coxinha

Coxinha is a Brazilian savory snack consisting of a teardrop-shaped croquette filled with chicken. The name derives from coxa, the Portuguese word for thigh, reflecting the shape that resembles a chicken drumstick. It is believed to have originated in the state of São Paulo in the early 20th century, though its precise origins are uncertain.

The dough is typically made from wheat flour cooked in chicken or vegetable stock with butter or oil, producing a smooth, pliable mass. The filling commonly uses shredded or finely chopped cooked chicken, sautéed with onions, garlic, parsley, and seasonings; it may also include cream cheese or catupiry, a creamy Brazilian cheese, for added richness. Some variations substitute other ingredients, but the chicken version remains the most traditional.

To assemble, a portion of dough is shaped into a flat disk or cone, filled with the chicken mixture, and sealed to form a teardrop or drumstick shape. The formed coxinhas are usually dredged in beaten eggs and coated with breadcrumbs before frying. They are deep-fried in oil at a moderate temperature until the exterior is crisp and golden and the filling is heated through.

Variations include coxinha com catupiry, where creamy cheese is added to the filling; other cheese or requeijão variants are common. There are also vegetarian versions using substitutes such as jackfruit or beans. Coxinhas are widely sold in snack bars, bakeries, and street stalls, and are frequently served as appetizers at gatherings and festas juninas, a Brazilian traditional festival.