Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks for Spicy Snack Lovers Recipe
Introduction
If you love spicy snacks and cheesy bites, Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks are a perfect treat. These crispy, golden sticks combine tender buffalo chicken with gooey mozzarella for a deliciously addictive appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Shredded Chicken (Use store-bought rotisserie chicken or cook and shred fresh chicken.)
- 1/2 cup Buffalo Sauce (Adjust to your preferred spice level.)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Fresh or low-moisture mozzarella works best.)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (This forms the first layer of breading.)
- 2 large Eggs (Essential for binding the breadcrumbs.)
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (Preferred for a light, crispy coat.)
- 2 cups Cooking Oil (Use oils with a high smoke point.)
- 1/2 cup Dipping Sauces (Serve with blue cheese or ranch.)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and grated mozzarella cheese, stirring well until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Scoop out portions of the chicken mixture and shape them into sticks, about 3 inches long. Freeze them for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Prepare your breading station by setting out three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
- Step 4: Remove the frozen sticks from the freezer. Coat each stick in flour, dip into the egg, and roll in the panko breadcrumbs.
- Step 5: In a large frying pan, pour enough cooking oil to cover the bottom and heat it over medium heat.
- Step 6: Carefully add breaded sticks to the hot oil in batches, frying them for 2-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 7: Once fried, transfer the sticks onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the sticks by repeating the egg and breadcrumb coating before frying.
- Use mild buffalo sauce and add hot sauce separately if you want to control the heat precisely.
- Serve with celery sticks and your favorite blue cheese or ranch dip for an authentic experience.
Storage
Store any leftover sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the sticks at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden and crispy. Baking is a healthier alternative though frying gives a crispier texture.
What type of mozzarella should I use?
Fresh mozzarella or low-moisture mozzarella cheese both work well. Low-moisture mozzarella melts better without releasing too much liquid, which helps keep the sticks crispy.
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Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks for Spicy Snack Lovers Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12–15 sticks 1x
Description
Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks combine tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce with gooey mozzarella cheese, coated in a crispy panko breadcrumb crust, and fried to golden perfection. These addictive snacks are perfect for game day or any time you crave a spicy, cheesy treat.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups Shredded Chicken (Use store-bought rotisserie chicken or cook and shred fresh chicken.)
- 1/2 cup Buffalo Sauce (Adjust to your preferred spice level.)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Fresh or low-moisture mozzarella works best.)
Breading Station
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (This forms the first layer of breading.)
- 2 large Eggs (Essential for binding the breadcrumbs.)
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (Preferred for a light, crispy coat.)
For Frying and Serving
- 2 cups Cooking Oil (Use oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil.)
- 1/2 cup Dipping Sauces (Serve with blue cheese or ranch.)
Instructions
- Mix Chicken and Buffalo Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and grated mozzarella cheese, stirring well until evenly coated.
- Shape the Sticks: Scoop out portions of the chicken mixture and shape them into sticks, about 3 inches long. Place the sticks on a tray and freeze them for at least 30 minutes to ensure they hold their shape during frying.
- Prepare Breading Station: Set out three shallow bowls – one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with seasoned panko breadcrumbs for coating the sticks.
- Bread the Sticks: Remove the frozen chicken sticks from the freezer. Coat each stick first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally roll in the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating.
- Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, pour enough cooking oil to cover the bottom and heat it over medium heat until shimmering and hot.
- Fry the Sticks: Carefully add the breaded chicken sticks to the hot oil in batches. Fry them for 2 to 4 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Drain Excess Oil: Once fried, use a slotted spoon to transfer the sticks onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Serve: Serve the buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks hot with your choice of dipping sauces such as blue cheese or ranch dressing for an extra flavor boost.
Notes
- Freezing the shaped sticks before breading helps maintain their shape during frying.
- Use a high smoke point oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying to prevent burning.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Ensure the oil is not too hot to avoid burning the breadcrumbs before the inside cooks fully.
- These sticks are best enjoyed fresh and hot for maximum crispiness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Buffalo chicken sticks, mozzarella sticks, spicy snacks, fried appetizers, buffalo sauce recipes, crispy chicken sticks
