Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls: The Ultimate Game Day Fusion Appetizer
When East meets West in the most delicious way possible, you get buffalo chicken egg rolls – a crispy, creamy, spicy fusion that has taken party appetizers to an entirely new level. This innovative dish combines the beloved flavors of buffalo chicken dip with the satisfying crunch of traditional egg rolls, creating a handheld masterpiece that’s perfect for game day gatherings, family celebrations, or any occasion that calls for something extraordinary.
The beauty of buffalo chicken egg rolls lies in their perfect balance of textures and flavors. Each bite delivers a symphony of sensations: the initial crunch of the golden-brown wrapper gives way to a creamy, tangy buffalo chicken filling that’s both comforting and exciting. The heat from the buffalo sauce is perfectly tempered by cooling cream cheese and crisp celery, while blue cheese adds a sharp, sophisticated note that elevates the entire experience.
What makes this recipe particularly special is its versatility and crowd-pleasing nature. Unlike traditional buffalo chicken dip that requires constant attention and can become messy at parties, these egg rolls are completely self-contained. Guests can enjoy them without utensils, making them ideal for standing receptions, tailgate parties, or casual gatherings where people want to mingle while eating.
The preparation process is surprisingly straightforward, making this an accessible recipe for home cooks of all skill levels. The filling can be prepared ahead of time, and the egg rolls can even be assembled and frozen for future use. This make-ahead capability makes them perfect for busy hosts who want to serve something impressive without last-minute stress.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 package egg roll wrappers (about 20 wrappers)
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and well blended.
- Add the shredded chicken, diced celery, blue cheese crumbles, and green onions to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you (diamond shape). Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture into the center of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the left and right corners. Brush the top corner with beaten egg and roll tightly to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to completely submerge the egg rolls.
- Carefully place 3-4 egg rolls in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and well blended.
- Add the shredded chicken, diced celery, blue cheese crumbles, and green onions to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you (diamond shape). Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture into the center of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the left and right corners. Brush the top corner with beaten egg and roll tightly to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to completely submerge the egg rolls.
- Carefully place 3-4 egg rolls in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
Pro Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
The secret to exceptional buffalo chicken egg rolls lies in several key techniques that separate good from extraordinary. First, ensure your chicken is completely cooled before mixing with the cream cheese mixture. Hot chicken will cause the cream cheese to become too soft, resulting in a filling that’s difficult to work with and may leak during frying.
Temperature control during frying is absolutely crucial. Oil that’s too hot will brown the exterior before the filling is properly heated, while oil that’s too cool will result in greasy, soggy egg rolls. A reliable thermometer is essential for maintaining the correct temperature throughout the cooking process.
When wrapping the egg rolls, avoid overfilling them. While it might be tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, overstuffed egg rolls are prone to bursting during frying, creating a mess and potentially dangerous oil splattering. The filling should be generous but manageable.
For those planning to make these ahead of time, assembled egg rolls can be frozen for up to three months. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid before transferring to freezer bags. They can be fried directly from frozen, though they’ll need an extra minute or two of cooking time.
Storage and reheating instructions are important for maintaining quality. Leftover egg rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the wrapper soggy.
These buffalo chicken egg rolls represent more than just another appetizer recipe – they’re a testament to the creativity and adaptability of home cooking. They show how traditional techniques can be applied to contemporary flavors, creating something that feels both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a fun weeknight dinner idea, these egg rolls deliver satisfaction in every crispy, creamy, spicy bite.
