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Buffalo chicken egg rolls are a fusion recipe that combines the famous buffalo wings with the crispy crunch of traditional egg rolls. This incredible snack has taken the culinary world by storm, especially as an appetizer or a party food.
The dish merges the spicy, tangy, and savory flavors of buffalo chicken with the satisfying crunch of deep-fried egg roll wrappers. The result? A crowd-pleasing bite-sized treat that delivers layers of flavor and texture in each mouthful.
Whether you’re hosting a sports event, a casual family dinner, or looking to impress your guests with something a bit different, buffalo chicken egg rolls are the perfect solution.
This recipe will guide you through every step to ensure your homemade egg rolls are as delicious as they are crispy.
In this recipe, we’ll dive deep into each step of the process, from shredding the chicken to frying the egg rolls to perfection. Along the way, we’ll share tips and tricks to make your buffalo chicken egg rolls stand out, ensuring they’re not just another typical appetizer but an unforgettable dish.
History and Origins of Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
The concept of buffalo chicken egg rolls combines the best of two worlds: the famous buffalo wings and the traditional egg rolls that are widely popular in Chinese cuisine. Buffalo wings were first created in Buffalo, New York, in 1964, and quickly became an iconic American food. The classic wing is deep-fried and then coated in a spicy, buttery sauce, often paired with a cooling ranch or blue cheese dip.
Egg rolls, on the other hand, are believed to have originated in China, though they gained their popularity in America during the early 20th century, particularly in Chinese-American cuisine. They typically consist of a crispy wrapper filled with savory ingredients like shredded pork, shrimp, and vegetables.
The buffalo chicken egg roll takes the flavors of buffalo wings and wraps them inside a crispy egg roll wrapper, creating a fun, portable version of this spicy classic. This fusion dish has gained popularity in recent years, especially in American sports bars, restaurants, and at home gatherings. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it an irresistible option for any occasion.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
To make the perfect buffalo chicken egg rolls, it’s important to gather the freshest and most flavorful ingredients. Here is the complete list of ingredients you’ll need to recreate this mouthwatering dish:
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (using rotisserie chicken is highly recommended for its flavor and tenderness)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (choose your preferred spice level, from mild to extra hot)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened (this helps to add a creamy texture to the filling)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar adds a bold, tangy flavor)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (mozzarella gives the filling a gooey texture)
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (optional but enhances the flavor)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder (adds savory depth)
- 1 tablespoon onion powder (brings out the richness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing the onions)
For the Egg Rolls:
- 12 egg roll wrappers (these can be found in the Asian foods section of most grocery stores)
- 1 egg, beaten (this acts as an egg wash to seal the egg rolls)
- 1-2 cups vegetable oil (for frying the egg rolls)
For the Dipping Sauce (optional but recommended):
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup blue cheese dressing
- 1 tablespoon buffalo sauce (for an added kick)
Detailed Instructions for Making Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
The chicken filling is the heart and soul of the buffalo chicken egg rolls. It combines the spicy, tangy buffalo sauce with a rich, creamy texture, perfectly balanced by the sharp flavors of the cheeses. Let’s go through the process step by step.
Shred the Chicken
Start by shredding the chicken into small, uniform pieces. You can use cooked chicken breasts that you’ve either baked, boiled, or grilled. If you’re looking for more flavor and tenderness, rotisserie chicken is an excellent option. Its smoky flavor adds richness to the egg rolls and cuts down on cooking time. Simply remove the skin and bones, and then shred the meat using two forks or your hands.
Cook the Filling
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shredded chicken. Cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to ensure it’s heated through and lightly seared. This helps enhance the flavor of the chicken, adding a subtle crispiness to the exterior of the pieces.
Add the Buffalo Sauce
Now it’s time to bring the flavor to life. Pour in the buffalo sauce and stir it into the chicken. The amount of buffalo sauce you use can be adjusted based on your desired spice level. If you prefer a mild flavor, you can go for a more subtle buffalo sauce. For those who love heat, use an extra hot version of the sauce. Stir the chicken in the sauce, allowing it to coat every piece and create a thick, flavorful layer.
Mix in the Cream Cheese and Cheeses
Next, add the cream cheese. This will create a creamy, luscious texture that complements the heat of the buffalo sauce. Stir the cream cheese into the chicken mixture until it melts and fully incorporates. Once the cream cheese is blended in, it’s time to add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. The cheddar adds a sharp, tangy flavor, while the mozzarella creates a gooey, melty texture. Stir well to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed and starts to melt into the filling.
