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–+ servings

Copycat Chili’s Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Copycat Chili’s Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
If you’ve ever had Chili’s Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks, you know they are the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and spicy. The crunchy panko coating holds in warm, melty mozzarella while the Nashville hot glaze adds just the right amount of heat. This copycat recipe lets you recreate the same restaurant-quality appetizer at home using simple ingredients.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Freeze 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes

Equipment

  • Frying Pan
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper

Ingredients

Mozzarella Sticks

  • 1 lb block mozzarella cheese sliced into sticks
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups panko bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

Hot Glaze

  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 3 tablespoons cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce

Instructions

  • Slice the mozzarella block into sticks, about 3-4 inches long and ½ inch thick.
  • Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with panko breadcrumbs, one with beaten eggs, and one with flour mixed with cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • Dip each mozzarella stick into the seasoned flour, coating it fully.
  • Dip the floured stick into the beaten eggs, then coat it in the panko breadcrumbs.
  • Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for a double layer.
  • Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 20 minutes.
  • While the sticks are freezing, prepare the hot glaze by whisking melted butter, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and hot sauce in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.
  • Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
  • Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove the sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • Dip each mozzarella stick into the hot glaze while still warm. Let the excess drip off placing on a rack after dipping.
  • Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy!