The mention of Blue Plate Specials made me think of chicken croquettes.

I've never made chicken croquettes but it sure sounds like some diner
food I'd have enjoyed. I think my mother bought some frozen, once upon
a time, when I was a teen. A Freezer Queen family entree or some such
thing.

Still, the idea just appeals as a way to use chicken. I have a
cookbook, '365 Ways to Cook Chicken'. I've culled a few really good
quick recipes from that book over the years. This is their recipe:

Oven Chicken Croquettes

5 Tablespoons butter
3 Tablespoons flour
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 cups finely chopped cooked chicken
1-1/4 cups bread crumbs
3 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1. In medium saucepan met 3 Tbs butter over medium heat. Add flour and
cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes without browning. Gradually whisk in
milk and broth and cook, stirring constantly, until smooth and
thickened. Remove from heat. Let cool 5 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, 1 cup of the breadcrumbs, parsley,
salt and eggs. Mix well. Pour in sauce, blend and cover. Chill 2
hours until set.

3. Preheat oven to 350F. Combine parmesan cheese and remaining bread
crumbs in a shallow dish. Shape chicken mixture into 2-1/2-3" balls
then pat into ovals. (Makes about 8) Roll croquettes in bread crumb
mixture.

4. Arrange croquettes in a greased 12x8x2 baking dish. Melt remaining
2 tablespoons butter and drizzle over croquettes. Bake 30 minutes,
until golden brown.

Jill