Gourmet Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
I absolutely love making these Gourmet Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls at home! The crispy outer layer combined with a spicy, creamy filling creates an irresistible snack or appetizer. I often find myself experimenting with different dipping sauces, but a classic blue cheese or ranch dressing never disappoints. Each bite is filled with bold flavors that remind me of game day festivities. Plus, they’re a fun way to use leftover chicken, making them both delicious and practical for any gathering.
When I first tried making these Gourmet Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy they were to prepare. I used shredded rotisserie chicken, which not only cuts down on time but also adds fantastic flavor. The combination of hot sauce and cream cheese creates a creamy filling that's incredibly addictive!
Another tip I discovered is to double-fry the egg rolls for extra crispiness. The first fry cooks them through, while the second fry gives that perfect golden brown texture. They're always a hit at parties, and I find people coming back for more!
Why You Will Love These Egg Rolls
- Spicy buffalo flavor with a creamy twist
- Perfectly crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the filling
- A fantastic way to use leftover chicken in a delicious way
Crafting the Perfect Filling
When making the filling for these Gourmet Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls, the combination of ingredients is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture. The buffalo sauce adds a spicy kick, while the cream cheese contributes a creamy richness that balances the heat. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature; this ensures it blends smoothly with the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce, resulting in a cohesive mixture that won’t clump in the egg rolls.
Consider adjusting the level of buffalo sauce according to your spice preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount or opt for a milder buffalo sauce variant. You can also mix in additional spices or seasonings, like garlic powder or onion powder, to enhance the depth of flavor. Just a pinch of smoked paprika can introduce a unique twist that complements the traditional buffalo taste.
Frying Techniques for Crispy Egg Rolls
The frying process is key to achieving that deliciously crispy exterior. I recommend using a heavy-bottomed skillet to help maintain an even temperature when frying. Heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it shimmers, which indicates it's hot enough to fry. If you're not sure, drop in a small piece of wrapper to see if it sizzles; if it does, you’re ready to fry the egg rolls. Frying in batches of 3-4 helps maintain the oil temperature, preventing the egg rolls from getting soggy.
While frying, watch for a golden-brown color on the egg rolls. This typically takes about 3-4 minutes per side but keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. If the egg rolls start to darken too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. After frying, draining the egg rolls on paper towels is crucial, as it allows excess oil to escape and keeps them crispy.
Serving and Storing Your Egg Rolls
These Gourmet Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls shine when served fresh, but they can be made ahead of time for convenience. You can assemble the egg rolls a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you prefer, freeze them before frying. To do so, lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They can be fried directly from the freezer; just add an extra minute or two to the frying time.
For serving, pair these egg rolls with classic dipping sauces like blue cheese or ranch dressing to complement the buffalo flavor. You can also experiment with other dipping sauces such as a spicy sriracha mayo or a cooling cucumber yogurt sauce. Garnishing your platter with fresh celery sticks not only adds a refreshing crunch but also ties back to the traditional buffalo wing experience.
Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients listed below to create these delicious egg rolls.
Ingredients for Gourmet Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Optional: blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping
Once you have all your ingredients ready, we can move on to the next steps for making these egg rolls.
Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to create crispy and flavorful egg rolls.
Mix Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
Prepare Egg Rolls
Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface, with a corner pointing towards you. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll tightly away from you to seal the egg roll.
Fry the Egg Rolls
In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add 3-4 egg rolls at a time. Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Once cooked, serve these tasty egg rolls with your favorite dipping sauce!
Pro Tips
- For a unique touch, try adding diced carrots or celery to the chicken mixture for added crunch.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, rotisserie chicken is an excellent substitute, providing flavor and convenience. You could also use shredded turkey for a delightful variation, especially after holiday meals. For a vegetarian option, consider using tofu or a mix of sautéed vegetables seasoned with buffalo sauce instead of chicken, making sure to include ingredients that still provide the creamy texture like cream cheese or a plant-based alternative.
The type of cheese can also be substituted based on your preference. For a sharper taste, replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese to add a hint of spice. If you're looking for a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cream cheese to lighten up the filling without sacrificing too much creaminess.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
If your egg rolls are bursting open during frying, it may be due to overfilling. Stick to about 2 tablespoons of filling per wrapper to ensure they seal properly. Additionally, make sure to seal the edges well by moistening them slightly with water before folding, which helps create a tight seal that holds during frying.
If you're finding the egg rolls are not getting crispy, check your oil temperature. If it’s too low, the egg rolls will absorb excess oil and become greasy rather than crispy. Keep a consistent medium heat, and don’t overcrowd the pan to maintain the oil temperature.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for saving time and adding great flavor.
→ How can I make these egg rolls healthier?
You can bake them instead of frying. Brush with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) until crispy.
→ What sauces pair well with these egg rolls?
Blue cheese and ranch dressings are classic choices, but you can also try sweet chili sauce.
→ Can these egg rolls be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the egg rolls and store them in the fridge before frying. Just fry them right before serving.
Gourmet Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
I absolutely love making these Gourmet Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls at home! The crispy outer layer combined with a spicy, creamy filling creates an irresistible snack or appetizer. I often find myself experimenting with different dipping sauces, but a classic blue cheese or ranch dressing never disappoints. Each bite is filled with bold flavors that remind me of game day festivities. Plus, they’re a fun way to use leftover chicken, making them both delicious and practical for any gathering.
What You'll Need
Ingredients for Gourmet Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Optional: blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface, with a corner pointing towards you. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll tightly away from you to seal the egg roll.
In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add 3-4 egg rolls at a time. Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Extra Tips
- For a unique touch, try adding diced carrots or celery to the chicken mixture for added crunch.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 15g