Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls blend the spicy flavors of Buffalo chicken wings with the crispy texture of egg roll wrappers. Originating in the early 2000s, this fusion dish quickly became popular as a fun appetizer for parties, featuring shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and a mix of spices.
Filled with shredded carrots, cabbage, and sharp cheddar, these egg rolls offer a satisfying crunch and zing. Whether baked or cooked in an air fryer, they’re a delicious and healthier snack, topped with green onions, blue cheese, and yogurt ranch dressing for extra flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls Recipe
I first stumbled upon this Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls recipe while trying to recreate a popular snack from a Super Bowl party. Using shredded chicken from a rotisserie chicken made the filling quick and easy to prepare. The hot sauce, cream cheese, and a mix of spices gave the rolls their signature flavor, with blue cheese dressing on the side for extra zest.
I found that egg roll wrappers crisped up perfectly in the air fryer, offering a delicious crispy texture without the mess of deep frying. The savory filling with mozzarella cheese and a combo of ranch dressing and Buffalo Chicken Dip made the egg rolls a hit every time, whether for parties or a casual family meal.
What ingredients do you need for these buffalo chicken egg rolls?
Here are a few more ingredients and helpful tips for making Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls:
- Butter, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper for a zesty flavor kick in the buffalo sauce
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste, enhancing the savory filling
- Shredded chicken breast or pre-cooked chicken for protein, making the filling hearty and filling.
- Homemade buffalo sauce or store-bought buffalo sauce, depending on your preference for convenience or freshness
- Frying oil for the perfect crispy texture or baking oil if opting for a healthier method
- Dipping sauces like blue cheese or ranch dressing to complement the spicy filling makes these egg rolls the ultimate party food or appetizer.
By following these ingredients and cooking methods, you’ll achieve a flavorful, crispy, and satisfying dish that is perfect for any gathering.
How to make this Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
Step 1- Buffalo Sauce
To start, combine hot sauce, butter, Worcestershire, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a small skillet. Whisk together until the butter is melted and all ingredients are combined, creating a smooth and flavorful buffalo sauce.
Step 2- Get Your Mixture Ready
Shred cooked chicken (or rotisserie chicken for convenience) and mix it with green onions, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded cheddar cheese. Add softened cream cheese to make the filling creamy, then toss until thoroughly combined, creating a rich and flavorful mixture.
Step 3- Make Your Egg Rolls
Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean work surface, then spoon the buffalo chicken filling onto it. Roll tightly, sealing the edges with a bit of water. Fold in the sides and seal the seams to create a secure, neat roll.
Step 4- Fry!
Heat vegetable oil or neutral oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottom skillet to 325-350°F. Carefully add the egg rolls, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook on medium heat until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5- Serve
Serve the crispy buffalo chicken egg rolls with your choice of dipping sauces like blue cheese or ranch dressing. For added flavor and crunch, garnish with fresh celery, carrots, and chopped parsley.
This recipe is a perfect combination of zesty flavors and crispy texture, making it a hit at any gathering, whether it’s a game night, party, or Super Bowl. It’s simple to make, and you can prep ahead of time, making it an ideal family-friendly snack!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls Ahead of Time
Storing the filling
Prep the chicken and make the filling 1 to 2 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container, and then fill the egg roll wrappers when ready to cook.
Storage and Reheating Tips
1. How to Keep Buffalo Egg Rolls Warm
If you’re making buffalo egg rolls in batches, keep them warm without continuing to cook them. Place the cooked egg rolls on a baking sheet or cooling rack and pop them in a low-temperature oven at 200°F. This will help keep them warm and maintain their crispiness without overcooking them.
2. How to Store Leftovers
To store buffalo chicken egg rolls and keep them fresh, place the leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. When stored properly, they can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
3. How To Freeze
To freeze leftover egg rolls, let them cool to room temperature before wrapping them in plastic or foil. Then, please place them in a freezer-safe container for storage. When you’re ready to reheat, use an air fryer at 360°F for 8 to 10 minutes until they are heated through. Alternatively, bake in the oven at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through.
4. Reheating Buffalo Chicken Rolls
To Reheat: For the best results, reheat buffalo chicken rolls in the oven or air fryer to keep the crispy texture. In the oven, preheat to 375°F, place the rolls on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes until warm. In the air fryer, cook at 360°F for 5-8 minutes for a quick and crispy reheating.
FAQs
- How can I bake egg rolls in the oven?
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the egg rolls on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- How can I bake egg rolls in the air fryer?
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the egg rolls in a single layer and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
- What to do with leftover egg rolls?
Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to keep them crispy. - What to do with leftover egg roll wrappers?
Store unused wrappers in a plastic bag in the fridge. You can also freeze them for later use. - Can I Make These in the Air Fryer?
Yes! Brush the egg rolls with a small amount of oil and cook in the air fryer at 375°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway for a crispy texture.
Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
Equipment
- Skillet: For making the buffalo sauce.
- Mixing Bowl: To combine the chicken filling ingredients.
- Egg Roll Wrappers: To wrap the filling.
- Deep Skillet or Fryer: For frying the egg rolls.
- Air Fryer : For a healthier cooking method. (optional)
- Baking Sheet : If baking in the oven. (optional)
Ingredients
- vegetable oil for frying
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- ⅓ cup hot sauce I use Frank’s red hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- ⅔ cup shredded carrots
- ⅔ cup shredded cabbage
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Fill a heavy-bottomed skillet with at least an inch of vegetable oil. Heat to 325-350°F over medium-high heat.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together cream cheese, hot sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add shredded chicken, carrots, and cabbage. Mix well.
- Assemble Egg Rolls: Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface, with one point facing you. Keep a small bowl of water nearby to seal the seams. Spoon a few tablespoons of the filling just below the center of the wrapper. Roll away from you, folding in the sides halfway, then continue rolling and seal the seam with water.
- Cook: Carefully place the egg rolls in the hot oil, ensuring they are not crowded. Fry until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve fresh with blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To air fry, brush each egg roll with a small amount of oil and place in a single layer, seam side down. Air fry at 375°F for 6 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until golden brown.