These Chicken Sticks are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that pairs beautifully with a rich, cheesy tomato-based sauce. The combination of tender chicken, spices, and a creamy sauce makes for an irresistible meal or snack. Perfect for family dinners or as a party appetizer!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Sticks:
- 750g (about 2 breasts) chicken breasts, minced or finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 handful parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons (60g) flour
- ½ cup (70g) breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon (8g) salt
- 1 teaspoon ground red pepper
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 3–4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper flakes, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, grated
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mix
- Mince or chop the chicken: Mince the 750g of chicken breasts or finely chop them into small pieces.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the minced chicken with the finely chopped onion, parsley, garlic, egg, flour, breadcrumbs, salt, ground red pepper, cumin, and black pepper.
- Mix thoroughly: Stir or knead the mixture well until everything is evenly combined and forms a cohesive, stickable mixture.
Step 2: Shape and Cook
- Shape the chicken sticks: Take portions of the mixture and shape them into stick-like forms, similar to kebabs or fingers.
- Fry the chicken sticks: Heat some vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken sticks on both sides until they are golden brown and fully cooked, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Heat oil and sauté garlic: In a separate pan, heat 3-4 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Add peppers: Add the chopped green and red peppers to the pan. Cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and season with salt, black pepper flakes, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add cheddar cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve hot: Arrange the chicken sticks on a plate and serve them hot, alongside the warm, cheesy sauce for dipping.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch.
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Baking option: For a healthier version, bake the chicken sticks in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
- Herb variations: Add fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil to the chicken mixture for added flavor.
- Spicy twist: If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes to both the chicken mixture and the sauce.
These Chicken Sticks with a Delicious Sauce are the perfect blend of savory and cheesy flavors, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
