Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls are a delicious fusion of spicy buffalo chicken and crispy egg rolls. Perfect for parties, game day, or as a tasty appetizer, these egg rolls bring together the zesty flavor of buffalo sauce and the crunch of fried or baked wrappers.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Cook the Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook the chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces. You can use rotisserie chicken, boil chicken breasts, or cook them in a slow cooker for easier shredding.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Mix until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
- Lay Out the Wrappers: Take an egg roll wrapper and place it on a clean, flat surface with one corner facing you (like a diamond shape).
- Fill the Wrapper: Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken filling onto the center of the wrapper.
- Roll the Egg Roll:
- Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling.
- Tuck the sides in and continue to roll tightly to the top corner.
- Moisten the top corner with a little water or egg wash to seal the egg roll.
- Repeat: Continue the process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 3: Cook the Egg Rolls
Frying Method
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Egg Rolls: Carefully add 3-4 egg rolls to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Drain: Remove the egg rolls and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Baking Method (Healthier Option)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the Egg Rolls: Place the assembled egg rolls on the prepared baking sheet. Spray or brush them lightly with oil to help them crisp up.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Serve
Serve your Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Egg Rolls
- Don’t Overfill: Be cautious not to overfill the egg rolls; otherwise, they may burst during cooking.
- Seal Well: Ensure the edges are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the right oil temperature while frying. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn while the inside remains cold. If it’s too cool, the egg rolls will absorb too much oil.
- Baking: For baking, make sure to spray the egg rolls with cooking spray or brush them with oil for a crispy texture.
- Keep Warm: If cooking in batches, keep cooked egg rolls warm in a low oven while you finish frying the rest.
Serving Suggestions
Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls can be served in various creative ways. Here are some suggestions:
- Dipping Sauces:
- Serve with ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for a classic pairing.
- Try a spicy sriracha aioli for an extra kick.
- Vegetable Sides:
- Pair with a side of carrot and celery sticks for a classic buffalo chicken experience.
- Garnishes:
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the egg rolls for a pop of color.
- Drizzle with additional buffalo sauce for added flavor.
- Platter:
- Create a party platter with egg rolls, assorted dips, and other appetizers like nachos or sliders.
Storage Instructions
To keep your Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration
- Store: Allow the egg rolls to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Freezing
- Freeze Before Cooking: If you want to make a large batch ahead of time, you can freeze the assembled but uncooked egg rolls. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Cook from Frozen: When ready to cook, fry or bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Variations
Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls are versatile! Here are some ideas to customize your recipe:
Different Proteins
- Buffalo Turkey Egg Rolls: Swap the chicken for shredded turkey for a leaner option.
- Vegan Option: Use shredded jackfruit or tofu marinated in buffalo sauce for a plant-based twist.
Flavor Additions
- Cheesy Egg Rolls: Add additional cheeses like pepper jack for a spicier kick or mozzarella for a melty center.
- Vegetable Mix: Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or celery to the filling for added crunch and nutrition.
Sauce Variations
- BBQ Chicken Egg Rolls: Substitute buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Sweet and Spicy: Mix buffalo sauce with honey for a sweet and spicy filling.
Cooking Techniques
- Air Fryer: For a healthier cooking method, try using an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer, spray the egg rolls lightly with cooking spray, and air fry at 390°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the buffalo chicken filling a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and assemble the egg rolls when you’re ready to cook.
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavor to your egg rolls.
What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls?
These egg rolls pair well with various sides and dips like celery and carrot sticks, ranch or blue cheese dressing, or a simple green salad.
Are these egg rolls spicy?
The level of spice can be adjusted based on your preference. Use less buffalo sauce for a milder flavor or try different brands of buffalo sauce for varying heat levels.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls are a delightful and versatile appetizer that brings the bold flavors of buffalo chicken into a crispy, fun package. Perfect for parties, game nights, or just a tasty snack, these egg rolls are sure to please your guests and family alike.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up these crowd-pleasers in no time. Customize the recipe to suit your taste, and don’t forget to dip them in your favorite sauce for the ultimate experience!
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a plateful of these delicious Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls. Whether you fry or bake them, you’re in for a treat that combines flavor, crunch, and the classic taste of buffalo chicken in every bite!
Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls are a delicious fusion of spicy buffalo chicken and crispy egg rolls. Perfect for parties, game day, or as a tasty appetizer, these egg rolls bring together the zesty flavor of buffalo sauce and the crunch of fried or baked wrappers.
Ingredients
- For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup green onions (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Egg Rolls:
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg (beaten, for sealing)
- Cooking oil (for frying, optional)
- For Serving:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)
- Extra buffalo sauce (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Assemble the Egg Rolls:
Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface with one corner pointing towards you (like a diamond shape).
Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken filling in the center of the wrapper.
Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the two side corners. Roll tightly towards the top corner. Use a little beaten egg to seal the edge. - Cook the Egg Rolls:
Frying Method: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the egg rolls (in batches if necessary) and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Baking Method: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the egg rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush or spray them with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. - Serve:
Serve the buffalo chicken egg rolls warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing and extra buffalo sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the egg rolls and freeze them before frying or baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if cooking from frozen.
- Spice Adjustment: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce in the filling to suit your heat preference.
- Dipping Sauce: Consider mixing ranch dressing with a bit of buffalo sauce for an extra kick!