Save The Super Bowl was on in the background, my friends crowded around the TV shouting at plays nobody understood anyway, when someone brought out a tray of these egg rolls. The room went quiet for exactly three seconds. Then someone asked for the recipe. Now they are the first thing anyone asks about before they even walk through the door.
I brought these to a tailgate last fall, still warm from the air fryer, tucked into a lined basket. A stranger wandered over, caught a whiff of the buffalo sauce, and asked if I was accepting marriage proposals. They disappeared before I could even grab one myself.
Ingredients
- Shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here, saving time and adding seasoned depth to the filling
- Cream cheese: Must be softened to room temperature or you will fight lumps that refuse to blend smooth
- Buffalo sauce: Start with 1/3 cup and taste, then adjust up or down depending on your heat tolerance
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: This tames the heat and adds the classic creamy element everyone expects
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Pepper jack or Monterey Jack work if you want extra zip
- Green onions: Finely chopped so they distribute evenly rather than creating pockets of sharp onion flavor
- Egg roll wrappers: Keep them covered with a damp towel while working so they do not dry out and crack
- Water: A small bowl for sealing the wrappers properly
- Vegetable or canola oil: For frying, though baking or air frying both work beautifully
- Cooking spray: Essential if you go the oven or air fryer route for that golden crunch
Instructions
- Mix the filling:
- Combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, cheddar, and green onions in a large bowl until everything is creamy and evenly distributed.
- Prepare your station:
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you, and keep a small bowl of water nearby for sealing.
- Fill and fold:
- Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of filling in the center, fold the bottom corner over the filling, fold in the sides, then roll tightly away from you.
- Seal tight:
- Moisten the final corner with water and press firmly to seal, then repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Fry until golden:
- Heat 2 inches of oil to 350°F and fry in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply golden and crisp, then drain on paper towels.
- Bake instead:
- Preheat oven to 425°F, place egg rolls on parchment, spray with cooking spray, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air fry method:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F, arrange in a single layer, spray lightly with oil, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once until crisp.
- Rest before serving:
- Let the egg rolls cool for 5 minutes so the filling sets slightly and will not burn your mouth when you bite in.
Save My sister called me at midnight once, just to say she had made three batches and frozen them all for her upcoming party. That is how you know a recipe has officially entered the regular rotation.
Make Ahead Magic
The filling keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for two days, which means you can prep everything in advance and just wrap and cook when guests arrive.
Freezing Instructions
Arrange uncooked egg rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Dipping Sauces That Work
Extra buffalo sauce is obvious, but a cool blue cheese dip or even a garlic ranch balances the heat perfectly. Some people prefer a honey mustard drizzle for sweetness.
- Celery sticks on the side cut the richness
- Carrot sticks add crunch and color to the plate
- Keep extra napkins nearby because things will get messy
Save These disappeared so fast at my last gathering that I started doubling the batch automatically. Nobody complains about having too many.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the buffalo chicken filling?
Combine shredded cooked chicken with softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Mix until well combined and creamy.
- → Can I bake or air fry these instead of frying?
Yes, these can be baked at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, or air fried at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes. For a golden, crispy finish, ensure they are lightly sprayed with cooking spray.
- → What are good dipping sauces to serve alongside?
These are wonderfully complemented by extra buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dressing. You can also offer celery and carrot sticks for a classic pairing.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time or freeze them?
Uncooked rolls can be assembled and frozen on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. Cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the usual cooking time.
- → Are there any ingredient substitutions for dietary preferences or flavor variations?
For a milder taste, reduce the buffalo sauce or use a mild wing sauce. You can also substitute pepper jack or Monterey Jack for the cheddar cheese to add a different cheesy kick. Use gluten-free wrappers if needed.
- → How do I ensure my egg rolls are crispy?
For frying, ensure the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). For baking or air frying, lightly spray them with cooking spray before cooking to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior.