn’t there)
- Generic brands that don’t specialize in prepared foods
- Any package that’s been clearly thawed and refrozen (you’ll see ice crystals)
Price Comparison: What Should You Expect to Pay?
Here’s a rough guide to what you can expect to pay for chicken croquettes:
| Store Type | Price Range | Quantity | Quality Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | $6-12 | 8-24 count | Budget to Mid-range |
| Specialty Grocers | $9-15 | 6-12 count | Mid-range to Premium |
| Online Gourmet | $25-40 | 12-24 count | Premium |
| Restaurant Supply | $20-30 | 24-48 count | Commercial Grade |
Beyond Traditional Chicken Croquettes
If you can’t find traditional croquettes, these alternatives provide a similar experience:
- Chicken Fritters – Similar texture but usually with visible chunks of chicken
- Arancini – Italian rice balls, sometimes made with chicken
- Chicken Croquettes with Gravy – Frozen dinner-style options
Final Thoughts: My Go-To Places for Chicken Croquettes
After years of searching, my personal favorites places to buy chicken croquettes are:
- Local Spanish or Cuban restaurants – Nothing beats freshly made!
- Instacart for Weaver Croquettes – When I need a quick fix
- Walmart for TOMA Croquetas – When I’m doing my regular shopping
- My own kitchen – When I have the time to make them from scratch
The truth is, finding good chicken croquettes can be a bit of a treasure hunt, but that’s part of the fun! Each brand and style offers something a little different, so don’t be afraid to try several until you find your perfect match.
Have you found an amazing source for chicken croquettes that I haven’t mentioned? I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment below and share your croquette wisdom with our community.
Until next time, happy croquette hunting!
FAQ About Buying Chicken Croquettes
Q: Are chicken croquettes the same as chicken nuggets?
A: No! While they look similar, croquettes typically have a creamier interior with a more complex flavor profile than standard nuggets.
Q: Can I use an air fryer for store-bought frozen croquettes?
A: Usually yes! Most frozen croquettes work wonderfully in an air fryer – just reduce the cooking time by about 25% from the package instructions.
Q: How long do store-bought chicken croquettes last in the freezer?
A: Most will maintain quality for 3-6 months if kept constantly frozen.
Q: Are there any vegan “chicken” croquettes available?
A: Yes! Daring makes Plant-Based Frozen Cajun Chicken pieces available at Walmart for $4.98 that can satisfy a similar craving.
Q: What sides go best with chicken croquettes?
A: Traditional sides include mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, or a simple salad to balance the richness of the croquettes.
Remember, the perfect chicken croquette is out there waiting for you – you just need to know where to look!
Comfort Food = Pennsylvania Dutch Chicken Croquettes
Some people would classify chicken croquettes as comfort food. So the question is, what puts certain foods into the classification of comfort food?
I believe that for many people comfort food is associated with their childhood or home-cooking. Often it is food with a higher carb content, and eating it provides a feeling of well-being.
For some of us, certain tastes and smells bring back memories of home. They provide a feeling of nostalgia and give us a longing for the past, typically a happy or carefree time in our lives.
Since starting my blog, I have been cooking and baking a lot more Amish and PA Dutch food.
Its food that I grew up with. So when Im cooking, some of the smells and tastes make me miss my home, especially my mom. My Amish mom did a lot of cooking and baking and was a good cook. She was also the most selfless person Ive ever known. I have fond memories of working with her.
PA Dutch Chicken Croquettes
What are Pennsylvania Dutch chicken croquettes? Croquettes are usually thought of as being a small rounded mass of minced meat that has been dipped in egg and bread crumbs, and then deep-fat fried. That is exactly what a PA Dutch chicken croquette is.
These Amish chicken croquettes are made with cooked and chopped chicken that is mixed with a thick creamy sauce, shaped into balls, then dipped in eggs and coated in bread crumbs.
To finish them off with the best and the most unhealthy part of all, they are deep-fried. We all know that anything deep-fried tastes amazing. Right?
- Cooked Chicken is the main protein source for the croquettes. It provides flavor, texture, and substance. (Grind/chop the chicken after cooking. Do not buy raw ground chicken for this.)
- Butter adds richness and flavor to the white sauce used in the croquettes.
- Flour is used to create a roux with the butter, forming the base of the sauce. It thickens the sauce and helps to hold the croquettes together.
- Half and Half (or Whole Milk) adds creaminess and moisture, contributing to the croquettes texture and helping to keep them tender.
- Salt enhances the flavor and balances the other seasonings.
- Black Pepper adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
- Garlic Powder adds a savory, garlic flavor. (If preferred, use minced fresh garlic.)
- Minced Onion Flakes provide a mild onion flavor. (Freshly chopped onion works as well.)
- Eggs are used for dipping the croquettes, helping breadcrumbs to adhere and create a crispy exterior during frying.
- Panko or Regular Bread Crumbs are used as a coating, providing a crispy and golden exterior when fried. They also add texture and help to seal in moisture.
- Oil is used to fry the croquettes until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside while remaining moist and flavorful on the inside. (Canola or peanut oil are great choices.)