Crispy & Creamy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls: The Ultimate Game Day Appetizer Recipe

Get ready to bite into an explosion of flavor and texture with these incredible Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls! Imagine a crispy, golden-brown exterior giving way to a warm, creamy, and cheesy filling packed with tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, cooling ranch, and savory blue cheese crumbles. These aren’t just any egg rolls; they’re a handheld party in every bite, perfect for game day, family gatherings, or simply elevating your snack game any day of the week.

While deep-frying yields that undeniably perfect crunch, we understand the desire for healthier options. That’s why this guide also includes methods for making these delightful buffalo chicken treats in your air fryer or oven, offering a guilt-free way to enjoy your favorite flavors. If you’re a fan of unique egg roll creations, you might also enjoy exploring our Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls or the vibrant Chicken Avocado Egg Rolls. But for now, let’s dive into the spicy, cheesy goodness of these Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls!

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Egg Roll Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor Combination: The classic spicy kick of buffalo sauce meets the cool creaminess of ranch and cream cheese, complemented by the savory tang of blue cheese. It’s a flavor profile that everyone craves.
• Perfectly Crispy Texture: Whether deep-fried, air-fried, or baked, these egg rolls achieve a satisfyingly crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, rich filling.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: These egg rolls are guaranteed to be a hit at any party, potluck, or game day gathering. They’re easy to eat and always disappear fast!
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Choose your preferred cooking method – traditional deep-frying for maximum crispness, air frying for a lighter touch, or baking for a hands-off approach.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level, cheese types, or even add extra veggies to make them your own.

Essential Ingredient Notes for Flavorful Egg Rolls

Crafting the perfect Buffalo Chicken Egg Roll starts with understanding your ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips for each component:

• Egg Roll Wrappers: These are the crispy vessels for your delicious filling. You can typically find them in the refrigerated produce section of most grocery stores. They are thin, square sheets of dough that become wonderfully crispy when cooked. If egg roll wrappers aren’t available, spring roll wrappers can be used as a substitute, offering a slightly thinner, more delicate crunch.
• Cooked Chicken: The star of the show! To save significant time and effort, we highly recommend using a store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked, seasoned, and incredibly tender. Simply shred or dice the meat, making sure to discard the skin, bones, and any excess fat. If you prefer to cook your own chicken, two to three chicken breasts (boiled, baked, or pan-fried) will yield approximately 2 cups of cooked chicken, perfect for this recipe. Ensure the chicken is cooled before mixing to prevent the cream cheese from melting prematurely.
• Ranch Dressing: This creamy, herb-infused dressing provides a cooling contrast to the buffalo sauce and adds a lovely tang to the filling. It’s a classic pairing with buffalo chicken for a reason! If you’re not a fan of ranch or want to experiment, feel free to use your favorite creamy dressing, such as blue cheese dressing (for an extra blue cheese kick) or even a mild Caesar dressing.
• Blue Cheese Crumbles: While entirely optional, blue cheese crumbles are a game-changer for authentic buffalo flavor. Their sharp, pungent taste perfectly complements the spicy chicken and creamy base. If you’re not keen on blue cheese, you can omit them or substitute with a milder cheese like shredded mozzarella or cheddar for a different cheesy dimension.
• Buffalo Sauce: This is where the heat comes from! Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce is a popular choice and widely available, offering a balanced blend of heat and vinegar tang. You can use your favorite brand of buffalo sauce. If you want to control the spice level, you can mix hot sauce (like Tabasco or sriracha) with a little melted butter for a homemade version, or simply choose a milder or hotter buffalo sauce variety.
• Cream Cheese: The secret to the incredibly creamy and rich filling. Make sure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature before mixing. This ensures it blends smoothly with the other ingredients, preventing lumps and creating a homogenous, luscious filling.
• Scallions (Green Onions): Finely sliced scallions add a fresh, mild oniony flavor and a pop of color to the filling. They cut through the richness and add a hint of freshness.
• Oil for Frying: For deep frying, use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. You’ll need enough to submerge the egg rolls, typically 3-4 inches in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven.

