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Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks (Chili’s Copycat) Recipe

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4.2 from 11 reviews

These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a fiery twist on a classic appetizer, inspired by Chili’s famous recipe. Crispy on the outside with gooey, melted mozzarella inside, they are coated in a spicy, smoky batter and finished with a flavorful hot honey butter glaze for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Cheese

  • 16 ounce block low-moisture (whole milk) mozzarella

Breading

  • 2/3 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs

Frying

  • 3 cups frying oil of choice

Hot Honey Butter Glaze

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oil: Preheat oil in a pot with tall sides to 350˚F, ensuring the oil reaches the perfect temperature for frying the mozzarella sticks to a golden crisp.
  2. Prepare dredging stations: In a shallow bowl, mix together flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a second bowl, beat the two eggs. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Coat mozzarella in flour: Cut the mozzarella block into sticks and dredge each piece into the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess to ensure an even coating.
  4. Dip in egg mixture: Next, dip each floured mozzarella stick into the beaten eggs, making sure it is fully coated to help the breadcrumbs stick.
  5. Coat with panko: Finally, dredge the mozzarella sticks in panko breadcrumbs until fully covered, shaking off any excess breadcrumbs for even coating.
  6. Fry mozzarella sticks: Carefully fry a few mozzarella sticks at a time in the preheated oil for 3 to 4 minutes or until they are well browned and crisp, ensuring the cheese melts inside while the crust crisps outside.
  7. Drain and cool: Transfer the fried mozzarella sticks onto a cooling rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
  8. Repeat frying: Continue frying the remaining mozzarella sticks in batches, transferring each batch to the cooling rack once done.
  9. Prepare hot honey butter glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt until smooth and well combined.
  10. Brush glaze on mozzarella sticks: Using a brush, carefully coat each fried mozzarella stick thoroughly and evenly with the hot honey butter glaze, infusing them with spicy and sweet flavors.
  11. Serve: Arrange the glazed mozzarella sticks on a platter and serve warm with a side of ranch dressing for dipping to complement the bold flavors.

Notes

  • Make sure oil is at 350˚F to prevent mozzarella from leaking and to ensure a crispy crust.
  • Use low-moisture whole milk mozzarella for best melting and minimal water release.
  • Be careful not to overcrowd the frying pot to maintain oil temperature and even cooking.
  • Serve immediately for best texture and flavor as mozzarella sticks can become soggy if left out too long.
  • If desired, substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese or a spicy aioli for dipping.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/nashville-hot-mozzarella-sticks-chilis-copycat-recipe/