Picture this: It’s a lazy Sunday afternoon, and I’m rummaging through the fridge for something, anything, that could satisfy that gnawing hunger. That’s when I spot the trifecta: chicken, ham, and a glorious block of mozzarella. “Baked Chicken Ham Cheese Mozzarella Sticks,” my stomach growls. I’d heard of them, seen them on menus, but never attempted them. I mean, the pressure of melting cheese and perfectly cooked chicken? That’s high-stakes cooking right there.
But you know what? I went for it. And let me tell you, the first time was a comedy of errors. The cheese oozed out, the chicken was underseasoned, and the bread crumbs ended up everywhere but on those sticks. It was a mess. But after a few tweaks and burns (literally and figuratively), I perfected it. And now, these sticks are our family’s most requested game day snack, hands down. They’re crispy, they’re cheesy, and honestly, they’re everything comfort food should be.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Let’s talk shopping list. I’m a firm believer in “what you have is what you use,” but for this recipe, there are a few must-haves:
- 1 pound chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 8 slices of ham
- 1 block of mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray (or any cooking spray you prefer)
Instructions
Alright, folks, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive in. And remember: the messier the prep, the tastier the outcome (or so I tell myself).
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and give it a quick spritz with your cooking spray.
- Season the chicken slices with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Place a slice of ham on each chicken piece, followed by a mozzarella stick. Roll them up tightly and secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for breadcrumbs.
- Dip each chicken roll in flour, then eggs, and finally coat them thoroughly in breadcrumbs. Place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are a golden brown. (Trust me, keep an eye on them!)
- Let them cool for a couple of minutes – they’re hot! – and then serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Tricks
Now, about those ingredients… There are a few things I’ve picked up along the way:
- Seasoning the chicken is key. Don’t skimp on the spices – they make all the difference.
- Freezing the cheese sticks for about 20 minutes before rolling helps keep them from melting too quickly in the oven.
- If you’re out of breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or even potato chips can be a game changer! They add a unique flavor and texture.
FAQ
Got questions? I’ve got answers – and most of them I learned the hard way.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Just prepare them up to the point of baking and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen – just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: What are the best dipping sauces?
A: I’m a sucker for a good marinara sauce, but ranch dressing or BBQ sauce are also top contenders. Honestly, it’s whatever floats your boat.
Q: My cheese always leaks out! What am I doing wrong?
A: You’re not alone, friend. Try freezing the cheese as I mentioned earlier, and make sure your chicken is wrapped tightly. Also, don’t over-bake – keep an eye on them!
Now, let’s talk calories. Each stick is roughly around 200-250 calories, depending on how generous you are with the cheese and ham. But who’s counting on game day, right?
Substitutions? Sure thing. If you’re not a fan of ham, try turkey or even salami. No mozzarella? Cheddar or pepper jack can bring a little zing. And for our gluten-free pals, almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs work like a charm.
Storage tips: If by some miracle there are leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for a couple of days, and you can reheat them in the oven to crisp them back up.
Variations are where you can get creative. Add some jalapeños inside for a kick, or swap the breadcrumbs for a parmesan crust. The world is your cheesy, chickeny oyster.
The cultural story behind these is a bit of a melting pot – kind of like America, right? Mozzarella sticks have their roots in France, while the concept of wrapping things in meat is a very European move. But baking them? That’s all-American baby – less grease, more crunch.
So here we are, at the end of our cheesy journey. If you’ve stuck with me this far, you’re ready to tackle these Baked Chicken Ham Cheese Mozzarella Sticks. They’re perfect for sharing, but honestly, I won’t blame you if you want them all to yourself. My kids love when I whip these up, and my neighbor’s been eyeing them since the aroma started wafting over the fence. Just remember to have fun, play with your food, and always keep an extra block of cheese on hand – you know, for emergencies. Happy baking!
Baked Chicken Ham Cheese Mozzarella Sticks
Crispy baked chicken rolls filled with ham and mozzarella cheese sticks, seasoned with garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper, and coated in breadcrumbs. A delicious and savory snack perfect for game day or any casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 8 slices of ham
- 1 block of mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray (or any cooking spray you prefer)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
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Season the chicken slices with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
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Place a slice of ham on each chicken piece, followed by a mozzarella stick. Roll them up tightly and secure with a toothpick if needed.
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Prepare three bowls for breading: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
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Coat each chicken roll in flour, then eggs, and finally breadcrumbs. Place on the baking sheet seam-side down.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and breadcrumbs are golden brown.
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Let cool for a couple of minutes, serve with your favorite dipping sauce.