Top Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

Achieving perfectly crispy and flavorful egg rolls is easier than you think with these expert tips:

• Chicken Preparation: While the recipe calls for finely diced chicken, feel free to shred it instead. Shredded chicken can give the filling a different texture, often making it feel more cohesive and easier to wrap. Either way, ensure the pieces are small enough to be easily contained within the wrapper.
• Taste and Adjust the Filling: Before you start wrapping, always take a small spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture and taste it. This is your chance to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Need more spice? Add a dash more buffalo sauce. Want more tang? A little extra ranch. A pinch of salt and pepper can also enhance all the flavors.
• Monitor Oil Temperature: When deep frying, oil temperature is crucial. Use a candy thermometer or deep-fry thermometer to accurately measure the oil. The ideal temperature is 325-350 degrees F (160-175 degrees C). If the oil is too cool, the egg rolls will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, they’ll burn on the outside before the filling is heated through.
• Seal Tightly: This is a critical step to prevent your delicious filling from escaping during cooking. Use a small amount of water along the edges of the egg roll wrapper to create a tight seal. Press firmly to ensure no gaps remain.
• Avoid Overfilling: It’s tempting to pack as much filling as possible, but overfilling can lead to the egg rolls bursting open while frying. Aim for about 2-3 tablespoons of mixture per wrapper, leaving enough room to properly fold and seal.
• Cool Before Eating: Hot egg rolls can burn your mouth and the filling will be extremely hot. Allow the buffalo chicken egg rolls to cool for at least 3-5 minutes after cooking. This not only prevents burns but also allows the filling to set slightly, making them easier and more enjoyable to eat.
• Work in Batches: Whether deep frying or air frying, avoid overcrowding your cooking vessel. Frying in small batches helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures even cooking and browning for all your egg rolls.

Alternative Cooking Methods: Air Fryer & Baking Instructions

Enjoy these flavorful egg rolls with less oil by using your air fryer or oven. Both methods yield deliciously crispy results with slightly fewer calories.

Air Fryer Instructions:

For a beautifully crispy finish with less oil, the air fryer is an excellent choice. Begin by spraying your air fryer basket generously with nonstick cooking spray. Carefully place the prepared egg rolls in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. If necessary, cook in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the egg rolls with nonstick spray as well; this helps them achieve that appealing golden-brown color and extra crispness. Cook at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 4 minutes. Once the initial 4 minutes are up, flip the egg rolls over to ensure even crisping on both sides, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and perfectly crispy.

Baking Instructions:

Baking offers a hands-off approach and still delivers a satisfying crunch. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup. Arrange the prepared egg rolls on the lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each one for even airflow. Lightly brush each egg roll with a thin layer of olive oil or melted butter; this promotes browning and crispiness. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the egg rolls are golden brown and crispy to your desired texture. Flipping them halfway through can help ensure even browning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Make These Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely! Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls are great for meal prep or party planning. You can prepare the filling and even wrap the egg rolls up to one day in advance. Once wrapped, arrange them on a plate or baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply fry, air fry, or bake them according to the instructions. This makes entertaining a breeze!

How Do I Store Leftover Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls?

Any leftover cooked buffalo chicken egg rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat them, avoid the microwave if you want to maintain their crispness. Instead, pop them into an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes, until heated through and crispy again.

Can I Freeze Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls?

Yes, you can! Both uncooked and cooked egg rolls can be frozen. For uncooked egg rolls, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. For cooked leftovers, follow the same freezing method and reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

What Are the Best Dipping Sauces for Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls?

The classic choices are ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing, which both complement the spicy buffalo flavor perfectly. You could also try a cool cucumber dill dip, a sweet chili sauce for a different flavor profile, or even an extra side of buffalo sauce if you like it extra spicy!

More Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you loved these Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls, be sure to check out some of our other crowd-pleasing recipes that are perfect for any occasion:

• Buffalo Chicken Sliders
• Air Fryer Crab Bites
• Honey Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
• Chicken Empanadas

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