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Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

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Experience a flavor explosion! Crispy outside, gooey mozzarella, and zesty buffalo chicken cream cheese filling in every stick.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • 3–4 cups vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo hot sauce, and softened cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until well combined and the chicken is evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with the all-purpose flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the Panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Step 3: Take one mozzarella string cheese stick. Mold about 1.5-2 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture around each string cheese stick, ensuring the cheese is completely enclosed and forming a uniform cylinder.
  4. Step 4: Dredge each buffalo chicken-wrapped stick first in the flour, tapping off excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, roll it thoroughly in the Panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even and thick coating. Place the breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Step 5: Place the baking sheet with the breaded sticks into the freezer for at least 30-60 minutes, or until firm. This step is crucial for preventing the cheese from melting too quickly and the coating from falling off during frying.
  6. Step 6: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Carefully fry the frozen sticks in batches for 2-3 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing, if desired.

Notes

  • For a delicious make-ahead option, freeze your fully breaded, un-fried sticks on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag for up to 1 month; fry from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cook time.
  • Reheat any leftover fried sticks in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or on a wire rack in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, to bring back their crispiness.
  • Serve these delightful sticks with a cool cucumber ranch dip or a side of crisp celery and carrot sticks to balance the rich, spicy flavors.
  • The freezer step in Step 5 is truly crucial; ensure your breaded sticks are firm before frying, as this prevents the cheese from melting too fast and guarantees a perfect, crispy coating.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://freshbiteo.one/buffalo-chicken-mozzarella-sticks/