Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls: The Ultimate Game Day Appetizer You Can Make at Home

Have you ever craved that irresistible combination of spicy buffalo sauce and crispy egg roll wrappers but didn't want to pay restaurant prices? Making Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls at home is not only budget-friendly but also allows you to control the spice level and ensure every bite is packed with flavor. These crispy, golden bundles filled with tangy buffalo chicken are the perfect crowd-pleaser for game day, parties, or even a fun weeknight dinner. As one of the most popular buffalo chicken appetizers, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen, giving you control over ingredients and freshness while impressing your guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients List

    • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
    • 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
    • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
    • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
    • 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
    • 12-15 egg roll wrappers
    • Vegetable oil for frying
    • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

For the Dipping Sauce:

    • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
    • 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing
    • Optional: Extra buffalo sauce for drizzling

Timing / Cooking Schedule

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes

This quick recipe is perfect for last-minute entertaining. Unlike traditional appetizers that require hours of preparation, these egg rolls come together in under 40 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, green onions, and celery. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. The cream cheese helps bind everything together while adding richness. For best results, use rotisserie chicken to save time, or prep chicken in advance.

Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you (diamond shape). Place 2-3 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture in the center. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides tightly. Roll upward, sealing the top corner with a dab of water. This technique ensures the filling won't leak during frying. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.

Step 3: Heat the Oil Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) using a cooking thermometer. Proper oil temperature is crucial—too hot and the wrappers burn before the filling heats through; too cool and they absorb excess oil and become greasy.

Step 4: Fry the Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls Carefully place 3-4 egg rolls into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Work in batches to maintain consistent oil temperature, which ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Arrange these delicious buffalo chicken appetizers on a serving platter with ranch and blue cheese dressing for dipping. Garnish with extra chopped green onions or a drizzle of buffalo sauce for presentation.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 4):

    • Calories: 385
    • Protein: 24g
    • Carbohydrates: 28g
    • Fat: 19g
    • Fiber: 2g
    • Vitamin C: 8% DV
    • Iron: 12% DV

Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice

For a Healthier Version: Bake the egg rolls at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, brushing with oil and flipping halfway through. Air frying at 375°F for 12-15 minutes also produces excellent crispy results with less oil.

Dietary Swaps: Use gluten-free egg roll wrappers for celiac-friendly options. Substitute Greek yogurt-based ranch for a lighter dipping sauce. For dairy-free versions, replace cheese with vegan alternatives and use coconut cream instead of cream cheese.

Flavor Variations: Add crumbled bacon for a smoky twist, swap buffalo sauce for barbecue sauce, or incorporate shredded carrots for extra vegetables. Blue cheese crumbles mixed into the filling create an authentic Buffalo wing experience.

Meal Prep Tip: Assemble egg rolls up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to fry. You can also freeze uncooked egg rolls for up to 3 months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling the Wrappers: Too much filling causes egg rolls to burst during frying. Stick to 2-3 tablespoons maximum per wrapper and seal edges tightly.

Not Sealing Properly: Dry wrappers won't seal. Always use water to moisten the final corner before sealing. Press firmly to prevent separation during cooking.

Frying at Wrong Temperature: Without a thermometer, test oil by dropping a small piece of wrapper—it should sizzle immediately but not burn. Adjust heat accordingly throughout the cooking process.

Skipping the Drain Step: Placing fried egg rolls directly on plates makes them soggy. Always drain on paper towels or a wire rack first.

Using Cold Filling: Room temperature filling prevents wrappers from getting soggy during assembly and ensures even heating when fried.

Storage / Leftovers Tips

Store leftover Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, keep them separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating Instructions: Avoid microwaving, which makes wrappers rubbery. Instead, reheat in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F for 5-6 minutes until crispy again. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil.

Freezing: Freeze cooked egg rolls for up to 2 months. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to freezer bags. Reheat from frozen at 400°F for 15-18 minutes. Uncooked assembled egg rolls freeze even better—fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to cooking time. This makes them perfect make-ahead appetizers for parties or when you want quick access to homemade buffalo chicken appetizers any time the craving strikes.