Crispy Chicken Ham and Cheese Sticks – A Golden, Cheesy Snack Everyone Will Love!

If you’re looking for the ultimate snack, appetizer, or party finger food, these Chicken Ham and Cheese Sticks deliver everything you crave — a crispy exterior, a gooey cheesy center, and a flavorful mix of shredded chicken and savory ham. Golden-fried and perfect for dipping, these sticks are a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.

Whether you’re planning game night snacks, prepping freezer-friendly bites, or just want something crunchy and satisfying, this easy recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and can be customized with your favorite cheeses or seasonings. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover cooked chicken or deli ham.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Made in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
Kid-Friendly: Great for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or picky eaters.
Freezer-Friendly: Prepare ahead and fry when needed.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect appetizer for parties, potlucks, and holidays.
Customizable: Swap the cheese or seasoning to match your tastes.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cheesy delight:

Main Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or baked chicken works great)
1 cup ham, diced small (use cooked deli ham or leftover roast ham)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar for sharpness or mozzarella for meltiness)

For the Coating:

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch or regular for classic texture)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Frying:

Vegetable oil or canola oil (enough to cover the bottom of your pan for shallow frying)

How to Make Chicken Ham and Cheese Sticks

Follow these simple steps for a crispy, cheesy success every time:

Make the Filling:

In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced ham, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix until fully combined. You should be able to press the mixture together with your hands. If it’s too loose, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs to bind.

Shape the Sticks:

Scoop a handful of the mixture and shape it into short sticks or logs (about 2–3 inches long).
You can also roll them into bite-sized balls for mini versions.

Bread the Sticks:

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
Dip each stick first in flour, then in egg, and finally coat well with breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for a double coating.

Fry Until Golden:

Heat a generous amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
Fry the sticks in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides — about 3–4 minutes per side.
Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Cheese Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for better meltability.
No Deep Fryer? Shallow frying in a nonstick pan works great.
Want to Bake Them? Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
Make-Ahead Tip: Shape and bread the sticks, then freeze on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cook time.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy chicken sticks are perfect served with:

Honey mustard dip
Ranch dressing
Marinara sauce
BBQ sauce or sweet chili sauce

Pair them with fries, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze breaded (uncooked) sticks for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until hot and crispy.

Nutritional Info & Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approx. 300 kcal

Final Thoughts

These Chicken Ham and Cheese Sticks are the ultimate crispy comfort food. Crunchy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, they’re quick to make, easy to love, and perfect for any occasion. Keep a batch in the freezer and you’ll always be just a few minutes away from snack-time greatness.