Crispy Stuffed Chicken & Cheese Skewers

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Ingredients (Serves 4–5)

For the chicken rolls

  • 4 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • 150–200 g mozzarella cheese sticks or slices
  • 8–10 slices turkey ham or beef ham (optional but recommended)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian herbs

For the coating

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 2 cups breadcrumbs or panko (panko = extra crispy)
  • ½ cup grated parmesan (optional but amazing flavor)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika

For cooking

  • Oil for frying
    OR
  • Olive oil spray for baking/air frying

Optional extras

  • Mustard or mayo for spreading
  • Chili flakes
  • Fresh parsley
  • Wooden skewers (soaked in water 20 minutes if baking)

🔪 Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken

This step is the secret to tender, rollable chicken.

Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally to butterfly it (don’t cut all the way through). Open it like a book.

Now cover with plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until thin and even — about ½ cm thick.

Why this matters:

  • Thin chicken cooks evenly
  • Easier to roll
  • Stays juicy
  • Looks cleaner when sliced

Season both sides with:

  • salt
  • pepper
  • garlic powder
  • paprika
  • herbs

Massage the seasoning in well.

🧀 Step 2 – Add the Filling

Now the fun part.

Lay one slice of ham on the chicken.

Place a cheese stick or thick strip of mozzarella at one end.

Don’t overfill — too much cheese will leak during cooking.

Optional flavor boost:

Spread a very thin layer of mustard or mayo before adding cheese. It adds moisture and richness.

🌯 Step 3 – Roll It Up

Starting from the cheese side, roll tightly like a burrito.

Keep it compact so it holds shape.

If needed, secure with:

  • toothpicks
    OR
  • directly slide onto skewers (2–3 rolls per skewer)

The skewers help everything stay together and make flipping easier while cooking.

🥚 Step 4 – Breading Station

Classic 3-step coating method.

Prepare 3 bowls:

Bowl 1 – Flour

Flour + pinch of salt

Bowl 2 – Egg wash

Eggs + milk, whisked

Bowl 3 – Breadcrumb mix

Breadcrumbs + parmesan + paprika + pepper

Coating process (important!)

For each roll:

  1. Flour → shake excess
  2. Egg → coat fully
  3. Breadcrumbs → press firmly

For EXTRA crunch:

Repeat egg + breadcrumbs again (double coating).

This gives you that thick crispy crust like in the photo.

🍳 Step 5 – Cooking Methods

Choose your favorite:

Method 1 – Frying (crispiest)

Heat oil in a deep pan to medium heat (about 170–180°C).

Don’t overcrowd.

Fry 4–5 minutes per side until:

  • deep golden brown
  • crispy
  • chicken fully cooked inside

Transfer to paper towels.

This gives the most beautiful crunchy texture.

Method 2 – Baking (healthier)

Preheat oven to 200°C.

Place skewers on a rack or tray lined with parchment.

Spray or brush lightly with oil.

Bake 25–30 minutes, turning halfway.

For extra crisp:

Broil/grill 3–4 minutes at the end.

Method 3 – Air Fryer (easy & fast)

Set to 190°C.

Cook 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.

Spray lightly with oil first.

This gives nearly fried texture with less oil.

🧀 Step 6 – Rest & Slice

Let rest 5 minutes after cooking.

This keeps cheese from spilling out.

Slice into chunks or serve whole on skewers.

When you cut them, you should see:

  • juicy chicken
  • melted cheese pull
  • crunchy crust

Pure magic.

🍽 Serving Ideas

These go with everything.

Serve with:

  • Garlic sauce
  • Ranch dip
  • Honey mustard
  • Spicy mayo
  • BBQ sauce
  • Ketchup (simple but classic)

Sides:

  • Fries
  • Salad
  • Coleslaw
  • Rice
  • Grilled vegetables
  • Potato wedges

Or slice and add inside sandwiches or wraps.

🔥 Flavor Variations

Once you master the basic version, try these:

Mexican

Add jalapeños + cheddar + taco seasoning

Italian

Mozzarella + pesto + parmesan

Spicy

Hot sauce + pepper jack cheese

Mushroom & cheese

Add sautéed mushrooms

Crispy cornflake crust

Replace breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes

💡 Pro Tips (very important)

✅ Pound chicken thin

✅ Don’t overfill cheese

✅ Double coat for crunch

✅ Rest before slicing

✅ Medium heat (too hot burns outside, raw inside)

✅ Use rack when baking for airflow

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Fridge:

Store 3–4 days airtight

Freezer:

Freeze uncooked or cooked for up to 2 months

Reheat:

Air fryer or oven (don’t microwave or it gets soggy)

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this is one of those foods that disappears FAST.

It’s:

  • crispy
  • cheesy
  • juicy
  • handheld
  • kid friendly
  • party perfect
  • meal prep friendly

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