Crispy Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks Recipe That Sizzles

Crispy buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks bring a spicy twist to classic appetizer comfort.

Melty cheese and zesty sauce create an irresistible combination that screams game day excitement.

Surprising flavor layers emerge from each crunchy bite, promising serious snack satisfaction.

Incredibly simple ingredients blend into something extraordinary for hungry crowds.

These golden-brown delights pack a punch of flavor that catches everyone’s attention.

Fire up your appetite and get ready to impress with this crowd-stopping appetizer.

Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks That Bring The Heat

• Unleash Flavor Explosion: Irresistible Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks
• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up these mouthwatering sticks in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a zesty appetizer without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Guaranteed to be the star of game nights, potlucks, and casual gatherings with its spicy chicken and melty cheese combination that appeals to all ages.
• Healthier Indulgence: Air fryer method delivers crispy texture with significantly less oil compared to traditional deep-frying, making it a guilt-free treat for health-conscious snackers.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adjust buffalo sauce intensity and experiment with cheese blends to match personal taste preferences, creating a versatile recipe that never gets boring.

Cheese-Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Stick Mix

• Shredded Chicken: Provides the hearty protein base with classic buffalo flavor, best when using rotisserie or leftover chicken.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers the stretchy, melty core that defines these appetizer sticks, preferably low-moisture variety.

• Flour, Eggs, Breadcrumbs: Classic breading trio that creates a crispy, golden exterior with perfect texture, all-purpose flour works best.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika: Seasoning blend that adds depth and complexity to the breadcrumb coating, freshly ground spices recommended.

• Buffalo Sauce: Adds signature tangy and spicy kick to the chicken, choose mild or hot based on preference.
• Cooking Spray: Helps achieve golden and crisp exterior in air fryer, neutral flavored spray preferred.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides bright color and fresh garnish, optional but recommended for visual appeal.

Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks Preparation Guide

Step 1: Craft Zesty Chicken Mixture

Grab a mixing bowl and toss shredded chicken with buffalo sauce.

The chicken should be completely drenched in tangy, spicy goodness.

Fold in mozzarella cheese until the mixture looks evenly combined and irresistible.

Step 2: Prepare Crispy Coating Stations

• Flour bowl
• Beaten eggs bowl
• Seasoned breadcrumbs bowl (mix breadcrumbs with
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika)

Step 3: Shape Delicious Rolls

Using your hands, carefully roll the chicken-cheese mixture into slender stick shapes.

Make sure each roll is compact and uniform for even cooking.

Step 4: Coat with Crunchy Layer

• First roll in flour
• Next dunk in beaten eggs
• Finally coat with seasoned breadcrumbs

Ensure each roll gets a thick, even layer of crispy coating.

Step 5: Prepare Air Fryer

Preheat air fryer to 375°F.

Lightly spray basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Crisp Up Rolls

Arrange rolls in single layer inside air fryer basket.

Spray tops with cooking spray.

Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and super crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top.

Serve hot and watch everyone devour these spicy, cheesy rolls!

Mozzarella Stick Tips With Buffalo Chicken Kick

• Choose a buffalo sauce that matches your heat preference, from mild to extra spicy, to customize the flavor profile of your mozzarella sticks.
• Freeze the prepared mozzarella sticks for 15-20 minutes before air frying to help them hold their shape and prevent cheese from melting out completely.
• Double-coat the sticks by repeating the egg and breadcrumb process for an extra-crunchy exterior that stays crisp even after cooling.
• Drain the shredded chicken thoroughly to remove excess liquid, ensuring the filling stays compact and doesn't become soggy during cooking.
• Mix different cheese varieties like cheddar or pepper jack with mozzarella to create a more complex and rich flavor in your buffalo chicken sticks.

Store Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks to Keep Them Crispy

• Store leftover buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain food safety and quality.
• Wrap individual sticks in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to preserve texture and flavor.
• Preheat air fryer to 350°F. Place cold sticks in the basket and cook for 3-4 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even reheating.
• Spread sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, turning halfway to restore crunchiness and prevent sogginess.

