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Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

These are the ultimate snack, appetizer or party food! They're packed with so much flavor and are a real crowd pleaser. Keep them in the freezer and just fry whenever you need them.
Servings 20 mozzarella sticks
Prep Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded chicken breast or thigh either leftover or store-bought rotisserie chicken
  • 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • canola oil for frying
  • ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, chicken, hot sauce, mozzarella, Cheddar, salt, pepper, and garlic until evenly combined. Transfer into a 8 by 8-inch square baking dish, lined with parchment paper. Using a rubber spatula, firmly press down the mixture to create a smooth even layer. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for 3 hours.
  • Pour the flour into a shallow baking dish. Whisk the eggs in a separate baking dish. Combine the breadcrumbs and panko in a third baking dish. Set aside.
  • Invert the chicken and cheese mixture onto a cutting board, and remove the parchment paper. Cut in half, then cut into 20 even thin "sticks." Working as quickly as possible, coat each stick in flour, then dip into the egg, then in to the breadcrumbs, once again into the egg, and once more into the breadcrumbs. Place breaded mozzarella sticks onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 1 hour before frying.
  • Fill a heavy duty dutch oven halfway up with oil, and heat to 360 degrees F, using a deep-fry thermometer. Once hot, add in a few of the sticks at a time, and fry until golden brown and crispy, turning over halfway, about 2 to 3 minutes in total. Strain and place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Continue frying the remaining mozzarella sticks. Serve with ranch or blue cheese on the side for dipping.

Notes

These can be breaded and frozen, and kept in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just fry straight from the freezer when ready to eat.
Adapted from Buzzfeed
Author: The Candid Appetite