Crispy on the outside, gooey and stretchy on the inside — Chili’s Style Mozzarella Sticks are one of those irresistible appetizers everyone secretly wants more of. The good news? You can recreate that restaurant-style crunch and cheesy pull at home with simple ingredients and a few pro techniques.
Here’s a detailed, foolproof recipe that delivers that classic golden coating and melty center — perfect for parties, movie nights, or comfort-food cravings.
🧀 Ingredients
For the Mozzarella Sticks
12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (cut in half if long)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tbsp milk
1½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For Serving
Marinara sauce or pizza sauce
Ranch dressing (optional but very Chili’s-style)
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Freeze the Cheese (Important!)
Place mozzarella sticks in the freezer for at least 1–2 hours.
Frozen cheese helps prevent melting too quickly during frying.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
Bowl 1: Flour with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Bowl 2: Eggs + milk, whisked together.
Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs + panko + garlic powder + onion powder + paprika + oregano.
3. Bread the Mozzarella
Coat each frozen stick in flour.
Dip into egg mixture.
Roll in breadcrumb mixture.
Repeat egg + breadcrumb step for a double coating — this is key for that Chili’s-style crunch.
Place breaded sticks back in freezer for at least 30 minutes before frying.
4. Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat oil to about 175–180°C (350–360°F).
Fry sticks in small batches for 30–60 seconds, just until golden brown.
Remove quickly — overfrying causes cheese leaks.
Drain on paper towels.
🔥 Pro Tips for Restaurant-Style Results
Double breading is essential — it keeps cheese from escaping.
Keep them frozen until frying for that gooey center.
Fry in small batches so oil temperature stays stable.
Want extra crispiness? Add a tablespoon of grated parmesan to breadcrumbs.
🍽️ Baking & Air Fryer Options
Air Fryer
Preheat to 200°C (400°F).
Spray sticks lightly with oil.
Cook 6–8 minutes until golden.
Oven
Bake at 220°C (425°F) on a wire rack.
Spray with oil and bake 8–10 minutes.
Note: Frying gives the closest Chili’s restaurant texture.
🌶️ Flavor Variations
Spicy Mozzarella Sticks: Add cayenne or chili flakes to breadcrumbs.
Stuffed Version: Wrap mozzarella with thin pepperoni slices before breading.
Garlic Parmesan: Toss hot sticks with melted butter + garlic + parmesan.
🧊 Storage Tips
Freeze breaded uncooked sticks for up to 2 months.
Fry directly from frozen when ready.
Reheat leftovers in an air fryer for best texture.
⭐ Final Thoughts
Homemade Chili’s Style Mozzarella Sticks are surprisingly easy once you know the secret — freeze, double coat, and fry fast. The result is that iconic crispy shell with perfectly melted cheese that stretches with every bite. Serve them hot with marinara or ranch, and honestly… don’t expect leftovers.