Chin Chin Recipe (Flaky & Crunchy!)

I’ve made plenty of homemade snacks before, but flaky and crunchy Chin Chin is definitely one of my all-time favorites!

Chin Chin is a fried snack popularly made in Nigeria for its crispy quality. It is called “achomo” in Ghana and “croquette” in Cameroon.

This snack is made of puff pastry ingredients that will taste great when deep-fried. What’s fun about these snacks is that you can shape them however you like.

You can certainly have a wonderful time with your family, friends, and guests while snacking on Chin Chin! In this recipe, I’ll teach you how you can easily make it at home.

How to Make Crunchy Chin Chin

There are many ways to prepare Chin Chin, but in this guide, you’ll learn how to make the flat and crunchy version. In fact, you might be surprised at how simple it is to make!

Ingredients

What ingredients do you need to make Chin Chin?

Plain flour

Give the Chin Chin the right texture by starting with plain flour. It allows you to roll, mold, and shape the dough. The flour will also make the dough flexible to help you get the form that you want.

With the gluten network from plain flour, you can certainly make any shape you want. I can guarantee you that you will get flaky and crispy Chin Chin with this flour.

Aside from using it for Chin Chin, you can also use plain flour for the following snacks:

• Ghanaian Dry Bofrot
• Banana Puff Puff
• Nigerian Coconut Buns
• Sausage Rolls
• Twisted Donuts

Sugar

Add flavor to your Chin Chin with sweet sugar. The sugar is not just for flavor, but it also gives the snack a caramelized quality that you will love.

Moreover, the sugar can give the dish a golden brown color to make it more appetizing. It will also improve the texture of the Chin Chin.

You can also use sugar to sweeten snacks, such as Nigerian Buns, Banana Bread, and Fluffy Donuts!

Salted butter

Bring out the rich flavor of the Chin Chin by adding salted butter to your dough. It will also act as a preserving agent to make the snacks last longer.

According to Taste of Home, you can use salted and unsalted butter intechangeably, especially since unsalted butter is easier to find in grocery stores.

I always have salted butter in stock because I also use it for Plantain Bread, Mashed Potatoes, and No-Oven Bread!

Powdered milk

Take your Chin Chin to the next level by adding powdered milk to the dough. It can give the snack a creamy, milky, and rich flavor for an enjoyable meal.

The powdered milk is also great for giving the recipe a crunchy texture. Once it melts into the dough, it will give the Chin Chin a better color. It blends well with the salted butter and sugar to intensify the snack’s flavor and crispiness. 

Seasoning 

Achieve the best possible Chin Chin flavor by seasoning the dough with nutmeg and sea salt. The nutmeg is great for giving the dish a sweet and nutty flavor while the sea salt neutralizes everything for a well-balanced flavor.

Water

Bind the ingredients together by adding water. It reacts with the plain flour to make the dough flexible for kneading and molding. The water will prevent the Chin Chin from becoming too crumbly.

Sunflower oil

Sunflower oil is one of the most suggested oils for deep frying. It can withstand high temperatures for long periods of time. It even adds nutritional value to the dish! 

With all of these nutritious ingredients, just think about how this Chin Chin recipe can impact your lifestyle and your health. You get to snack on these without worrying about harmful preservatives or additives! 

Directions

Don’t forget to have fun while making Chin Chin!

1. Combine flour, sugar, milk powder, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
2. Add butter and mix it with your hands or mixer until crumbly.
3. Pour water and knead until it forms a dough.
4. Place it in a bowl and cover it with a towel for 10 to 15 minutes. 
5. Cut the dough into four pieces with a dough cutter on a lightly floured surface.
6. Then, use a rolling pin to thinly roll the dough.
7. Cut it to your preferred size and shape and set aside. 
8. In a deep frying pan, allow the oil to heat over medium-low fire.
9. Gently lower a piece of dough into the oil. If it floats to the surface, then the oil is ready. 
10. Toss them around with a skimmer or skewer until golden brown and crispy.
11. Transfer onto a plate lined to remove excess oil. 
12. Let it cool and serve while crunchy!

Wasn’t that so much fun and satisfying? Serve these as treats and I can guarantee you that your family and friends will never get enough of them! 

