This Spicy Chicken Wings & Mozzarella Sticks combo is the ultimate appetizer platter for game nights, parties, or anytime you’re craving crispy, cheesy, and spicy goodness. The wings are coated in a bold, flavorful spice mix and baked or fried to perfection, while the mozzarella sticks are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of spicy, crispy, and cheesy flavors
- Great for parties, game nights, or as a fun snack
- Can be baked or fried based on your preference
- Easy to customize with different sauces and seasonings
- Pairs well with ranch, marinara, or blue cheese dressing
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Spicy Chicken Wings:
- Chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder (for crispiness)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper
- Hot sauce
- Butter (melted)
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Mozzarella cheese (cut into sticks or use string cheese)
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Bread crumbs (Panko for extra crispiness)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Oil (for frying)
Directions
Spicy Chicken Wings:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat oil for frying to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the wings by tossing them with flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- For baking: Arrange wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- For frying: Deep-fry the wings for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the sauce by mixing melted butter and hot sauce in a bowl. Toss the wings in the sauce until evenly coated.
Mozzarella Sticks:
- Prepare the breading station by setting up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of bread crumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the mozzarella sticks by dipping them in flour, then eggs, then the bread crumb mixture. Repeat for a double coating.
- Freeze for at least 1 hour to prevent cheese from melting too quickly when fried.
- Heat oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry the mozzarella sticks for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve immediately with marinara or ranch dressing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes (including wings and mozzarella sticks)
- Total Time: About 1 hour
Variations
- Extra Spicy Wings: Add more cayenne or toss in sriracha.
- BBQ Wings: Swap the hot sauce for BBQ sauce.
- Baked Mozzarella Sticks: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes instead of frying.
- Cheese Variety: Try cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and bread crumbs.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftover wings and mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Wings: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes.
- Reheating Mozzarella Sticks: Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes or air fry for 4-5 minutes to maintain crispiness.
FAQs
Can I make the wings and mozzarella sticks ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and freeze the mozzarella sticks and marinate the wings ahead of time, then cook when ready.
Can I use boneless chicken for the wings?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken tenders work well with the same seasoning and sauce.
How do I prevent the mozzarella sticks from melting in the oil?
Freezing them for at least an hour before frying helps them hold their shape.
Can I air-fry the wings?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
What dipping sauces pair well with this dish?
Ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo are great choices.
Can I use pre-made frozen mozzarella sticks?
Yes, just cook them according to package instructions.
How can I make the wings crispier?
Use baking powder in the seasoning and bake them on a wire rack for better airflow.
Can I use a different cheese for the mozzarella sticks?
Yes, but make sure it’s a firm cheese that won’t melt too quickly.
Are these wings keto-friendly?
Omit the flour and use almond flour or baking powder for a low-carb version.
Can I store uncooked mozzarella sticks in the freezer?
Yes, they can be stored for up to a month before frying or baking.
Conclusion
This Spicy Chicken Wings & Mozzarella Sticks recipe is a must-try for any occasion, delivering crispy, cheesy, and spicy perfection in every bite. Whether you bake or fry them, they are guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy this irresistible appetizer combo!
Print
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking, Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Spicy Chicken Wings & Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate appetizer combo! Crispy, saucy chicken wings with a spicy kick are paired with gooey, golden-fried mozzarella sticks. Serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a game-day snack or a fun party platter!
Ingredients
For the Spicy Chicken Wings:
- 1 lb chicken wings (drums and flats)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a slight sweetness)
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 8 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For Dipping Sauce:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
Instructions
Preparing the Spicy Chicken Wings:
- Preheat Oven – Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the Wings – In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with vegetable oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Bake – Arrange the wings on a lined baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prepare the Sauce – In a small bowl, mix hot sauce, melted butter, and honey.
- Coat the Wings – Once baked, toss the wings in the spicy sauce and return them to the oven for 5 minutes to set the glaze.
Preparing the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Freeze the Cheese – Place the mozzarella sticks in the freezer for at least 30 minutes (this prevents them from melting too fast while frying).
- Prepare Coating Stations – In separate bowls, place flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the Sticks – Roll each mozzarella stick in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. Repeat for a second layer to ensure a crispy coating.
- Fry – Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry the sticks for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Serving:
- Serve hot, with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispy wings, bake at 425°F and broil for the last 3-5 minutes.
- Double-coating the mozzarella sticks prevents cheese from leaking during frying.
- You can air-fry both the wings and mozzarella sticks for a healthier version.
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