Chicken Ham Cheese Sticks

Looking for the ultimate finger food that satisfies everyone at the table These Chicken Ham and Cheese Sticks bring together tender chicken savory ham and gooey melted cheese all wrapped in a crispy coat They are perfect for parties family dinners or a creative lunchbox surprise and you can bake or fry them to suit your style

The first time I served these at a birthday party the platter disappeared in minutes Now I always double the batch because my family cannot get enough

Ingredients

• Cooked shredded or finely chopped chicken: This gives the filling its juicy texture Rely on rotisserie for convenience but any cooked chicken works
• Deli ham chopped: Brings salty flavor and helps the sticks hold together Look for ham with minimal water added for the best bite
• Shredded mozzarella or cheddar: Melty cheese is the glue that binds everything Sharp cheddar adds extra flavor or go for milder mozzarella for stretch
• Egg for the mix: Binds the filling and keeps it all together
• Chopped parsley optional: Adds a fresh note and color Use flat leaf parsley for best flavor
• Salt and pepper to taste: Key to making the filling pop Always taste your filling before shaping
• Flour for coating: Helps the egg wash stick Use all purpose for best results
• Eggs for coating: Makes the breadcrumbs adhere
• Breadcrumbs panko for more crunch: These bake up beautifully golden Use panko for crunch or classic for finer coating
• Spray oil or melted butter for baking: Optional but adds golden color and crispiness to baked sticks

Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

In a large bowl combine the chicken ham cheese one egg parsley if using and salt and pepper Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to really mix until everything evenly combines A uniform mixture helps the sticks hold their shape

Shape the Sticks:

Scoop up palm sized portions of the filling and roll them firmly into sticks about three to four inches long and about three fourths inch thick Lay each shaped stick on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat Try to pack them tightly for fewer cracks

Firm Up the Sticks:

Place the filled tray in the freezer for twenty to thirty minutes This chills and firms up the mixture making the next steps much easier and preventing them from falling apart while coating

Coat the Sticks:

Set up three shallow dishes Put flour in the first beaten eggs in the second and breadcrumbs in the third Working one stick at a time first roll gently in flour so it is dusted all over Dip into beaten egg until fully coated Then press into the breadcrumbs turning to make sure every surface is covered Lay back on the sheet

Bake the Sticks:

If baking preheat your oven to two hundred degrees Celsius or four hundred Fahrenheit Arrange sticks a little apart on a greased or parchment lined baking sheet Spray lightly with oil or brush with melted butter Bake for eighteen to twenty minutes or until golden brown and sizzling

Fry the Sticks:

If frying pour oil into a deep skillet to about one inch deep and heat to one hundred seventy five degrees Celsius or three hundred fifty Fahrenheit Work in small batches to avoid crowding Lower each stick gently into the oil Fry for two to three minutes until crisp and deep golden Drain on paper towels

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My favorite moments with these are the way everyone gathers around the pan as soon as they come out Fresh from the oven the gooey cheese stretch alone is a showstopper My brother once declared these his new favorite game day snack and now they are a family must

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days To reheat bake at one ninety degrees Celsius for ten minutes or until hot and crispy again You can freeze unbaked coated sticks in a single layer then transfer to a bag Once ready to cook just bake or fry straight from frozen with a few extra minutes added

Ingredient Substitutions

Turkey or roast beef both make great swaps for ham Monterey Jack or a spicy cheese add a fun twist Use gluten free flour and breadcrumbs for an allergy friendly version If you want extra freshness try a handful of chopped spinach or diced bell pepper in the mix

Serving Suggestions

Arrange with ranch or honey mustard for dipping Serve on a platter with pickles olives and crunchy veggies for a complete party spread They are also wonderful stuffed inside soft rolls for instant sandwiches and happy kids

Cultural Context

Chicken ham and cheese is a beloved combination often seen in dishes like cordon bleu This recipe is a playful take using familiar deli favorites in snack form When I visited friends in Europe they called these croquettes and every street food stall had their own version Some families roll them in herbs others stuff with different cheeses for local flavor

Seasonal Adaptations

Use turkey and cranberry for a festive twist Mix in chopped roasted red pepper when in season Try with leftover Easter or Christmas ham for an easy holiday snack

Recipe Notes

Perfect to prep ahead for parties Ideal for lunchboxes since they taste great at room temperature Let the sticks cool a little before serving so melted cheese does not burn little mouths

Success Stories

Friends have made these for baby showers and brunches with rave reviews Every batch disappears My neighbor once added chopped sun dried tomato and it became an instant classic at her book club Even picky eaters in our family get excited when they see these come to the table Especially with ketchup

Freezer Meal Conversion

Shape and coat sticks then freeze solid on trays Once frozen store in bags for up to two months Bake or fry from frozen adding about four to five minutes more than the usual cook time Great for busy school nights or drop in guests especially with dipping sauces I often double the recipe just for this reason so there is always a quick meal on hand

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Enjoy these crowd pleasers hot for ultimate cheesy goodness or at room temperature for easy snacking They are sure to become a family favorite with endless ways to customize

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works well since it's already cooked and easy to shred, adding flavor and convenience.

→ What is the best cheese to use?

Mozzarella or cheddar are great choices, but you can substitute other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or Swiss for variety.

→ Is it possible to freeze these before cooking?

Yes, shape and coat the sticks, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Transfer to a container once frozen for longer storage.

→ How do I achieve extra crunchy texture?

Use panko breadcrumbs for the coating and spray or brush with oil before baking or frying for a crispier finish.

→ Can these be made gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for the coating to create a gluten-free version of the sticks.