Looking for a delicious way to use up leftover cooked chicken breasts into an amazing quick dinner? Well, say hello to my latest recipe obsession – Easy Lightened Up Air Fryer Chicken Croquettes! Remember them? It’s been years since I had these and I mean y e a r s . The last time I had them was at a diner in Atlantic City as a kid.
These little golden nuggets are so simple to whip up but also a game-changer when it comes to turning yesterday’s dinner into tonight’s simple healthy comfort dish.
Let’s dive into the magic of the air fryer and make the most of leftover chicken breast.
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Nourishing Bites: The Health Benefits Behind Every Ingredient in Lightened Up Air Fryer Chicken Croquettes
- Finely Chopped, Cooked Chicken Breast
- Protein Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein, chicken breast supports muscle growth and repair, aiding in weight management and overall health.
- 98% Fat-Free Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup
- Lower Fat Content: Opting for the 98% fat-free version reduces saturated fat intake, promoting heart health and maintaining a balanced diet.
- Italian-Style Dry Bread Crumbs
- Fiber Boost: Whole wheat bread crumbs add fiber, aiding digestion and helping to control blood sugar levels.
- Minced Celery
- Vitamin K and Antioxidants: Celery is rich in vitamin K, crucial for bone health, and antioxidants that combat oxidative stress in the body.
- Minced Onion
- Flavorful Antioxidants: Onions not only add flavor but also provide antioxidants that contribute to immune support and overall well-being.
- Poultry Seasoning
- Herbal Benefits: A blend of spices, poultry seasoning adds flavor without excess salt and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Fat-Free Milk
- Calcium and Vitamin D: Fat-free milk provides essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health and overall immune function.
- Poultry Seasoning
- Additional Flavor Enhancement: A touch more poultry seasoning enhances the savory notes, contributing to a satisfying taste experience.
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Easy Lightened Up Air Fryer Chicken Croquettes
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Skinless Cooked Diced Chicken Breast (Mince in Food Processor)
- 2 Cans Campbells 98% Fat Free Cream of Chicken Soup Divided
- 1/2 Cup Italian Style Fine Bread Crumbs Add Extra Cup for Rolling
- 4 Tbl Minced Celery
- 2 Tbl Minced Onion
- 3/4 Tsp Poultry Seasoning Divided
- 1 Cup Fat Free Milk
- Cooking Spray
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped, minced (in food processor) cooked chicken breast, 2/3 cup of condensed soup, 1/2 cup Italian-style dry bread crumbs, minced celery and minced onion with 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly and shape the mixture into 12 croquettes (round balls). Chill the croquettes in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
- Roll the chilled croquettes in an additional 1 cup of Italian-style dry bread crumbs, to ensure an even coating.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the croquettes in the air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd them. Spray them with cooking spray to promote the "fried" texture.
- Air fry for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until the croquettes are golden brown and cooked through.
Dipping Sauce Instructions
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the remaining soup, fat-free milk (1 cup), and 1/4 tablespoon poultry seasoning. Cook the sauce while stirring until warmed through.
- This makes 4 servings 3 Croquettes (Balls) per serving and sauce on the side for dipping. On Weight Watchers, each serving is 6 Points. Enjoy!
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These lightened-up air fryer chicken croquettes are a Weight Watchers dream come true. With the lean protein from finely chopped, cooked chicken breast (0 WW Points) and using smart ingredient choices, each serving is low in points yet full of flavor.
By using 98% fat-free Campbell’s cream of chicken soup mixed with fat-free milk for the dipping sauce, this healthy diner food recipe aligns seamlessly with Weight Watchers. And, air-frying ensures that golden perfection is achieved with minimal added fats, making these croquettes a delicious addition to your Weight Watchers dinner recipes.