Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

• Cooked Chicken: Provides the hearty protein base. Essential for the “chicken” in these buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks. Use leftover rotisserie chicken for ease.
• Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: The star of the show, providing that irresistible gooey, stretchy center. Choose low-moisture, part-skim for best melting.
• Buffalo Sauce: Delivers the iconic tangy, spicy flavor. The foundation of these buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks. Frank’s RedHot is my go-to!
• Cream Cheese: Binds the chicken mixture together and adds a creamy richness. Softened cream cheese mixes much more smoothly.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory aromatic depth. It’s a key flavor builder for the chicken mixture. Don’t skip this essential seasoning.
• Onion Powder: Enhances the overall savory profile. A subtle yet important flavor builder for well-rounded taste.
• Salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors. Absolutely essential for seasoning the chicken mixture properly. Taste and adjust as needed.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild, earthy spice. A simple yet crucial seasoning to round out the flavor. Freshly ground is always best.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the first layer of the crispy coating. This initial dredge helps the egg wash adhere better.
• Large Eggs: Forms the egg wash, binding the breadcrumbs to the chicken. Essential for a perfectly golden, crispy exterior. Beat well!
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Guarantees an extra-crispy, golden-brown coating. The foundation for that satisfying crunch. Use Panko for superior texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides the medium for deep frying to achieve ultimate crispiness. Ensure oil is at the correct temperature for best results.
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Offers a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy sticks. The perfect dipping companion for these delicious snacks.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a touch of freshness and vibrant color as a garnish. Elevates the presentation of your irresistible buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

Prep Chicken Mix:

Shred cooked chicken. In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined. This forms the flavorful base for your Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks.

Wrap Mozzarella:

Take about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture and flatten it into a rectangle. Place one mozzarella stick on it, then carefully roll to completely encase the cheese. Pinch the ends to seal securely, preventing leaks during frying.

Set Dredging:

Prepare your dredging station with three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Panko breadcrumbs. This organized setup is key for achieving a consistent, crispy coating on your delicious snack.

Double Coat:

Dip each chicken-wrapped stick first in flour, then egg, then Panko. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and Panko dip. Place on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up before cooking.

Deep Fry:

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the frozen Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Avoid overcrowding the pot for best results.

Garnish & Serve:

Remove fried sticks and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve these Irresistible Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a perfect bite.

How to Store Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

Cooked Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To keep them fresh, ensure they cool completely before storing; otherwise, they can become soggy – don’t do what I did and seal them warm! Discard if any off-smell or mold appears.

For make-ahead, prepare the chicken mix and store it in the fridge for a day. Assemble and coat the sticks, then freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat frozen sticks in an air fryer or oven for best crispiness. Layer with parchment paper if needed.

What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

Serve these Irresistible Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks hot and fresh, straight from the fryer. Arrange them on a vibrant platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a festive touch, perfect for game day or parties. Always enjoy them warm for that ultimate gooey cheese pull. They pair wonderfully with a crisp celery and carrot stick platter, offering a refreshing contrast.

I personally love to serve them alongside a generous bowl of cool blue cheese dressing and a cold craft beer. The creamy dressing and crisp beer perfectly cut through the spicy richness, making every bite a delightful experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do my Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks melt and leak when frying?

This happens if they aren’t frozen long enough or improperly sealed. Always freeze for 30 minutes to firm them up, and securely pinch the ends of the chicken wrap. Trust me, I’ve had many melty messes!

→ Can I make and freeze these Irresistible Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble and double-coat the sticks, then freeze them for up to one month. When ready, fry them directly from frozen. This is perfect for game day prep and avoids last-minute stress.

→ Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken is perfect and saves prep time. Just ensure it’s finely shredded so it mixes well with the cream cheese and buffalo sauce for the best texture.

→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free Panko. The texture will remain wonderfully crispy, ensuring everyone can enjoy them.

→ What if I don’t have a deep fryer for frying?

You can bake or air fry them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook until golden and bubbly, about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway.