Looking for your next comfort food obsession? These Chicken Ham and Cheese Sticks deliver an irresistible combo of crispy crunch, savory ham, and melty cheese—all in one bite-sized roll. Whether you’re prepping for a game-day snack or a cozy night in, this golden-fried delight promises to satisfy your cheesy cravings with bold flavor and perfect texture. Let’s dig into why this might become your new go-to appetizer!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 6 slices cooked ham, diced
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or string cheese sticks
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Optional: marinara or honey mustard for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep & Pound the Chicken
- Pound the thinly sliced chicken breasts until they’re about ¼ inch thick.
- Season each slice with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring a well-seasoned base.
Step 2: Stuff and Roll
- Place a spoonful of diced ham and shredded mozzarella in the center of each chicken slice.
- Carefully roll up the chicken around the filling and secure each with a toothpick.
Step 3: Bread It Right
- Dredge each chicken roll in flour, coating thoroughly.
- Dip into the beaten eggs, then roll in seasoned breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Step 4: Deep Fry Until Golden
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry each chicken roll for 3–4 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melty inside.
Variations
- Use turkey instead of ham for a leaner option.
- Swap mozzarella with cheddar for a bolder cheese flavor.
- Air fry for a lighter version with less oil.
- Add a slice of pickle inside for a tangy twist.
Cooking Note
- Make sure the oil is hot enough to crisp without absorbing too much grease.
- Don’t overcrowd the frying pan to keep the temperature consistent.
- Let the rolls rest on a paper towel to remove excess oil before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken ham and cheese sticks pair wonderfully with zesty marinara, honey mustard, or even ranch dressing. Serve them with a fresh green salad or crispy fries for a complete meal, or slice them into bite-sized rounds for a party platter that’s sure to vanish quickly.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or air fry for a few minutes to regain crispiness. You can also assemble the rolls ahead of time and freeze them before frying.
Timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 510
Protein: 34g
Sodium: 690mg (may vary with ham and cheese type)
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
For a lighter take, opt for grilled chicken strips instead of frying, use low-fat cheese, and skip the breadcrumbs by wrapping in whole-wheat tortillas for baking. You can also use egg whites instead of whole eggs for a protein-boosted crust.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using thick chicken slices: Thinner slices roll better and cook more evenly.
- Not securing the roll: Always use toothpicks to prevent unrolling during frying.
- Overcrowding the pan: Fry in batches to avoid soggy, uneven cooking.
- Skipping seasoning: Seasoning the chicken adds essential flavor to each bite.
Conclusion
Cheesy, crispy, and filled with savory goodness, these Chicken Ham and Cheese Sticks are more than just an appetizer—they’re an experience. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, this easy-to-make recipe is bound to impress. Try it out and let us know how you personalized it!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Q2: What’s the best dipping sauce for these sticks?
A: Marinara and honey mustard are top favorites, but feel free to try sriracha mayo or garlic aioli for variety.
Q3: Can I make them ahead of time?
A: Absolutely—assemble and freeze before frying. Just fry directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
Q4: How do I ensure the cheese doesn’t leak out?
A: Roll tightly and seal the edges well, and avoid overfilling the chicken.
Easy Chicken Ham & Cheese Sticks Even Kids Adore
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Chicken Ham and Cheese Sticks are the ultimate comfort food snack—melty cheese, savory ham, and golden-crusted chicken rolls make this an irresistible appetizer.
Ingredients
2 boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
6 slices cooked ham, diced
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or string cheese sticks
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 ½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil for frying
Optional: marinara or honey mustard for dipping
Instructions
1. Pound chicken slices until thin and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Place ham and cheese in the center of each chicken slice.
3. Roll up tightly and secure with toothpicks.
4. Dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat in breadcrumbs.
5. Heat oil to 350°F and fry rolls for 3–4 minutes until golden brown.
6. Remove toothpicks and serve hot with dipping sauce.
Notes
Make ahead by assembling and freezing the rolls before frying.
Let fried sticks rest on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Try air frying for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: chicken ham and cheese sticks, crispy appetizer, cheesy chicken rolls