Season the Filling
To round out the flavor, add ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. The ranch seasoning adds a nice creamy undertone that balances the spiciness of the buffalo sauce. The garlic and onion powders help deepen the savory profile of the filling, making it even more irresistible. Stir everything together, and let the filling simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, and the mixture is creamy and cohesive.
Once your buffalo chicken filling is prepared, set it aside to cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to handle when you begin assembling the egg rolls.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Roll Wrappers
Now that the filling is ready, it’s time to prepare the egg roll wrappers. Working with these wrappers requires a bit of precision, so let’s walk through the process carefully.
Lay Out Your Rolling Station
Set up a clean, flat surface for rolling the egg rolls. A cutting board or large plate works well. Before you begin, cover the egg roll wrappers with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
Position the Wrapper
Place one egg roll wrapper on your work surface, orienting it like a diamond, with one of the corners facing you. This will make the rolling process easier and more efficient.
Fill the Wrapper
Spoon a generous amount of the buffalo chicken filling onto the center of the wrapper. Be careful not to overfill the wrapper, as this can lead to tearing during frying. A small, even amount of filling works best.
Roll the Egg Roll
Start by folding the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, tucking it gently under the mixture. Next, fold in the two side corners toward the center. This helps create a neat, tight roll. Finally, roll the wrapper upwards toward the top corner, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed. To seal the egg roll, brush the top corner with the beaten egg wash. This will help keep the egg roll tightly closed during frying.
Step 3: Fry the Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
Frying is where the magic happens. The crispy golden crust is what makes the buffalo chicken egg rolls so satisfying.
Heat the Oil
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or large pot over medium-high heat. You need enough oil to submerge the egg rolls for even frying. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
Test the Oil
Before frying the egg rolls, test the oil’s temperature by dropping a small piece of the wrapper into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is hot enough to fry the egg rolls.
Fry the Egg Rolls
Carefully place the egg rolls into the hot oil, seam side down, in small batches. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil’s temperature and result in soggy egg rolls. Fry the egg rolls for 3-4 minutes, turning them occasionally with tongs or a slotted spoon to ensure they cook evenly. The egg rolls should be golden brown and crispy when done.
Drain the Egg Rolls
Once the egg rolls are perfectly crispy, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil.
Step 4: Serve with Dipping Sauce
The buffalo chicken egg rolls are best served hot, straight from the fryer. But no egg roll is complete without a dipping sauce to complement its flavor.
Prepare the Dipping Sauce
In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, and a tablespoon of buffalo sauce. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated. The creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing provides a cooling contrast to the heat of the buffalo sauce, creating the perfect balance for dipping.
Serve the Egg Rolls
Arrange the crispy egg rolls on a serving platter, and place the dipping sauce in a small bowl on the side. Serve immediately while the egg rolls are still hot and crispy.
Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
- Use the right chicken: For the best flavor and texture, opt for rotisserie chicken. Its richness and tenderness elevate the filling, making it more flavorful.
- Don’t overstuff the rolls: Overfilling the egg rolls can cause the wrappers to tear during frying. A modest amount of filling is perfect for a crispy exterior and a gooey interior.
- Control the heat: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your heat tolerance. If you’re serving a crowd with varying spice preferences, offer different sauce options, such as mild, medium, and extra hot.
- Freeze the rolls for later: You can prepare the egg rolls ahead of time and freeze them before frying. Place the uncooked egg rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for about 30 minutes. Once frozen, transfer them to a Ziploc bag for storage. When you’re ready to fry them, cook directly from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the frying time.
- Make sure the oil is hot: For crispy egg rolls, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil is too cool, the egg rolls will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Conclusion: A Mouthwatering Appetizer
Buffalo chicken egg rolls offer a bold and delicious twist on the classic egg roll. With their spicy buffalo flavor, creamy cheese, and crispy exterior, they are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. The combination of tender, flavorful chicken with the rich and tangy buffalo sauce, all wrapped in a crunchy shell, is sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you serve them as a party snack or a weeknight treat, buffalo chicken egg rolls will never disappoint.
Try making these egg rolls for your next gathering, and you’ll have everyone coming back for more!