This post contains affiliate links. Click here to read my affiliate policy.
Last Updated on June 24, 2025
Craving the legendary Chili’s mozzarella sticks—those crispy, spicy, stretchy bites of heaven? This homemade copycat recipe brings all that restaurant-style flavor right to your kitchen, complete with a Nashville hot glaze and the kind of cheese pull that’ll stop your scroll and make you drool.
🧠 How to Make Copycat Chili’s Mozzarella Sticks
Quick version:
- Bread mozzarella sticks in flour, egg wash, and panko.
- Freeze until firm.
- Fry until golden brown and crispy.
- Brush with a spicy hot oil glaze.
- Dip in ranch and enjoy that cheese pull.
🧀 Ingredients
For the sticks:
- 1 lb part-skim mozzarella, cut into 2″ x ½” pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 eggs + 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Canola oil for frying
For the Nashville hot glaze:
- 2 tbsp cayenne
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup hot frying oil (scooped from the fryer)
🔥 Why This Recipe Hits So Hard
These mozzarella sticks went viral for good reason—crispy edges, gooey centers, a bold kick of heat, and a ranch dip moment that just makes it all click. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or honestly, just a Friday night snack that hits like a full meal.
❓ FAQ – People Also Ask
Can I air fry these mozzarella sticks?
Yes! After freezing, air fry at 400°F for 6–8 minutes until crispy and golden.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella is best. It melts beautifully but doesn’t fall apart.
Why freeze them before frying?
If you skip freezing, the cheese will melt too quickly and leak out before the breading crisps.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb part‑skim mozzarella cut into ~2″ × ½″ sticks
- 1 cup flour with 1 tsp each kosher salt & paprika + ½ tsp cayenne
- 2 eggs + 1 Tbsp hot sauce for egg wash
- 2 cups panko
- Canola oil for frying
Spicy Oil Glaze:
- 2 Tbsp cayenne 1 Tbsp brown sugar, 2 tsp paprika, ½ tsp chili powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp salt
- Plus ~½ cup hot oil from frying
Instructions
- Bread each stick: flour → egg → panko. Repeat for max crunch.
- Freeze for at least 1 hour (or overnight) so they don’t melt too fast.
- Fry at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix spice glaze with hot oil and brush onto sticks immediately.
- Serve hot with ranch and get ready for that pull.
📌 Final Thoughts
These copycat mozzarella sticks are spicy, melty, and wildly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to recreate your Chili’s fave at home, this recipe brings it all—heat, crunch, and that moment of cheesy glory.
📸 Save this to Pinterest or tag @agirlworthsaving on Instagram so we can drool over your cheese pull!
