Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls: The Ultimate Game Day Appetizer

Elevate your snack game with these irresistible Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls! Featuring perfectly crisp shells bursting with a savory, spicy, and tangy filling of shredded chicken, bold buffalo sauce, creamy blue cheese, and crisp slaw, these egg rolls are an absolute sensation for any gathering, especially game day!

When it comes to crowd-pleasing appetizers, few things rival the classic appeal of buffalo chicken. That unmistakable blend of spicy heat, savory chicken, and cool, tangy blue cheese is a flavor profile that captures hearts (and taste buds!) everywhere. Now, imagine taking that beloved combination and encasing it in a perfectly crisp, golden-brown egg roll wrapper. The result? These incredible Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls – a true culinary touchdown perfect for game day, parties, or simply a fun weeknight meal!

Whether you’re hosting a big watch party or just craving a satisfying snack, these egg rolls are guaranteed to be a hit. They offer all the beloved flavors of buffalo wings without the mess, wrapped up in a convenient, dippable package. Serve them alongside other fan favorites like these Cheeseburger Egg Rolls or a comforting Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip to create an epic spread that will have everyone reaching for more.

I wholeheartedly believe that almost anything can be improved with the addition of buffalo chicken, and these egg rolls are living proof! The magical blend of fiery sauce, tender chicken, and pungent blue cheese creates a symphony of flavors that is utterly irresistible. It’s a classic pairing for a reason, delivering a satisfying kick that is perfectly balanced by creamy coolness.

If you, like me, are an ardent fan of buffalo chicken and are eager to introduce an exciting twist to your game day menu, then these Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls are your answer. They strike the perfect balance between being an impressive appetizer and a deliciously fulfilling meal. Imagine the cheers when you present a platter of these golden, crispy delights! They are not only a fantastic party food but also an excellent way to use up leftover cooked chicken, making them as practical as they are delicious.

Key Ingredients for Flavorful Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

Crafting the perfect Buffalo Chicken Egg Roll begins with selecting high-quality ingredients that deliver on flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential:

• Frying Oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point is crucial for achieving that desired golden crispiness without imparting unwanted flavors. Vegetable oil is my go-to, but canola, grapeseed, or peanut oil also work beautifully. You’ll need enough to fill your skillet with about an inch of oil for proper frying.
• Cooked Shredded Chicken: To make this recipe quick and easy, I recommend using pre-cooked, shredded chicken. This can be prepared in advance using your favorite method (check out my guide on how to make shredded chicken), or you can simply grab a store-bought rotisserie chicken and shred it. The chicken provides the hearty base for our flavorful filling.
• Buffalo Sauce: This isn’t just any hot sauce; it’s the star of the show! For that authentic buffalo flavor, opt for a dedicated buffalo wing sauce. My personal favorite is Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce, which offers the perfect balance of heat and tang. Regular hot sauce won’t quite deliver the same iconic taste.
• Blue Cheese: The pungent, creamy notes of blue cheese are the classic counterpoint to the spicy buffalo sauce. It melts slightly when cooked, adding a rich depth of flavor and a beautiful creaminess to the filling. If blue cheese isn’t to your taste, feel free to omit it or substitute with a milder, melty cheese like Monterey Jack or a sharp cheddar for a different but still delicious profile.
• Broccoli Slaw (or Coleslaw Mix): Adding a vegetable component not only provides texture but also a subtle freshness that helps balance the richness of the chicken and cheese. Broccoli slaw, with its fine shreds, is my preferred choice, but a standard coleslaw mix or even finely shredded cabbage works wonderfully. Ensure you’re using a dry mix, not a pre-dressed slaw, to control the moisture content of your filling.
• Egg Roll Wrappers: These readily available wrappers are the foundation of our crispy exterior. You can find them in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, usually near other specialty Asian ingredients like tofu or wonton wrappers. They fry up beautifully to a golden, bubbly crisp.
• Blue Cheese Dressing (for dipping): A cool, creamy dip is essential for serving alongside these spicy egg rolls. Homemade blue cheese dressing offers unparalleled freshness and flavor (here’s my favorite recipe), but a good quality store-bought version is also perfectly acceptable. If you’re not a blue cheese fan, a ranch dressing makes an excellent alternative for dipping.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Perfect Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

Creating these delightful Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls is simpler than you might think! Follow these detailed steps for a delicious outcome every time:

