Healthier Chicken Coxinhas with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

I’m so excited to share with you this Healthier Chicken Coxinhas with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe — it’s a game-changer for anyone who loves Brazilian flavors but wants to keep things on the lighter side. These little bite-sized delights pack all the comforting, creamy goodness of the traditional coxinhas without all the fried heaviness. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even party food, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home and way better than takeout.

What I love most about this Healthier Chicken Coxinhas with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe is how it uses an air fryer instead of deep frying, which saves so much oil and calories, but still delivers that crispy, golden crust. Plus, the filling is rich, creamy, and full of savory notes from fresh herbs and cream cheese, making each bite irresistible. I guarantee you’ll find yourself making these again and again once you try them!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe was chosen to balance flavor and a healthier profile — the chicken broth keeps the dough moist without excess fat, and the cream cheese adds just the right creaminess to the filling. When shopping, try to pick fresh, quality chicken breast for the best texture and flavor.

• Chicken breast: Use skinless, boneless for lean protein and easier shredding.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth — make sure to chop finely so it blends smoothly.
• Garlic clove: Fresh is best for aromatic punch.
• Olive oil: A little goes a long way in sautéing without too much fat.
• Bay leaf: Optional but brings subtle complexity to the broth.
• Tomato paste: Adds richness and beautiful color — I always use it for a vibrant filling.
• Cream cheese (Catupiry or similar): Key for that traditional creamy texture inside the coxinhas.
• Parsley or green onion: Fresh herbs brighten up the filling and balance richness.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential to season both the filling and dough properly.
• Chicken broth: Use low sodium if possible, reserved from cooking chicken for that flavor boost.
• All-purpose flour: Creates tender, pliable dough that’s easy to shape.
• Butter: Adds a subtle richness and helps dough elasticity.
• Egg (beaten): Helps the breadcrumb coating stick perfectly.
• Cooking spray or oil: Just enough to ensure the coxinhas crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
• Breadcrumbs (preferably panko): Creates that coveted crunchy exterior without frying.

Variations

I love tinkering with this recipe depending on what I have on hand or how I’m feeling — it’s pretty flexible! Feel free to personalize the filling or coating to fit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Cheese swap: Sometimes I use light cream cheese or even mozzarella to lighten things further, and it still tastes great.
• Herb boost: Adding cilantro or basil instead of parsley changed things up deliciously when I wanted an herb twist.
• Spicy kick: Mix in a bit of finely chopped jalapeño or a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle heat that really wakes up the filling.
• Gluten-free option: You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs — just watch dough consistency as it may need adjusting.
• Baking instead of air frying: If you don’t have an air fryer, baking at 375°F (190°C) until golden works well too (about 20 minutes), though air frying gives a nicer crunch.

How to Make Healthier Chicken Coxinhas with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Shred the Chicken

Start by poaching the chicken breast gently in water with the bay leaf until cooked through (about 15 minutes). This keeps the meat tender and juicy, perfect for shredding. Once cooled slightly, shred the chicken using forks or your hands — I find shredding by hand gives a more rustic texture that holds the filling beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Flavorful Filling

Sauté the finely chopped onion and garlic in a teaspoon of olive oil until fragrant and translucent. Stir in your tomato paste and shredded chicken, letting the flavors meld together over low heat for a few minutes. Then, fold in the cream cheese and fresh herbs, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. The filling should be creamy but not wet — this helps it stay inside the dough without leaking out.

Step 3: Make the Elastic Dough

Reserve 1 ½ cups of the chicken broth — you’ll use this to form the dough. In a pot, combine the broth, butter, and a pinch of salt, bringing it to a gentle boil. Slowly add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture starts pulling away from the sides and forms a soft ball. This step may take a couple minutes, so be patient — the dough should be smooth and elastic, not sticky.

Step 4: Shape Your Coxinhas

Once the dough cools enough to handle, take a golf ball-sized piece and flatten it into a small disk with your hands. Spoon a generous amount of filling in the center, then carefully fold the edges over to seal, shaping it into a teardrop or drumstick shape. Don’t rush this step — if the dough cracks while shaping, dampen your fingers slightly with water to smooth edges. This shaping is the most fun part and worth taking your time on!

Step 5: Coat and Prepare for Air Frying

Dip each shaped coxinha into the beaten egg, then roll in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. This double-step ensures a crispy outer layer that browns beautifully. Place them on a tray lightly sprayed with cooking spray or brushed with oil to keep them from sticking.

Step 6: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to around 375°F (190°C). Arrange the coxinhas in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crisping on all sides. You’ll know they’re done when they’re a gorgeous golden brown and sound crispy when tapped. This step is key to enjoying that crunchy exterior without deep frying!

How to Serve Healthier Chicken Coxinhas with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, a squeeze of lime juice or a drizzle of spicy mayo adds a bright contrast to the creamy center. I find these simple touches elevate the whole eating experience.

Side Dishes

Pair these coxinhas with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil or serve alongside some homemade salsa for dipping. I also love offering a small bowl of guacamole or even a smoky chipotle sauce as dippers when I’m entertaining friends — they balance the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like placing the coxinhas on a wooden board lined with banana leaves for that authentic Brazilian vibe. You can also serve them in mini cupcake liners for a neat, individual presentation at parties—plus it makes them super easy to grab! Adding edible flowers or colorful dipping sauces in pretty bowls can turn this humble snack into a festive delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover coxinhas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the coating from getting soggy, I avoid stacking them directly and place parchment paper or paper towels between layers. This little trick helps maintain that crispy texture when reheating.

Freezing

These coxinhas freeze beautifully! I usually flash freeze them on a baking sheet first so they don’t stick together, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. When you want some, just pop them straight from the freezer to the air fryer — no need to thaw.

Reheating

To reheat, I find the air fryer works best — set it at 350°F (175°C) and heat for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crunchy again. This method revives that crisp exterior without drying out the filling like a microwave might. If you don’t have an air fryer, a quick bake in the oven works well too.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Healthier Chicken Coxinhas with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines nostalgic flavors with wholesome ingredients and a lighter cooking method. It’s fantastic knowing I can indulge in these crispy, creamy bites without the guilt of deep frying. I really hope you try making them — they’re a crowd-pleaser every time and such a fun way to share a traditional Brazilian treat with a healthier twist.

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