Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

This hearty Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls recipe transforms classic buffalo wings into a crispy, handheld delight that's perfect for game day gatherings or casual entertaining. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, tender shredded chicken, and melty cheese wrapped in a crispy shell creates an irresistible bite that disappears quickly at any party.

I first made these for a Super Bowl party three years ago, and they've become the most requested appetizer from my friends and family. Even my husband, who claims not to like spicy food, devours these without complaint and always asks when I'm making them again.

Ingredients

• Cooked shredded chicken: Provides the hearty protein base, rotisserie chicken saves tremendous prep time and adds extra flavor
• Buffalo sauce: Delivers that classic spicy kick, Frank's RedHot gives the most authentic buffalo wing flavor
• Cream cheese: Creates a creamy texture that balances the heat and helps bind ingredients together
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds richness and that stretchy cheese pull everyone loves
• Egg roll wrappers: Create the perfect crispy exterior, look for them in the refrigerated section near tofu
• Ranch dressing: Adds creaminess and tang to the filling, blue cheese works beautifully too if you prefer
• Green onions: Provide a fresh bite and subtle onion flavor that cuts through the richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Filling:

Combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheese in a large bowl. The key is ensuring your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature so it blends seamlessly without lumps. Mix thoroughly until every shred of chicken is coated in the creamy sauce mixture. The filling should be moist but not runny.

Assemble the Egg Rolls:

Place an egg roll wrapper in a diamond position on your work surface. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of filling in a horizontal line across the center. Be careful not to overfill, which can cause tears or leaking during cooking. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then tightly fold both sides in toward the center. Roll upward with gentle tension, dabbing the final corner with water to create a tight seal.

Choose Your Cooking Method:

If baking, arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush thoroughly with olive oil to promote browning. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. The exterior should be deeply golden and crisp with no soft spots. If frying, heat oil to exactly 350°F before adding egg rolls. Maintain this temperature throughout cooking for the perfect crisp texture without greasiness.

Serve Immediately:

These egg rolls are at their absolute best when served hot, while the exterior remains shatteringly crisp and the cheese inside is still molten. Pair with additional buffalo sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

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The buffalo sauce is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I discovered that mixing a tablespoon of honey into the buffalo sauce creates a subtle sweet-heat balance that makes these egg rolls even more addictive. My son first suggested this addition when he was helping in the kitchen, and it's made all the difference.

Make-Ahead Tips

These egg rolls can be fully assembled and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, you can take them straight from the refrigerator to the oven or fryer. If freezing, arrange assembled uncooked egg rolls on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

Creative Variations

While the classic buffalo chicken filling is outstanding, this recipe provides a fantastic framework for customization. Try substituting barbecue sauce for buffalo sauce and adding caramelized onions for a smoky-sweet twist. For a Mediterranean version, replace the buffalo sauce with pesto, use mozzarella instead of cheddar, and add chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Vegetarians can enjoy these by substituting the chicken with mashed chickpeas or crumbled extra-firm tofu seasoned with the same flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

These egg rolls make a stunning presentation when sliced diagonally and arranged standing upright in a tall glass. Surround the glass with various dipping sauces in small bowls. For a complete spread, pair these egg rolls with cooling sides like a crisp celery and carrot platter, a refreshing cucumber salad, or baked potato wedges. If serving as a main course, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides the perfect balance to the rich egg rolls.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of chicken should I use?

You can use any cooked and shredded chicken, including rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken, for convenience and flavor.

→ How spicy are these egg rolls?

The spice level depends on the Buffalo sauce you use. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less sauce and including hot sauce for extra kick, if desired.

→ Can these egg rolls be baked instead of fried?

Yes, you can bake them. Brush them lightly with olive oil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy.

→ What dipping sauces pair best with these egg rolls?

Serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a cool and creamy complement to the tangy Buffalo flavors.

→ Can I make these egg rolls in advance?

You can prepare the filling and assemble the egg rolls ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to a day before frying or baking.

→ Are there any substitutions for the cheese?

You can use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese or even pepper jack for an extra layer of spiciness.