Golden and crispy on the outside with a gooey melted cheese center, these Chicken Ham & Cheese Sticks are filled with savory ham and mozzarella, then coated in a crunchy Parmesan breadcrumb crust. They’re perfect for family dinners, party platters, or an irresistible snack.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken Rolls
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices deli ham
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese
For the Crispy Coating
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray or a little vegetable oil
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice each chicken breast into thin cutlets or pound them between sheets of plastic wrap until evenly thin.
Lay the chicken cutlets flat on a clean work surface.
Place one slice of ham and one slice of mozzarella cheese on each cutlet.
2. Roll the Chicken
Starting from one end, roll each chicken cutlet tightly around the ham and cheese.
Secure the rolls with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling in place during baking.
3. Make the Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Place the beaten eggs in a separate shallow bowl.
4. Bread the Chicken
Dip each chicken roll into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
Coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing the crumbs onto the surface for an even, crispy coating.
5. Bake
Lightly grease a baking tray or line it with parchment paper.
Arrange the breaded chicken rolls on the tray and lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or brush with a little oil.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the coating is crisp and golden and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil for the final 2–3 minutes, watching carefully.
6. Serve
Allow the chicken to rest for 3–5 minutes before removing the toothpicks and slicing if desired.
Serve hot with ranch dressing, honey mustard, marinara sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.
- Replace the ham with turkey, prosciutto, or smoked chicken for a different flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
- These can also be air-fried at 380°F (193°C) for 16–18 minutes, turning halfway through.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 460 kcal
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
These crispy chicken rolls are packed with juicy chicken, smoky ham, and melted cheese, making them a family favorite that’s easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests.