1. **Prepare Your Filling:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, crumbled blue cheese, and broccoli slaw. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the chicken is evenly coated with the spicy sauce. This is the heart of your egg roll, so ensure the flavors are well distributed.
2. **Set Up for Rolling:** Lay one egg roll wrapper flat on a clean, dry work surface. For easier rolling, I find it helpful to position the wrapper like a diamond, with one point facing directly towards you. Keep a small bowl of water nearby – this will be your “glue.”
3. **Add the Filling:** Place about 1/3 cup of your prepared buffalo chicken mixture onto the center of the wrapper, closer to the point facing you. Don’t overfill, as this can make rolling difficult and cause wrappers to tear.
4. **First Fold:** Take the bottom corner of the wrapper (the one closest to you) and fold it snugly up and over the filling, tucking it in to create a tight cylinder.
5. **Side Folds (Envelope Shape):** Next, fold in the right and left corners towards the center, overlapping them slightly. At this point, your egg roll should resemble a neatly folded envelope.
6. **Roll It Up:** Beginning from the bottom, start rolling the wrapper upwards, away from you. Roll tightly but gently to avoid air pockets. Continue rolling until you reach the top corner, leaving it slightly exposed.
7. **Seal the Wrapper:** Dip your finger in the small bowl of water and moisten the entire surface of the top corner of the wrapper. This water acts as a natural adhesive. Now, complete the roll by folding this moistened corner down and pressing it firmly against the rolled egg roll to seal it securely. This prevents the filling from escaping during frying.
8. **Repeat:** Continue this process with the remaining wrappers and filling until all your Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls are neatly rolled and sealed.
9. **Heat the Oil:** In a heavy-bottomed skillet or a Dutch oven, pour about 1 inch of neutral frying oil. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). Using a kitchen thermometer is highly recommended for accurate temperature control, ensuring perfectly crispy egg rolls without being greasy.
10. **Fry to Golden Perfection:** Carefully place a few egg rolls into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2 minutes per side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are visibly crispy. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your oil temperature and the thickness of your wrappers.
11. **Drain and Serve:** Once cooked, use tongs to remove the egg rolls from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help drain any excess oil, ensuring maximum crispiness.
12. **Enjoy!** Serve your hot, crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls immediately with a side of blue cheese dressing or extra buffalo wing sauce for dipping.

How to Make Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

While the fried version delivers an unparalleled crispiness and rich flavor, you can absolutely achieve a delicious result by baking your Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls. Baking offers a lighter alternative without sacrificing much of the taste, making it a great option if you prefer to avoid deep frying or are looking for a slightly healthier choice. The original version of this recipe was actually baked, and while I lean towards the fried method for ultimate indulgence, baking is a fantastic alternative.

To bake these savory delights, follow these simple adjustments:

1. **Preheat Your Oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). This high temperature helps to crisp up the wrappers.
2. **Prepare for Baking:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Arrange the rolled egg rolls on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they have some space between them for even cooking.
3. **Achieve Crispiness:** For that desired golden-brown and crispy exterior, lightly spray each egg roll generously with nonstick cooking spray. You can also brush them with a thin layer of olive oil or melted butter. This step is key to preventing them from becoming dry or soft.
4. **Bake Until Golden:** Bake the egg rolls for 12-15 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy to the touch. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
5. **Optimal Air Circulation:** For the crispiest baked egg rolls, I highly recommend placing them on a wire cooling rack set inside the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate all around each egg roll, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy and ensuring even browning.
6. **Serve:** Once baked, remove from the oven and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, just as you would the fried version.

Tips and Tricks for Success

To ensure your Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls are nothing short of spectacular, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• **Portion Control for Appetizers:** If you’re serving these as an appetizer and want to make them go further, consider cutting each cooked egg roll in half diagonally. This creates smaller, more manageable portions that are perfect for sharing.
• **Serve Hot:** For the absolute best taste and texture, these egg rolls are best enjoyed hot and fresh, shortly after frying or baking. The crispy exterior and warm, flavorful filling are at their peak immediately after cooking.
• **Keeping Warm:** If you need to prepare them slightly ahead of time or are serving a large batch, you can keep them warm in a low oven (around 200°F / 95°C) until ready to serve. This will help maintain their crispiness without overcooking.
• **Leftover Storage:** Should you find yourself with any delicious leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• **Reheating Leftovers:** While they won’t be quite as crisp as when freshly made, leftovers are still incredibly tasty! The best way to reheat them is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and somewhat crisped. An air fryer is also an excellent tool for reheating, offering a quick way to bring back a good amount of crunch. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it will likely make them soggy.
• **Don’t Overfill:** Resist the temptation to stuff too much filling into each wrapper. Overfilled egg rolls are harder to roll and more prone to bursting during cooking, leading to a messy situation and lost filling.
• **Work Quickly:** Egg roll wrappers can dry out quickly, becoming brittle and difficult to roll. Keep any unused wrappers covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap while you work to maintain their pliability.

More Irresistible Buffalo Chicken Favorites

If these Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls have ignited your passion for all things buffalo, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of spicy, tangy, and delicious buffalo-inspired recipes waiting to be explored. From dips to pizzas, the versatility of buffalo sauce knows no bounds. Here are some more of my top Buffalo Chicken favorites that you simply must try:

• Buffalo Chicken Dip: The ultimate classic party dip – creamy, cheesy, and packed with buffalo flavor. Perfect for a crowd!
• Buffalo Chicken Tacos: A fresh and zesty twist on taco night, combining the crunch of tacos with the beloved buffalo flavor.
• Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: Crispy, rolled tortillas filled with a spicy buffalo chicken mixture, baked to perfection.
• Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Your favorite pizza topped with savory buffalo chicken, a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese, and plenty of cheese.
• Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: A comforting and hearty dish that combines two comfort food champions into one unforgettable meal.
• Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches: Simple yet satisfying, these sandwiches feature tender buffalo chicken on a bun, often topped with cool, crisp lettuce and a creamy dressing.

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