Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls: 5 Amazing Recipes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: The Ultimate Appetizer Reinvention
- Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Chicken Egg Roll Recipes
- The Core Ingredients for Killer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
- Recipe 1: Classic Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls (Fried)
- Recipe 2: Healthier Option – Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
- Recipe 3: Quick & Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
- Variations & Other Amazing Buffalo Chicken Egg Roll Ideas
- Serving Suggestions & Dipping Sauces
- F.A.Q
Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating delicious Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls: 5 Amazing Recipes that will impress your taste buds and your guests! These crispy, spicy, and savory appetizers are a fantastic twist on two beloved classics.
Get ready to dive into the world of cheesy, saucy chicken, wrapped in a golden-brown shell. Whether you’re looking for game day snacks or a party pleaser, we’ve got you covered.
Introduction: The Ultimate Appetizer Reinvention
The culinary world is always ripe for innovation, and combining the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the satisfying crunch of an egg roll is pure genius. This dish takes the best of both worlds, offering a familiar taste in an exciting new format.
Forget the traditional wings for a moment and embrace the portability and dip-ability of these fantastic creations. You’re about to discover how simple it is to make extraordinary Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls at home.
Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Chicken Egg Roll Recipes
There are countless reasons to fall in love with these buffalo chicken delights. They are incredibly versatile, allowing for different cooking methods and countless variations.
From the satisfying crunch of a deep-fried version to the lighter touch of a baked or air-fried option, there’s a recipe here for everyone. These are perfect for entertaining, Super Bowl parties, or just a fun family dinner. The bold flavor of Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls is simply irresistible.
The Core Ingredients for Killer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
Crafting the perfect Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls starts with a handful of key ingredients. Quality matters here, especially for your chicken and buffalo sauce. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep time!
Don’t forget the cheese – it adds that creamy, melty deliciousness that binds everything together. A good brand of egg roll wrappers will ensure a crisp, golden finish.
Essential Shopping List
- Cooked Shredded Chicken (about 2 cups)
- Cream Cheese (softened, 4 oz)
- Buffalo Sauce (like Frank’s RedHot, 1/2 cup)
- Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend, 1 cup)
- Scallions (chopped, 2-3 tablespoons)
- Egg Roll Wrappers (1 package, 12-18 count)
- Vegetable Oil (for frying, or cooking spray for baking/air frying)
- Optional: Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing for dipping
Recipe 1: Classic Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls (Fried)
For purists and lovers of ultimate crunch, the deep-fried method is unbeatable. This recipe delivers a golden, bubbly exterior and a perfectly creamy, spicy interior.
It’s surprisingly simple to master and yields a truly indulgent appetizer. Just be mindful of oil temperature for the best results.
Ingredients for Classic Fried Version:
- All core ingredients listed above
- Enough vegetable oil for deep frying (about 3-4 cups)
Instructions for Frying to Perfection
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, shredded cheese, and chopped scallions. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface with a corner pointing towards you. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture just below the center.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling. Fold in the left and right corners towards the center, then roll tightly away from you, sealing the top corner with a dab of water. Repeat with remaining wrappers.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place 2-3 egg rolls into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove egg rolls with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Recipe 2: Healthier Option – Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
If you’re looking for a lighter take without sacrificing flavor, these baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls are a fantastic choice. They still get wonderfully crispy in the oven, offering a guilt-free indulgence.
This method uses minimal oil and is much easier to clean up afterward. It’s perfect for meal prep or a healthier weekday snack.
Ingredients for Baked Version:
- All core ingredients listed above
- Cooking spray or a light brushing of olive oil
Baking Method for a Lighter Bite
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the chicken filling and roll the egg rolls as described in steps 1-3 of the Classic Fried recipe.
- Lightly spray or brush the rolled egg rolls with olive oil or cooking spray. This helps them achieve that golden, crispy exterior.
- Place the egg rolls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have some space between them.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and heated through.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Recipe 3: Quick & Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
The air fryer is a game-changer for achieving incredible crispiness with very little oil. These air fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls are quick, easy, and deliver a fantastic texture that rivals deep-frying.
It’s the perfect method for a speedy appetizer or snack. For more air fryer inspiration, check out Allrecipes’ Air Fryer collection!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Version:
- All core ingredients listed above
- Cooking spray
Air Frying for Maximum Crunch
- Prepare the chicken filling and roll the egg rolls as described in steps 1-3 of the Classic Fried recipe.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the egg rolls with cooking spray.
- Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. You may need to cook in batches.
- Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully remove from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Variations & Other Amazing Buffalo Chicken Egg Roll Ideas
The beauty of Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls lies in their adaptability. You can easily customize these recipes to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Consider adding a touch of heat with diced jalapeños, or make them vegetarian by using plant-based chicken substitutes and buffalo sauce. For a different flavor profile, you could even try adding a touch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the filling. You can even explore other appetizer ideas at Read our in-depth guide here.
Creative Twists:
- Spicy Bacon Buffalo Egg Rolls: Add crumbled cooked bacon to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
- Ranch-Style Buffalo Egg Rolls: Mix a teaspoon of dried ranch seasoning into the filling for a cooling, herby note.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles: Incorporate some blue cheese crumbles directly into the filling for an authentic buffalo wing flavor experience.
- Veggie Boost: Finely diced celery or carrots can add a nice crunch and some hidden veggies.
Serving Suggestions & Dipping Sauces
No Buffalo Chicken Egg Roll is complete without the perfect accompaniment! The right dipping sauce elevates the entire experience.
Classic choices like ranch or blue cheese dressing are always a hit. You can also get creative with your sauce pairings.
Dipping Sauce Ideas:
- Classic Blue Cheese Dressing: The traditional partner for all things buffalo.
- Cool Ranch Dressing: A milder, creamy alternative that complements the spice perfectly.
- Homemade Avocado Ranch: Blend avocado with ranch dressing for an extra creamy and fresh dip.
- Honey Mustard: For a sweet and tangy contrast to the spicy filling.
- Extra Buffalo Sauce: For those who can’t get enough heat!
F.A.Q
Can I prepare Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. You can also assemble and roll the egg rolls, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Freeze uncooked egg rolls for longer storage.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls?
The best way to reheat is in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, until crispy and heated through. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make them soggy.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Look for gluten-free egg roll wrappers, which are available at many specialty grocery stores or online. Ensure all your other ingredients, like buffalo sauce, are also certified gluten-free.