Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
Buffalo chicken is a flavor profile that has gained immense popularity in recent years, appearing in everything from dips to sandwiches. Now, you can enjoy those bold, spicy-yet-tangy notes in a fun, hand-held form with these Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls. Filled with tender shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and crunchy veggies, these egg rolls are a delightful appetizer or snack that will have your guests coming back for more.
What sets these buffalo chicken egg rolls apart is the combination of textures – the crisp, golden brown egg roll wrapper gives way to the juicy, flavorful filling, creating an addictive experience with every bite. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home, allowing you to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors without the hassle.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls ❓
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (plus more for serving)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
• 1 package (12 count) egg roll wrappers
• Vegetable oil for frying
The beauty of this Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and crunchy vegetables creates the classic buffalo-inspired flavor profile that has made this type of appetizer perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a medium bowl, shred the cooked chicken using two forks. Add the buffalo sauce and mix well until the chicken is fully coated.
• Step 3: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and blue cheese (if using). Add the shredded carrots and sliced celery, mixing until well combined.
• Step 4: Working with one egg roll wrapper at a time, place 2-3 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture onto the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides and continue rolling tightly into a cylinder.
• Step 5: Carefully add the rolled egg rolls to the hot oil, frying for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
• Step 6: Transfer the fried egg rolls to the prepared paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
• Step 7: Serve the buffalo chicken egg rolls warm, with additional buffalo sauce for dipping on the side.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
Compared to traditional buffalo chicken dip which can take up to 45 minutes to prepare, this Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls recipe saves you 33% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors in a more portable, hand-held format.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 12 servings):
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 520mg
These Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls provide approximately 28% of your daily protein requirements and 22% of your daily sodium needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute the egg roll wrappers with low-carb or keto-friendly wrappers made from almond flour or cauliflower.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Omit the cheddar and blue cheeses, using a dairy-free cheese alternative or skipping the cheese altogether.
• Added protein: Increase the amount of chicken to 1.5 lbs for a higher-protein version.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced bell peppers or diced onions to the filling for extra veggies.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh, crisp salad for a complete meal
• Complement with a side of celery and carrot sticks for a healthier snack
• For game day, serve alongside other appetizers like meatballs or nachos
• Create a platter with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard or barbecue
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Frying at the wrong temperature: If the oil is not hot enough, the egg rolls will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for best results.
• Not draining the cooked egg rolls properly: Failing to transfer the fried egg rolls to a paper towel-lined plate can leave them soggy. Proper draining helps ensure a crisp, crunchy texture.
• Overcrowding the frying oil: Adding too many egg rolls at once can cause the oil temperature to drop dramatically, leading to uneven cooking. Fry in batches for best results.
• Skipping the celery and carrots: While the buffalo chicken is the star, the addition of crunchy vegetables helps balance the flavors and provides textural contrast.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the egg rolls up to the point of frying, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or resealable bag and store for up to 3 months. Fry from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked egg rolls to cool completely, then wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap. Store in an airtight container or resealable bag in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Reheating: For best texture, reheat the egg rolls in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the wrapper is crisp. You can also briefly fry them for 1-2 minutes to restore the crispiness.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the buffalo chicken filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The buffalo chicken filling can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to assemble the egg rolls, simply add the filling to the wrappers and fry as directed.
Can I substitute the chicken with something else?
While chicken is the traditional protein used in buffalo chicken recipes, you can certainly experiment with other proteins. Ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken would both work well as substitutes. You could even try a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option.
Are these egg rolls suitable for a keto or low-carb diet?
To make these Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls keto-friendly, you can swap the traditional egg roll wrappers for low-carb alternatives made from almond flour or cauliflower. These specialty wrappers are becoming increasingly available in the freezer section of many grocery stores.
Why are my egg rolls coming out greasy?
If your egg rolls are turning out overly greasy, there are a few potential culprits. First, make sure the oil is maintained at the proper 350°F frying temperature. Dropping below this can cause the wrappers to absorb too much oil. Additionally, be sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying, as this can lower the oil temperature. Proper oil temperature and batch frying are key to achieving crispy, non-greasy results.
Can I add any extra ingredients to the filling?
Absolutely! The great thing about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the filling by adding ingredients like diced jalapeños for extra heat, crumbled blue cheese for more tang, or even shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese. Just be mindful not to overstuff the wrappers.
Conclusion
These Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a game day appetizer or a tasty snack, they’re sure to impress with their crunchy exteriors and boldly seasoned interiors. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these buffalo chicken egg rolls demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the frying process. So why not give this delectable recipe a try and experience the irresistible combination of crispy, spicy, and savory in every bite?