Bold Combos For Mozzarella Sticks

• Pair with Cool Blue Cheese Dip: Creamy blue cheese dressing cuts through the spicy buffalo chicken, creating a tangy counterpoint that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Complement with Crisp Craft Beer: Light, hoppy pale ales or wheat beers balance the rich, spicy mozzarella sticks, refreshing the palate between bites.
• Match with Zesty Celery Slaw: Crunchy, vinegar-based coleslaw with diced celery adds a fresh, bright element that echoes traditional buffalo wing accompaniments.
• Enhance with Chilled Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp, acidic white wine provides a clean, sharp contrast to the deep-fried, spicy appetizer, cleansing the palate with each sip.

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Stick Twists

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a low-carb coating. Use cream cheese instead of mozzarella for extra richness and lower carb content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend or coconut flour. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for coating.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with cooked and shredded jackfruit or plant-based chicken alternative. Keep the buffalo sauce and cheese for similar flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use dairy-free mozzarella-style cheese and replace eggs with plant-based egg substitute or aquafaba. Ensure all other ingredients are dairy-free for those with lactose intolerance.

FAQs

• What makes buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks different from traditional mozzarella sticks?

These sticks combine spicy buffalo chicken with melty mozzarella cheese, creating a flavor-packed appetizer that blends the classic mozzarella stick with buffalo wing flavors for a more exciting twist.

• Can I make these sticks ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sticks in advance and refrigerate them before air frying. Just bread them completely and store on a lined baking sheet in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before cooking.

• Do I need special equipment to make these?

An air fryer works best, but you can also bake these in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even crispiness. Just spray with cooking oil to help them brown.

• How spicy are these buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks?

The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce you use. If you prefer mild heat, choose a milder buffalo sauce or mix it with some ranch dressing to reduce the spiciness.

Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy, golden buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks deliver a spicy kick that melts hearts and tantalizes taste buds. Cheese lovers will savor the perfect blend of zesty buffalo sauce and gooey mozzarella in this irresistible appetizer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Cheese:

• 1 cup (240 ml) cooked shredded chicken
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese

Breading and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 ml) breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) buffalo sauce
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Cooking spray
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Craft a flavorful filling by thoroughly combining shredded chicken with tangy buffalo sauce, ensuring each chicken strand is evenly coated with zesty heat.
2. Integrate shredded mozzarella into the buffalo-infused chicken mixture, stirring until the cheese and meat create a harmonious blend.
3. Assemble three distinct breading vessels: one with flour, another with whisked eggs, and the final bowl containing breadcrumbs enhanced with aromatic garlic powder, onion powder, and smoky paprika.
4. Mold the chicken-cheese mixture into uniform cylindrical shapes, using gentle pressure to compact the ingredients and maintain structural integrity.
5. Execute a meticulous coating process by first dusting each stick with flour, creating a delicate base layer that helps egg adherence.
6. Submerge the floured sticks into beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage, then roll them through the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to create a robust, crispy exterior.
7. Prepare the air fryer by preheating to 375°F and lightly misting the basket with cooking spray to prevent potential sticking.
8. Arrange the breaded sticks in a single layer within the air fryer basket, maintaining spacing to promote even crisping, and lightly spray the tops for additional golden browning.
9. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, rotating midway to achieve an uniformly crisp, golden-brown exterior that encases the molten cheese and spicy chicken interior.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately, allowing guests to experience the perfect balance of crunch, heat, and cheesy indulgence.

Notes

• Prevent cheese leakage by freezing the filled mozzarella sticks for 15-20 minutes before breading, which helps them hold shape during cooking.
• Create gluten-free versions by substituting regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with dietary restrictions.
• Control spice levels by adjusting buffalo sauce quantity or choosing mild/medium varieties to suit different heat tolerances.
• Maximize crispiness by ensuring breadcrumbs are evenly distributed and not clumping, which guarantees a perfectly crunchy exterior.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg