Mozzarella sticks are one of the most loved appetizers at restaurants like Chili’s, thanks to their crispy golden crust and ooey-gooey cheese pull. The good news? You can recreate the exact same restaurant-style flavor at home with a few smart tricks. This guide will walk you through the perfect recipe, coating tips, and frying secrets to get that perfect Chili’s crunch.
✨ Ingredients You Need
For Mozzarella Sticks
- 400g mozzarella cheese (cut into thick sticks)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1.5 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- Oil for deep frying
For Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- Optional: a pinch of oregano
🧀 Step-by-Step Chili’s-Style Recipe
1. Cut the Mozzarella Properly
Cut mozzarella into thick, even sticks so they hold their shape while frying.
Pro Tip: Use low-moisture mozzarella — it melts perfectly without leaking.
2. Set Up the Triple Coating Station
For that signature Chili’s crunch, the coating is everything.
Bowl 1: All-purpose flour
Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
Bowl 3: Breadcrumb mix
Mix together:
✔️ Panko breadcrumbs
✔️ Paprika
✔️ Garlic powder
✔️ Onion powder
✔️ Salt & pepper
3. Coat the Cheese Sticks Twice (VERY IMPORTANT)
This is the secret behind Chili’s restaurant-style crispiness.
Step A: Dip in flour → egg → breadcrumbs
Step B: Repeat egg → breadcrumbs again
Double coating seals the cheese and prevents melting leakage.
4. Freeze Before Frying
Place the coated sticks in the freezer for at least 1–2 hours.
This step ensures the cheese doesn’t burst while frying.
5. Fry to Golden Perfection
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the sticks for 1.5–2 minutes until golden brown.
- Don’t over-fry, or the cheese will start leaking.
Let them rest on a paper towel to remove extra oil.
6. Serve With Chili’s-Style Marinara Dip
Warm marinara sauce with:
✔️ Chili flakes
✔️ A pinch of oregano
✔️ Optional: a spoon of butter for richness
Dip, pull, stretch — and enjoy that perfect restaurant-style bite!
💡 Tips to Make Them Exactly Like Chili’s
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Freeze the sticks completely before frying.
- Add paprika and garlic powder for Chili’s-style seasoning.
- Cut sticks evenly for uniform frying.
- Don’t fry too long — golden brown is enough.
Making Chili’s-style mozzarella sticks at home isn’t just easy — it’s deliciously satisfying. With simple ingredients, a perfect crunchy coating, and the right frying technique, you can enjoy the same cheesy appetizer right from your kitchen.
Whether for parties, snacks, or cheat-day cravings, this recipe never disappoints!