Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls: The Ultimate Appetizer Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls: Prepare to experience a flavor explosion that will redefine your appetizer game! Imagine the tangy, spicy kick of buffalo chicken, perfectly balanced with creamy cheese, all nestled inside a crispy, golden-brown egg roll wrapper. It’s an irresistible combination that’s guaranteed to disappear in minutes at any gathering.

While the exact origins of combining buffalo chicken with egg rolls are somewhat shrouded in mystery, it’s safe to say this fusion dish is a modern American invention, born from our love of bold flavors and convenient snacking. Buffalo chicken wings, a staple of American sports bars, gained immense popularity in the 1960s, and the egg roll, with its crispy exterior and versatile filling, has long been a favorite appetizer. Marrying these two culinary powerhouses was simply a matter of time, and the result is pure genius.

People adore Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls for their incredible taste and satisfying texture. The spicy, vinegary buffalo sauce is perfectly complemented by the richness of the chicken and cheese, while the crispy egg roll wrapper provides a delightful crunch. They’re also incredibly convenient – easy to make ahead of time and bake or fry just before serving. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or simply craving a delicious snack, these egg rolls are always a crowd-pleaser. I know that once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (I prefer Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• 12 egg roll wrappers
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing, for dipping (optional)

Preparing the Chicken:

Okay, let’s start with the chicken. This is the foundation of our delicious egg rolls, so we want to make sure it’s cooked perfectly and packed with flavor. I usually prefer to poach my chicken for this recipe because it keeps it nice and moist, but you can also bake it or even use leftover cooked chicken if you have some on hand.

1. Poaching the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the saucepan and let the chicken simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside. You can check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast; it should register 165°F (74°C).
2. Shredding the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the saucepan and let it cool slightly. Then, using two forks, shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. You can also use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to shred the chicken quickly and easily. Just be careful not to over-shred it!
3. Buffalo Sauce Infusion: Now for the fun part – adding that signature buffalo flavor! In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce. I like to let it sit for a few minutes to really soak up all that spicy goodness.

Creating the Filling:

With the chicken prepped and ready to go, it’s time to create the creamy, cheesy filling that will complement the buffalo chicken perfectly. This is where the magic happens, folks! The combination of cream cheese, ranch, and cheddar and mozzarella cheeses creates a rich and tangy flavor that will have you coming back for more.

1. Combining the Creamy Elements: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Make sure the cream cheese is nice and soft so it blends easily with the other ingredients. I sometimes microwave it for a few seconds to soften it up if it’s still a bit firm.
2. Adding the Buffalo Chicken: Add the buffalo chicken to the cheese mixture and stir everything together until it’s well combined. Be gentle so you don’t over-mix the chicken.
3. Adding Freshness: Stir in the thinly sliced green onion. The green onion adds a nice pop of freshness and a subtle oniony flavor that balances out the richness of the cheese and the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
4. Taste Test: Give the filling a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you want it spicier, add a little more buffalo sauce. If you want it creamier, add a little more ranch dressing. This is your chance to customize the filling to your liking!

Assembling the Egg Rolls:

Alright, we’ve got our chicken, we’ve got our filling, now it’s time to assemble these bad boys! This part can be a little tricky at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be rolling egg rolls like a pro in no time. The key is to not overfill them and to make sure the edges are sealed tightly so the filling doesn’t leak out during frying.

1. Preparing the Work Surface: Lay out a clean, dry work surface. Place the egg roll wrappers in a stack and cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
2. Positioning the Wrapper: Take one egg roll wrapper and place it on the work surface with one corner pointing towards you (like a diamond).
3. Adding the Filling: Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken filling in the center of the wrapper. Don’t overfill it, or the egg roll will be difficult to roll and may burst open during frying.
4. Folding the Wrapper: Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling. Then, fold in the two side corners towards the center.
5. Rolling the Egg Roll: Brush the top corner of the wrapper with the beaten egg. This will act as a glue to seal the egg roll. Roll the egg roll tightly from the bottom up, pressing firmly to seal the edge.
6. Repeating the Process: Repeat steps 2-5 with the remaining egg roll wrappers and filling.

Frying the Egg Rolls:

Now for the grand finale – frying these babies to golden-brown perfection! This is where the magic really happens. The hot oil will transform the egg rolls into crispy, crunchy, and utterly irresistible snacks. Make sure to use a deep pot or fryer and to monitor the oil temperature carefully to prevent burning.

1. Heating the Oil: Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep pot or fryer. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). You can use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of egg roll wrapper into it. If the wrapper sizzles and turns golden brown in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready.
2. Frying the Egg Rolls: Carefully place the egg rolls into the hot oil, a few at a time. Don’t overcrowd the pot, or the oil temperature will drop and the egg rolls will become greasy.
3. Cooking to Golden Brown: Fry the egg rolls for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Removing from Oil: Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.

Serving and Enjoying:

Congratulations, you’ve made it! Your Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls are now ready to be devoured. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing. I also like to serve them with a side of celery sticks and carrot sticks for a little extra crunch and freshness.

1. Dipping Sauces: Serve the egg rolls with blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing for dipping. You can also get creative and try other dipping sauces, such as a spicy mayo or a sweet chili sauce.
2. Garnishes: Garnish the egg rolls with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a drizzle of buffalo sauce for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.
3. Serving Suggestions: These Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls are perfect as an appetizer for parties, game day gatherings, or even just a fun and easy weeknight snack. They’re also great for meal prepping – you can make a big batch and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in the oven or air fryer before serving.
4. Enjoy!: Most importantly, enjoy your delicious homemade Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls! I hope you love them as much as I do.

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! I truly believe these Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls are a game-changer, and I’m practically begging you to give them a try. Why? Because they’re the perfect blend of crispy, spicy, and cheesy goodness, all wrapped up in a convenient, handheld package. Forget boring appetizers; these are guaranteed to be the star of any party, game night, or even just a fun weeknight dinner. The combination of the tangy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and creamy cheese is simply irresistible. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why I’m so enthusiastic!

But the best part? These aren’t just delicious; they’re also incredibly versatile. Looking for serving suggestions? I love serving them with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping, but honestly, they’re fantastic on their own. A crisp celery and carrot stick platter alongside adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the egg rolls. For a more substantial meal, consider pairing them with a simple side salad or some sweet potato fries.

And speaking of versatility, don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! Want to kick up the heat even more? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture. Prefer a milder flavor? Use a less spicy buffalo sauce or add a dollop of cream cheese to the filling. You could even try using different cheeses, like pepper jack for an extra kick or mozzarella for a milder, more classic flavor. Vegetarian? Substitute the chicken with crumbled tofu or black beans for a delicious and satisfying alternative. Get creative and make them your own!

These Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls are also fantastic for meal prepping. You can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry or bake them. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights or for taking to potlucks and parties. Just imagine the look on everyone’s faces when you unveil these golden-brown beauties!

I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a flavor explosion, and a guaranteed hit. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven (or get your fryer ready), and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you serve them with? What did your friends and family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear all about your Buffalo Chicken Egg Roll success! Happy cooking, and enjoy! I am sure you will find that this **Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls** recipe will become a family favorite.

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