There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into crispy, golden chicken and finding melty cheese and savory ham inside. This recipe is my go-to when I want comfort food that still feels elegant and impressive. I first made this for a Sunday dinner, and ever since, it’s been a favorite for special occasions and family gatherings. The crispy coating, tender chicken, gooey cheese, and salty ham come together in one of the best bites you’ll ever have.
Let me show you exactly why this recipe works and how you can easily make it at home.
Why This Recipe Works
There are so many reasons why this dish has become a favorite in my kitchen:
- Classic flavors: Ham and cheese stuffed inside juicy chicken never goes out of style.
- Crispy, golden exterior: The breading crisps up perfectly, giving each bite a satisfying crunch.
- Melty, gooey center: Every slice reveals a delicious, cheesy filling that makes it irresistible.
- Simple to make but feels gourmet: It’s impressive enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
- Customizable: You can swap in different cheeses or add herbs to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices deli ham (thin but sturdy)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (or provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter for drizzling
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
How I Make Crispy Golden Chicken Stuffed with Ham and Cheese (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare the Chicken
I start by placing each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pounding them to about 1/2-inch thickness. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easier to roll.
2. Add the Filling
I lay a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on top of each pounded chicken breast. If I’m feeling indulgent, I sometimes add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan too.
3. Roll and Secure
I roll each chicken breast tightly, starting from the narrow end, and secure with toothpicks. I make sure the filling is snug inside so it doesn’t leak out while cooking.
4. Bread the Chicken
I set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour (seasoned with salt and pepper), one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and paprika. I coat each chicken roll first in flour, then egg, and finally the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the coating stick.
5. Drizzle and Bake
I place the breaded chicken rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil or melted butter for that golden, crispy finish. I bake at 400°F for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is beautifully golden.
6. Rest and Serve
I let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing so the cheese stays inside. Then I garnish with chopped parsley and serve with my favorite sides.
My Favorite Tips for Perfect Crispy Chicken
- Pound the chicken evenly: This ensures even cooking and easy rolling.
- Use toothpicks to secure the rolls: It keeps the filling from leaking.
- Don’t skip the panko: Panko breadcrumbs make the coating extra crispy.
- Drizzle with oil or butter: This helps the breading brown beautifully in the oven.
- Let it rest before slicing: Otherwise, the cheese might spill out too quickly.
What I Serve with Crispy Golden Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with all kinds of sides. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy risotto
- Roasted green beans or asparagus
- A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Crusty bread to soak up any cheesy goodness
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare and bread the chicken rolls up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Q: Can I use other cheeses?
A: Absolutely! Provolone, mozzarella, cheddar, or even gouda work beautifully.
Q: Can I air fry these instead of baking?
A: Yes! Air fry at 375°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to keep the coating crispy.
Why This Crispy Golden Chicken Stuffed with Ham and Cheese Belongs in Your Recipe Rotation
This recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but is easy enough to make anytime. The combination of juicy chicken, melty cheese, savory ham, and crispy coating never fails to impress. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a meal to impress guests, it’s always a winner.
If you haven’t tried this yet, I promise it will become one of your go-to comfort dishes.
The Ultimate Comfort Dish: Crispy Golden Chicken Stuffed with Ham and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of cheese (such as Swiss or cheddar)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
- Take each chicken breast and make a pocket by slicing it horizontally without cutting through.
- Stuff each chicken breast with a slice of ham and a slice of cheese.
- Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the fried chicken to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
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