Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks combine the fiery kick of classic buffalo sauce with the creamy, melty goodness of mozzarella cheese. These crispy, golden sticks offer the perfect balance of spice, cheese, and tender chicken, making them an irresistible appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a game day party or craving a flavorful treat, these mozzarella sticks deliver on texture and taste. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for dipping, offering a delightful spicy twist on a beloved comfort food.
- Perfectly crispy exterior with a gooey, cheesy interior enhanced by spicy buffalo chicken.
- Simple ingredients with store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time without compromising flavor.
- Customizable spice level through buffalo sauce, making it suitable for mild or heat lovers.
Ingredients
- Shredded Chicken: Use 2 cups of tender, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked shredded chicken for moist texture.
- Buffalo Sauce: Half a cup of spicy, tangy buffalo sauce enhances flavor; adjust amount to desired heat.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup of fresh or low-moisture shredded mozzarella cheese adds creamy, melty richness.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup to create the initial dry coating that helps the batter stick perfectly during breading.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs, beaten, act as a binding agent for the breadcrumbs to adhere smoothly.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup of light, crispy Japanese-style breadcrumbs provide an airy, crunchy crust.
- Cooking Oil: 2 cups of high-smoke-point oil (like vegetable or canola) for frying to golden perfection.
- Dipping Sauces: Half a cup of blue cheese or ranch dressing to complement and cool spicy bites.
Instructions
- Mix Chicken and Cheese with Buffalo Sauce
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In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and mozzarella cheese. This blends spicy flavors and cheesy texture, ensuring every bite is flavorful and moist.
- Shape Chicken Mixture into Sticks
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Portion the mix into 3-inch long sticks and shape firmly to hold together. Freezing for 30 minutes helps them maintain their shape while breading and frying.
- Prepare the Breading Station
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Set three shallow bowls with flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs respectively. This traditional triple-dip method ensures a crispy, well-adhered coating on each stick.
- Bread the Frozen Sticks
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Remove sticks from the freezer and coat each in flour, then dip into eggs, and finally roll in panko breadcrumbs. This layered breading creates a crunchy crust that locks in cheese and chicken flavors.
- Heat Oil and Fry Sticks
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Pour oil into a pan to cover the bottom and heat over medium until shimmering. Fry sticks in batches for 2-4 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and crisp on all sides.
- Drain Excess Oil
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Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked sticks onto paper towels. This step absorbs excess oil, keeping them crispy and not greasy.
- Freezing the shaped sticks before breading prevents them from falling apart during frying.
- Use oils with high smoke points like vegetable or canola for safe frying at medium heat.
- Pair these sticks with cooling dips like blue cheese or ranch to balance the spicy buffalo flavor.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness rather than microwaving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sticks hot with small ramekins of blue cheese dressing, ranch, or extra buffalo sauce for dipping. They also pair well with celery sticks or a fresh green salad to complete your appetizer spread.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella for less excess moisture and better coating adhesion.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor depth from seasoned skin and spices.
- Keep oil temperature consistent to avoid greasy or undercooked sticks; a kitchen thermometer helps.
FAQs
- Can I bake instead of fry these sticks?
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Yes, baking at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden crisp is a healthier alternative that still delivers good texture.
- How spicy are these buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks?
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The heat depends on the buffalo sauce used; mild sauces yield gentle spice, while hotter varieties increase the kick.
- Can I prepare these ahead for parties?
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Absolutely! Shape, freeze, and bread them in advance, then fry or bake just before serving for fresh crispy results.
- What type of cheese works best?
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Low-moisture mozzarella is preferred for less water content, resulting in a firmer, melty center that holds together.
- Are these suitable for kids?
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You can reduce or omit buffalo sauce for milder flavor, making them kid-friendly while still tasty.
- What dipping sauces complement these sticks?
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Classic blue cheese and ranch dressings perfectly balance the heat, but honey mustard or garlic aioli are great alternatives.
- Can I freeze the sticks after cooking?
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It’s best to freeze them uncooked before breading for optimal texture. Cooked sticks may lose crispiness after freezing and reheating.
Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 frying pan
- 1 Slotted spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken rotisserie or cooked
- 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cups cooking oil high smoke point
- 1/2 cup dipping sauces blue cheese or ranch
Instructions
- Mix shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, and mozzarella cheese together in a bowl until evenly combined.
- Shape the mixture into 3-inch sticks and place on a baking sheet, then freeze for at least 30 minutes.
- Set up a breading station with separate shallow bowls containing flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat each frozen stick first in flour, then dip in eggs, and finally roll in panko breadcrumbs until fully covered.
- Heat cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat to cover the bottom.
- Fry the breaded sticks in batches for 2-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer fried sticks to paper-towel-lined plates to drain excess oil before serving with dipping sauces.
Notes
- Serve fresh for best texture and flavor.
- Try different dipping sauces for variety.
- Freeze sticks before breading to prevent falling apart.
- Use high smoke point oil for frying safety.