Tips

How to Store Dry Ingredient

• Puff pastry ingredients are best stored in their original packaging or in airtight containers.
• Remember to secure them to prevent molds and insects from seeping into the condiments. 
• Place them in cool and dark areas of your kitchen to keep them away from sunlight and moisture.
• There is no need to refrigerate or freeze them. 

How to Preserve Chin Chin Dough

In case you never want to run out of this amazing snack, you can store dough for future use.

1. Roll the dough into your preferred shape and size.
2. Wrap it in foil or cling film.
3. Place it in resealable bags or airtight containers in the fridge.
4. Use it within five days. 

You can also freeze it to last up to 10 days or even several weeks. If you prefer freezing it, then coat it with a bit of oil and seal the bags. To thaw, place the frozen dough near a hot surface until it rises. 

Chin Chin Variations

To add flavor to the chin chin, use different kinds of seasoning such as cayenne, orange zest, desiccated coconut, cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla extract, chili powder, and more. Furthermore, you can slice it into different sizes or strips. 

Aside from all-purpose flour, you may also opt for oat flour or gluten-free flour for healthier alternatives. In case you don’t have sunflower oil, you can use canola oil, avocado oil, or peanut oil. 

You can also make chin chin in different flavors such as coconut, beetroot, and even milo!

Alternative Ways to Cook Chin Chin

Aside from cooking this dish on the stove, you can try other ways of frying it. 

In the oven

1. First, preheat the oven to 160°C for a few minutes.
2. Grease the baking tray.
3. Then, arrange the chin chin dough on top.
4. Let it bake for up to 20 minutes.

In the air fryer

1. Set the air fryer at 170°C.
2. Cook the chin chin in batches.
3. Then, let them air fry for up to 18 minutes.
4. Shake it occasionally for even browning. 

Recommended Tools

• Deep frying pan: Deep fry the chin chin in a deep pan.
• Dough cutter: Slice the dough with a dough cutter or a knife.
• Rolling pin: Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough.
• Whisk: Mix the dry ingredients with a whisk. 
• Glass bowl: Prepare the ingredients and the mixture in a glass bowl. 
• Cutting board: Work on the dough on a chopping board.
• Strainer skimmer : Toss the chin chin in the oil with a skimmer. 

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How to Serve Chin Chin

Chin chin is perfect for snacking on a busy day. Alternatively, it’s a great option for cereal to pair with pure almond milk or chocolate almond milk. You can even toss them into salads to add crunch to the dish. 

Additionally, you can serve it with sauces such as chocolate syrup, strawberry jam, peanut butter, or other dips. You may even cook it as side dish for lunch or dinner with family and friends. In fact, this can even be a product for a food business!

Here are more recipes that you can serve with Chin Chin:

• Banana Porridge
• Overnight Oats
• Plantain Porridge
• Granola

Meanwhile, these are some of the best driks that will go well with this snack:

• Avocado Banana Milkshake
• Chocolate Almond Milk
• Iced Coffee
• Fruit Smoothie

Storage Tips

• At room temperature: Put the chin chin in containers or resealable bags and store and room temperature for several weeks. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is chin chin a healthy snack?

Yes, it is absolutely healthy because it does not contain preservatives, additives, or extenders! Since this is homemade, you get to ensure that it’s safe to consume and all-natural. 

Eat chin chin if you want to energize your body and mind for the day. This snack also promotes clear vision, boosts immunity, and supplies essential vitamins. 

However, note that it is only healthy when you eat it in moderation.

What is Nigerian chin chin made of?

Nigerian Chin Chin is made of plain flour, sugar, powdered milk, salted butter, nutmeg, sea salt, water, and oil. These are guaranteed to give you crunchy and flaky snacks.

It can also be mixed with beetroot, milo, or desiccated coconuts for added color and flavor.

Is chin chin a junk food?

It is a healthy snack only when you eat it in moderation. Despite being homemade, the Chin Chin is still a deep-fried snacks that can be bad for your health if eaten in excess.

What makes chin chin crunchy?

The plain flour, sugar, and powdered milk are great for making the Chin Chin crunchy. These can improve the texture of the snacks for a crispy and flaky quality. You can also make the recipe crunchier by letting them cool at room temperature for several minutes.

This post may contain general information and does not constitute professional medical advice. Always seek information or advice from a qualified medical professional. Please read the full disclaimer for details.