Mozzarella's melting point is exactly 130°F—one degree higher and these chicken sticks become stringy cheese soup instead.
Chicken Mozzarella Sticks
Get ready to indulge in these mouthwatering Chicken Mozzarella Sticks! Coated in a crunchy, seasoned breading and filled with gooey, melted mozzarella, these protein-packed delights are perfect for snacking or as a game-day treat. Bake or fry them to golden perfection for a crispy bite that’s simply irresistible!
Prep
15
min
Cook
12
min
Serves
4
people
Level
beginner
📝 Ingredients
Serves 4🥩Meat & Seafood(1)
- 16oz ground chicken thigh (454 g)
🥛Dairy & Eggs(3)
- 1 egg
- 5-6 mozzarella cheese sticks
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan (120 ml)
🧂Spices & Seasonings(5)
- ¾ tsp dried thyme (3.75 ml)
- ¾ tsp garlic powder (3.75 ml)
- ¾ tsp onion powder (3.75 ml)
- Salt & Pepper
- ¾ tsp smoke paprika (3.75 ml)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, add the ground chicken, spices, egg, salt and pepper and mix with your hands until well combined.
- 2
Divide the chicken mixture into 5-6 equal portions, then take one and coat a mozzarella stick, making sure all sides are evenly coated. Repeat with remaining mozzarella sticks.
- 3
Dust with the finely grated Parmesan and roll the sticks in them to get an even coating.
- 4
Optional: Lightly spritz with avocado oil before air frying.
- 5
Air fry at 400F for about 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden and internal temps are 165F.
- 6
Serve with marinara sauce and enjoy!
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Chill the coated chicken mozzarella sticks for 15-20 minutes before air frying to firm the chicken coating and prevent cheese leakage during cooking.timing15-20 minutes
- ✓Use low-moisture mozzarella sticks and pat them completely dry before coating, as excess moisture creates steam that breaks the chicken coating seal.ingredient
- ✓Mix the ground chicken just until combined (30-40 gentle folds) to avoid developing gluten proteins that make the coating tough and chewy.technique30-40 folds
- ✓Maintain chicken coating thickness at ¼-inch around the mozzarella stick to ensure even cooking and prevent the cheese from melting faster than the chicken cooks through.technique¼-inch thickness
- ✓Flip the sticks at the 6-minute mark during air frying to ensure even browning and prevent the bottom from overcooking while the top remains pale.timing6 minutes
Share this recipe
Prep
15
min
Cook
12
min
Serves
4
people
Level
beginner
Share this recipe
Mozzarella's melting point is exactly 130°F—one degree higher and these chicken sticks become stringy cheese soup instead.
Chicken Mozzarella Sticks
Get ready to indulge in these mouthwatering Chicken Mozzarella Sticks! Coated in a crunchy, seasoned breading and filled with gooey, melted mozzarella, these protein-packed delights are perfect for snacking or as a game-day treat. Bake or fry them to golden perfection for a crispy bite that’s simply irresistible!
📝 Ingredients
Serves 4🥩Meat & Seafood(1)
- 16oz ground chicken thigh (454 g)
🥛Dairy & Eggs(3)
- 1 egg
- 5-6 mozzarella cheese sticks
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan (120 ml)
🧂Spices & Seasonings(5)
- ¾ tsp dried thyme (3.75 ml)
- ¾ tsp garlic powder (3.75 ml)
- ¾ tsp onion powder (3.75 ml)
- Salt & Pepper
- ¾ tsp smoke paprika (3.75 ml)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, add the ground chicken, spices, egg, salt and pepper and mix with your hands until well combined.
- 2
Divide the chicken mixture into 5-6 equal portions, then take one and coat a mozzarella stick, making sure all sides are evenly coated. Repeat with remaining mozzarella sticks.
- 3
Dust with the finely grated Parmesan and roll the sticks in them to get an even coating.
- 4
Optional: Lightly spritz with avocado oil before air frying.
- 5
Air fry at 400F for about 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden and internal temps are 165F.
- 6
Serve with marinara sauce and enjoy!
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Chill the coated chicken mozzarella sticks for 15-20 minutes before air frying to firm the chicken coating and prevent cheese leakage during cooking.timing15-20 minutes
- ✓Use low-moisture mozzarella sticks and pat them completely dry before coating, as excess moisture creates steam that breaks the chicken coating seal.ingredient
- ✓Mix the ground chicken just until combined (30-40 gentle folds) to avoid developing gluten proteins that make the coating tough and chewy.technique30-40 folds
- ✓Maintain chicken coating thickness at ¼-inch around the mozzarella stick to ensure even cooking and prevent the cheese from melting faster than the chicken cooks through.technique¼-inch thickness
- ✓Flip the sticks at the 6-minute mark during air frying to ensure even browning and prevent the bottom from overcooking while the top remains pale.timing6 minutes