Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks combine two of my absolute favorite comfort foods into one irresistible appetizer that’s guaranteed to disappear from your table in minutes. The crispy exterior gives way to gooey mozzarella and spicy buffalo chicken in a flavor explosion that feels almost magical. I first made these for a game day gathering last winter, and my friends still talk about them! The perfect balance of creamy cheese, tangy buffalo sauce, and satisfying crunch makes these sticks the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something special for movie night, these buffalo chicken bowls inspired mozzarella sticks will become your new obsession.
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Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 sticks
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks are irresistibly crispy and insanely cheesy. Shredded buffalo chicken and gooey mozzarella are breaded and fried (or baked!) to golden perfection — the ultimate spicy appetizer.
Ingredients
**For the Filling:**
1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup buffalo sauce
2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
**For Breading:**
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs or panko
**For Cooking:**
Oil for frying (or cooking spray for baking/air frying)
**For Serving:**
Ranch or blue cheese dressing
Celery sticks (optional)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, mozzarella, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and garlic powder until combined.
2. Shape mixture into stick shapes and place on a baking sheet. Freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
3. Prepare breading station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, breadcrumbs in a third.
4. Dredge each frozen stick in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing gently to coat.
5. For frying: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry sticks 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
6. For baking: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
7. For air fryer: Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes until crispy.
8. Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes
Freezing is key to prevent cheese from leaking.
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
Double-bread for extra crunch.
Leftovers reheat best in the air fryer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks
Perfect Texture Combination
The magic of Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks lies in their incredible textural contrast. The exterior develops this gloriously golden crust that shatters with each bite, revealing stretchy mozzarella and spicy chicken inside. I still remember the first time I pulled one apart and watched that perfect cheese pull unfold before my eyes—it was practically Instagram-worthy! The buffalo chicken filling brings just enough moisture to complement the cheese without making things soggy, creating that perfect balance that keeps you reaching for “just one more.” These sticks satisfy multiple cravings at once!
Flavor-Packed Every Time
Every bite delivers an explosion of bold buffalo flavor complemented by the creamy richness of mozzarella. The tangy, spicy kick from the buffalo sauce cuts through the mild cheese perfectly, creating a flavor profile that dances across your taste buds. I’ve adjusted the spice level countless times depending on who’s joining for dinner—you can easily make them milder or kick up the heat! What I love most is how the chicken soaks up all those buffalo flavors, ensuring that even the center of each stick delivers that signature zippy taste we all crave.
Essential Tips & Tricks
Prep and Assembly Success
Freezing the assembled sticks before breading is absolutely non-negotiable! I learned this the hard way when I tried rushing the process once—melted cheese everywhere! Give them at least 30 minutes in the freezer to firm up. For the filling, make sure to finely shred your chicken and drain any excess buffalo sauce to prevent leakage. I like laying out all my ingredients assembly-line style: chicken mixture, cheese sticks, flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. This organized approach makes the process so much smoother and less messy, especially if you designate one hand for “wet” ingredients and one for “dry.”
Perfecting the Frying Technique
Maintaining the right oil temperature is crucial—too hot and they’ll burn before the cheese melts; too cool and they’ll absorb oil and become greasy. Aim for a steady 350°F (175°C) throughout the cooking process. I always use a kitchen thermometer to monitor this carefully. Work in small batches of 3-4 sticks at a time to prevent overcrowding, which can drop your oil temperature dramatically. For a lighter version that’s still delicious, try making air fryer parmesan crusted chicken wings or adapt this recipe for the air fryer at 375°F for about 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through.
Serving Ideas & Creative Variations
Dipping Sauces and Pairings
These Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks are incredible on their own, but the right dipping sauce elevates them to restaurant-quality status. My personal favorite is a cooling blue cheese dip that balances the heat perfectly. Ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a garlic aioli also work beautifully. For a complete appetizer spread, pair these with celery and carrot sticks to echo classic buffalo wing sides. They also make an amazing addition to a game day buffet alongside jalapeno popper twists for a spicy theme that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Exciting Flavor Twists
While traditional buffalo flavor is amazing, don’t be afraid to experiment! Try incorporating blue cheese crumbles directly into the chicken mixture for pockets of tangy goodness throughout. For a sweeter heat profile, mix some honey with your buffalo sauce to create a honey-buffalo variation that’s absolutely addictive. Garlic parmesan buffalo is another crowd-pleaser—just add grated parmesan and garlic powder to your chicken mixture. For special occasions, I’ve even made a version with tiny diced jalapeños mixed into the filling for friends who love extra heat!
Storage & Troubleshooting Guide
Make-Ahead and Storage Solutions
These Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks are perfect for make-ahead preparation! Assemble them completely through the breading step, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months this way—just fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time. If you have leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 7-10 minutes to restore crispiness—microwaving will make them soggy.
Fixing Common Issues
If your sticks are leaking cheese during frying, your oil is likely too hot or they weren’t frozen long enough beforehand. Next time, freeze them longer (at least 45 minutes) and double-check your oil temperature. For breading that falls off during cooking, make sure you’re pressing the breadcrumbs firmly onto each stick and giving them a gentle shake to remove excess egg wash before the breadcrumb stage. If you’re finding the buffalo flavor too mild, add a splash of hot sauce directly to your egg wash mixture—this infuses extra flavor into the coating itself!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried, but still delicious. Spray with cooking oil before baking for better browning.
How spicy are these Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks?
The spice level depends on your buffalo sauce. For milder sticks, choose a mild sauce or cut it with a bit of butter or ranch dressing in the chicken mixture.
Can I use something other than chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works great, but you can substitute with turkey, plant-based chicken alternatives, or even finely chopped cauliflower for a vegetarian option.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Ensure your mozzarella sticks are completely wrapped in the buffalo chicken mixture, freeze them thoroughly before breading, and maintain proper oil temperature when frying.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks?
Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as they’ll become soggy.
Final Thoughts
These Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks represent everything I love about creative comfort food—familiar flavors reimagined in an exciting new format. The combination of spicy buffalo chicken wrapped around melty mozzarella creates an irresistible appetizer that’s sure to impress. I hope you’ll give these a try for your next gathering or weekend treat! For more delicious appetizer ideas, check out my Pinterest board where I’m constantly adding new inspiration. Happy cooking!