Okay, buckle up, because these Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks are going to blow your mind! Picture this: crispy, golden mozzarella sticks filled with savory buffalo chicken, all wrapped up in a crunchy breadcrumb coating. Then, when you dip them in creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing? Game over. It’s like everything you love about buffalo wings and mozzarella sticks combined into one epic bite. Perfect for game day, parties, or just when you’re craving something delicious. Trust me, these are the snacks you never knew you needed.
Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks
This recipe isn’t just about satisfying your hunger—it’s about bringing bold flavors to the table with a fun twist. Here’s why it’s a keeper:
Flavor Explosion: The spicy buffalo chicken filling inside the cheesy mozzarella is a combination that’s seriously addictive. If you’re a fan of buffalo wings, you’re going to love these.
Perfect for Parties: Whether you’re hosting a big game night or a casual get-together, these buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks are always a crowd-pleaser. Watch them disappear in seconds.
Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy ingredients—just a few pantry staples to create something totally irresistible.
Cheesy Goodness: There’s nothing quite like biting into a hot mozzarella stick, with that ooey-gooey cheese stretching out. Add buffalo chicken to the mix, and you’ve got something extra special.
Customizable: Want a little extra kick? Add more buffalo sauce. Not a fan of blue cheese? Use ranch! This recipe can be adjusted to fit your tastes.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks. These ingredients come together to create a crispy, cheesy snack that will leave everyone coming back for more.
Mozzarella Sticks: The cheesy base for this recipe. Make sure to use string cheese or mozzarella sticks for the perfect melt.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded, cooked chicken (preferably rotisserie chicken for ease) is the key to the buffalo filling.
Buffalo Sauce: The star of the show! A tangy, spicy buffalo sauce that adds all that bold flavor.
Cream Cheese: For creaminess! It binds the chicken and sauce together, making the filling smooth and flavorful.
Flour: For dredging the mozzarella sticks before frying—this helps the batter stick.
Eggs: A binding agent that holds everything together and helps the breadcrumbs stick.
Breadcrumbs: These give the mozzarella sticks that signature crispy, crunchy coating. You can use regular or panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch.
Cooking Oil: For frying, you’ll need some oil that can handle high heat, like vegetable or canola oil.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to make these buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks happen:
Prep the Chicken Filling: In a bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, and cream cheese. Stir it together until everything is well combined and creamy. You want a nice, spreadable consistency, so add a little extra buffalo sauce if needed.
Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks: Take each mozzarella stick and, using your hands, gently flatten out the chicken mixture into a thin layer. Wrap the flattened chicken around the mozzarella stick, ensuring it’s fully covered. Repeat this with all the sticks.
Coat the Sticks: In three shallow bowls, set up a dredging station: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dip each buffalo chicken-wrapped mozzarella stick into the flour first, then the egg, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs. This three-step process will give them a crispy, golden crust when fried.
Fry the Sticks: Heat the oil in a deep pan or pot to 350°F. Carefully drop in the coated mozzarella sticks, a few at a time. Fry them for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Make sure they’re cooked through but don’t overcook them or the cheese will start to leak out.
Drain the Sticks: Once they’re golden and crispy, remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve these hot and crispy buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. They’re perfect as a party appetizer or as a fun, indulgent snack.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks
These buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks are great on their own, but you can take them to the next level with these ideas:
Dips: Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. You can even serve a combo of both!
Veggies: A side of crunchy veggies like carrots and celery to balance out the richness of the mozzarella sticks.
Fries: For the ultimate indulgence, serve these alongside crispy fries or potato wedges for a snack platter that’s sure to impress.
Buffalo Sauce Drizzle: For even more flavor, drizzle a little extra buffalo sauce on top of the sticks before serving.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to ensure your buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks turn out perfect:
Chill Before Frying: If you have time, pop the mozzarella sticks in the freezer for about 30 minutes before frying. This helps the filling firm up and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly.
Adjust the Spice: Want a milder version? Use less buffalo sauce, or swap it for a mild wing sauce. If you like extra heat, add more sauce or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the mozzarella sticks ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry. Just make sure to coat them well and refrigerate them so they stay firm.
Bake Instead of Fry: If you want to go the healthier route, bake the sticks at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen mozzarella sticks for this recipe?
A1: You can, but fresh mozzarella sticks work best as they hold their shape better during frying. If you use frozen, make sure they’re fully thawed before wrapping with the chicken mixture.
Q2: Can I make these buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prep them ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and fry them just before serving.
Q3: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A3: Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a lighter option.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to keep them crispy.
Q5: Can I freeze these?
A5: Yes, you can freeze them before frying. Just place the prepared sticks on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Fry them directly from frozen when you’re ready to eat.
Q6: What’s the best way to reheat these?
A6: Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes to bring back that crispy exterior.
Q7: Can I use a different sauce for the filling?
A7: Absolutely! If buffalo sauce isn’t your thing, you can use barbecue sauce, ranch, or even a mix of your favorite sauces.
Q8: How can I make these spicier?
A8: Add a little extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the buffalo chicken mixture for more heat.
Q9: Can I make these gluten-free?
A9: Yes, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure your flour and sauces are gluten-free as well.
Q10: Can I add cheese to the chicken mixture?
A10: Yes, feel free to mix in some shredded cheddar or Parmesan for added cheesy goodness!
Conclusion
These Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect mix of crispy, cheesy, and spicy, with just the right amount of heat and flavor. Whether you’re serving them at a party or snacking on them all by yourself, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Don’t wait—make these ASAP!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Spicy, cheesy, and crispy—these Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate appetizer! Perfect for game days or as a fun snack, they’re loaded with shredded chicken, mozzarella, and buffalo sauce for the perfect bite. #BuffaloChickenMozzarellaSticks
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch!)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Cooking spray
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- Mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce in a bowl until well coated.
- Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir until everything is combined.
- Set Up the Breading Station:
- Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a third.
- Shape the Sticks:
- Take a small amount of the chicken and cheese mixture and form it into a stick shape. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
- Bread the Sticks:
- Dredge each stick in the flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then coat in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Ensure they are well-coated for a crispy finish.
- Air Fry the Sticks:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Place the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Cook:
- Air fry for about 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately!
Notes
- For extra spice, add more buffalo sauce to the filling.
- Panko breadcrumbs give the sticks an extra crispy texture, but regular breadcrumbs work as well.
- These can be served with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70mg