Deep-Fried Creamy Chicken Gravy

Deep-Fried Creamy Chicken Gravy

The Deep-Fried Creamy Chicken Gravy Version:
Makes about 16 appetizer sized portions
2 packed cups finely chopped cooked chicken meat
1/2 cup finely chopped ham
2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
pinch freshly ground nutmeg
pinch cayenne
1 tsp salt, plus more to taste

The More Like Chicken Croquettes Version:
Makes about 16 appetizer sized portions
2 packed cups finely chopped cooked chicken meat
1/2 cup finely chopped ham
6 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
pinch freshly ground nutmeg
pinch cayenne
1 tsp salt, plus more to taste

For breading:
2 beaten eggs
flour as needed
2 cups bread crumbs

Directions:

1.In a large skillet, melt the butter in the olive oil. Add the chicken, ham, nutmeg and a large pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook over moderate heat, stirring, for 3 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup of the flour, then gradually whisk in 3/4 cup of the milk. Simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Scrape the croquette mixture into a bowl; let cool. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.

2.Divide the croquette mixture into 16 equal portions. Using wet hands, roll the portions into oval croquettes.

3.Preheat the oven to 325°. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the remaining 2 tablespoons of milk. Spread the bread crumbs and some flour in 2 more shallow bowls. Dredge each croquette first in the flour, then dip in the egg; coat the croquettes with bread crumbs and transfer to a platter.

4.In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil until shimmering. Fry 4 croquettes at a time, turning twice, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer the croquettes to a wire rack set over a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while frying the rest. Serve immediately, with lemon wedges.

MAKE AHEAD:
The croquette recipe can be prepared through Step 2 and refrigerated for up to 2 days.

SUGGESTED PAIRING:
The delicate chicken here suggests a rich but not too assertive Rioja white.