Meta Description: Learn how to make a delicious and easy buffalo chicken egg roll. This guide shows you how to combine a spicy, savory filling with a crispy wrapper for a perfect party appetizer or a satisfying snack.
My love for all things buffalo chicken began in college, where it was a staple on every menu. I tried it on sandwiches, pizzas, and in dips, but my favorite was a little appetizer I discovered at a local pub. They served something they called “buffalo chicken spring rolls,” and I was immediately intrigued. They looked like a classic spring roll but were filled with a creamy, spicy chicken mixture that was so savory and delicious. The moment I took my first bite, I was completely sold. The crispy, golden-brown wrapper gave way to a rich, gooey, and spicy filling that was a perfect combination of my two favorite things: spicy buffalo flavor and a satisfyingly crunchy texture. It was a dish that was so simple, yet so incredibly delicious, that it became a benchmark for all future appetizers.
That memory is exactly what inspired this recipe for buffalo chicken egg rolls. It’s a tribute to that humble pub and a testament to the idea that a great appetizer doesn’t have to be complicated to be a huge hit. This recipe is the perfect solution for anyone who wants a quick, delicious, and deeply satisfying snack or side dish. It proves that you can create a show-stopping dish at home with just a little bit of time and a whole lot of love. It’s perfect for a game day party, a special occasion, or a cozy night in on the couch.
✅ Ingredients for a Spicy, Cheesy Bite
The secret to this buffalo chicken egg roll is the perfect balance of a few key ingredients. You want a creamy, savory, and spicy filling that can hold up to the heat and still be incredibly delicious.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken: You can use a rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or simply poach a couple of chicken breasts and shred them.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: The foundation of our creamy filling.
- 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce: Use your favorite brand! The amount can be adjusted based on your desired spice level.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese, divided: For that classic, gooey cheese pull.
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional): Adds a tangy, salty flavor that is a classic pairing with buffalo sauce.
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives or green onions: For a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
- 10-12 egg roll wrappers: You can find these in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores.
- Vegetable oil or canola oil: For frying.
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing: A cool, creamy dip is a perfect contrast to the spicy, savory egg rolls.
- Optional: A little bit of extra buffalo sauce mixed in for a spicier dip.
🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking and Assembling Guide
Making these buffalo chicken appetizers is incredibly easy and requires very little hands-on time. The result is so impressive that no one will believe how simple it was to make.
- Prep your filling. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo hot sauce, and 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until everything is smooth and well-combined.
- Add the chicken. To the creamy base, add the cooked, shredded chicken, crumbled blue cheese (if using), and chopped chives. Stir everything together until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Prep your workspace. Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface with one corner pointing towards you, like a diamond. Have a small bowl of water ready for sealing the wrappers.
- Fill and roll. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture onto the bottom half of the diamond. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling and roll it once. Fold in the left and right corners, like an envelope. Continue to roll tightly until you reach the top corner. Dip your finger in the water and dab it on the top corner of the wrapper. Press to seal it completely. Repeat with the remaining egg rolls.
- Fry the egg rolls. Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The oil should be shimmering but not smoking. You’ll know it’s ready when a small piece of a wrapper sizzles immediately. Carefully place a few egg rolls in the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are a beautiful golden-brown and crispy.
- Drain and serve. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the fried egg rolls to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let them cool for a few minutes before slicing them in half and serving them warm with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Total preparation and cooking time: Approximately 30 minutes. The prep time is a quick 15 minutes, and the frying time is a simple 15 minutes.
🌟 Pro Tips and Creative Variations
Making a great appetizer is all about a little bit of extra care. These tips will ensure your buffalo chicken egg rolls are a total hit.
🌟 Don’t Overfill the Wrappers
It can be tempting to pile on the filling, but an overstuffed egg roll is hard to roll and can burst when you’re frying it. A good egg roll has a perfect balance of a crispy wrapper and a satisfying filling, so be sure not to overload it.
🌟 Making It Your Own
This buffalo chicken recipe is a blank canvas. You can easily add other ingredients to the filling. For a bit of a spicy flavor, you can add a little bit of finely diced celery or carrots for a crunch. You can also add some finely chopped red onion or a little bit of garlic powder for an extra kick of flavor. For a vegetarian version, you can swap the chicken for some cooked and shredded jackfruit or a few can of drained and rinsed chickpeas.
🌟 The Secret to a Crispy Wrapper
Make sure your oil is hot enough before you put the egg rolls in. You want to hear a sizzle when the egg roll hits the oil. If the oil is not hot enough, the egg roll will absorb the oil and become greasy and soggy instead of getting that perfect, crispy crust.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my egg rolls fall apart in the oil?
This is almost always due to improper sealing. You have to make sure you use a little bit of water to seal the top flap of the egg roll and press it firmly. If you don’t, the filling can leak out and the egg roll can fall apart in the oil. Another reason could be that the filling was too watery; make sure you don’t add too much hot sauce or use a very wet chicken.
Can I bake these instead of frying them?
Yes, you can! For a healthier option, you can bake these baked buffalo chicken egg rolls. Simply place the rolled egg rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly spray them with oil. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden-brown and crispy. The texture won’t be as crispy as frying, but they will still be delicious!
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Yes, absolutely! You can make the filling ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to make the egg rolls, just fill the wrappers and fry them up. You can also make and freeze the uncooked egg rolls. Just place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them until they are solid. Then, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, just fry them from frozen!
🍽️ Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These buffalo chicken egg rolls are a total showstopper on their own, but a few simple additions can make them even better.
- Dips: A simple bowl of ranch or blue cheese dressing is a classic and delicious way to serve these egg rolls.
- Side Dishes: This is a perfect appetizer for a game day party. Serve it with a platter of celery and carrot sticks and a big bowl of crispy potato chips.
- The Perfect Drink: A cold beer, a simple glass of iced tea, or a sparkling water with a squeeze of lime would all pair beautifully with the rich, savory flavors of the egg rolls.
Nutritional Information (Estimated per Serving, 1 Egg Roll)
| Component | Amount |
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
Please note: These values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. The figures are for a single serving from a recipe that yields 12 egg rolls.
❤️ My Final Thoughts
There is a certain magic in a dish that can bring a sense of celebration and fun to the dinner table. This recipe for buffalo chicken egg rolls is exactly that. It’s a testament to the idea that you don’t have to be a professional chef to create something that’s truly special. The combination of the crispy wrapper, the rich, savory filling, and the spicy, cheesy goodness is pure comfort in every single bite.
This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and I love how it brings back that wonderful memory of my college days. It’s a dish that feels like a party but is so simple you can make it any night of the week.
Now, go ahead and give this amazing recipe a try. I can’t wait to hear how it turned out for you! Share your experience and your favorite variations in the comments. Happy cooking!
