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Chicken Bacon Ranch Cheese Sticks

These Chicken Bacon Ranch Cheese Sticks are the perfect combination of cheesy, crispy, and savory, making them an irresistible snack for any gathering.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Filling
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • 1 cup bacon, crumbled Cooked until crispy.
  • 1 cup ranch dressing For a creamier texture.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Use sharp cheddar for more flavor.
Coating
  • 1 package mozzarella sticks String cheese works well.
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Panko breadcrumbs can be used for extra crunch.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
  • as needed Cooking spray For baking.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get a perfectly crispy finish.
  2. In a bowl, mix together shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar cheese until creamy and well combined.
  3. Take each mozzarella stick and gently press the chicken-bacon-ranch mixture around it, forming a thick, even layer.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Roll each coated cheese stick in the breadcrumbs until nicely covered.
  6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, place the sticks on top, and spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden and crisp.
  7. Allow them to settle for a moment (the cheese will be HOT!), then serve warm and melty.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, serve with ranch dip, spicy mayo, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or marinara. To prevent leaking, freeze mozzarella sticks for 10 minutes before coating. Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, and feel free to add jalapeños to the filling for a spicy version.