Mediterranean Chicken Ham & Cheese Sticks

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the sticks from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced ham, mozzarella cheese, crumbled feta, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sliced black olives, and fresh basil and oregano. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Drizzle with olive oil and mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be moist and flavorful.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into strips, about 2 inches wide and 6-8 inches long. The size of the strips can vary depending on how big you want your sticks to be.
4. Assemble the Sticks: Place a generous spoonful of the chicken, ham, and cheese mixture at the center of each pastry strip. Be careful not to overfill to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a sealed pocket. Pinch the edges together to ensure they are tightly sealed. You can also fold the ends over to create a neat, stick shape.
5. Egg Wash and Baking: Place the filled pastry sticks onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush each one with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden-brown finish when baked. If you like, sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and a nice crispy finish.
6. Bake the Sticks: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and crisp, and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the sticks toward the end of the baking time to ensure they don’t over-brown.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the Mediterranean Chicken Ham & Cheese Sticks from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm as a delicious snack, appetizer, or meal with your favorite dipping sauce. Tzatziki sauce or a simple marinara can make great dipping partners!

Tips:

• Customize the Filling: Feel free to mix up the filling ingredients to suit your tastes! Add roasted red peppers, spinach, or even a little bit of balsamic glaze for extra Mediterranean flavor.
• Make Ahead: These sticks can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Simply bake them when you’re ready to serve!
• Freezing Option: You can also freeze the unbaked sticks. Once assembled, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion:

Mediterranean Chicken Ham & Cheese Sticks are the perfect fusion of savory flavors wrapped in a flaky, golden pastry crust. With tender chicken, ham, cheese, and Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like olives and sun-dried tomatoes, these sticks are a delightful, versatile snack or meal. Whether you’re preparing for a gathering or just craving a satisfying bite, these Mediterranean-inspired sticks are sure to hit the spot. Easy to make, customizable, and bursting with flavor, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at any occasion!