Save The first time I brought these to a Super Bowl party, my friend Sarah literally hovered over the plate until they were gone, then asked if I had any more hiding in the kitchen. Now she texts me a week before every gathering to confirm they're on the menu.
Last winter during a snowed-in weekend, my husband and I made a double batch just for the two of us. We ate them straight from the air fryer while watching movies, accidentally creating what our kids now call 'snow day food.'
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here, already seasoned and perfectly tender
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Room temperature makes mixing effortless and prevents any lumpy surprises
- 1/3 cup buffalo sauce: Adjust this to match your spice tolerance, I've learned the hard way what too much looks like
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing: Ranch tames the heat beautifully while blue cheese adds that authentic wing flavor
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives you that perfect melty, gooey texture we're all chasing
- 2 green onions, finely chopped: These little green specks make everything look restaurant quality
- 12 egg roll wrappers: Keep them covered with a damp towel while working or they'll crack and drive you crazy
- Small bowl of water: This humble bowl is what makes your egg rolls actually stay rolled
- Vegetable oil for frying: About 2 inches deep in your pan creates that golden bubble bath
- Cooking spray: Essential if you're baking or air frying instead of deep frying
Instructions
- Mix the filling:
- Combine the chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, dressing, cheddar, and green onions in a large bowl until everything is creamy and evenly distributed throughout
- Prepare your workspace:
- Lay out an egg roll wrapper in a diamond shape with one corner pointing directly at you, like you're about to fold a love letter
- Fill the wrapper:
- Place about 2 to 3 tablespoons of filling in the center, then fold the bottom corner up over the filling like you're tucking someone into bed
- Roll it tight:
- Fold in both side corners, then roll away from you until you reach the final corner, dip your finger in water, and seal it shut like an envelope
- Heat the oil:
- Pour 2 inches of oil into a deep skillet and bring it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or test it by dropping in a small piece of wrapper that should immediately sizzle and bubble
- Fry to golden:
- Cook the egg rolls in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they're a beautiful golden brown all over, then let them drain on paper towels
- The baking method:
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, arrange the egg rolls on a parchment lined baking sheet, spray them lightly, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes while flipping halfway through
- The air fryer shortcut:
- Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, arrange the egg rolls in a single layer with space between them, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes while turning once
- The waiting game:
- Let them cool for exactly 5 minutes because biting into one immediately will result in a burned tongue and you'll miss out on the flavors developing
Save My niece helped me make these for her birthday party last year, and she took such pride in showing everyone how to fold them perfectly. Now she requests them for every family celebration, claiming they're 'our thing.'
Make Them Ahead
I often assemble a whole batch the night before a party and keep them covered in the refrigerator. They fry up beautifully straight from the fridge, which actually helps them hold their shape better in the hot oil.
Freezer Stash
Double the recipe and freeze half on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. They cook straight from frozen, just add a couple minutes to the cooking time, and you'll thank yourself on busy weeknights.
Serving Ideas
These egg rolls deserve a proper supporting cast. Set out small bowls of extra buffalo sauce, ranch for dipping, and some crisp celery sticks to cut through the richness.
- A cold beer is practically mandatory with these
- Serve them as the appetizer before a lighter main course
- Cut them in half diagonally for easier party grabbing
Save There's something so satisfying about hearing that first crunch when someone bites into these at a party. Hope they become your crowd favorite too.
Kitchen Guide
- → How can I make these egg rolls less spicy?
To reduce the heat, use a milder buffalo wing sauce. You can also decrease the amount of buffalo sauce and slightly increase the ranch or blue cheese dressing to maintain creaminess and flavor balance.
- → Can I prepare these egg rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the egg rolls and freeze them before cooking. Lay them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time, ensuring they are heated through and crispy.
- → What are some alternative serving suggestions?
Beyond the classic ranch or blue cheese dressing, these are delicious with extra buffalo sauce for a kick. For a balanced plate, serve with fresh celery and carrot sticks to complement the richness and spice.
- → What kind of chicken works best for the filling?
Shredded cooked chicken works perfectly. Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver, or you can boil and shred chicken breasts or thighs. Ensure it's finely shredded for easy mixing and rolling.
- → Can I bake or air fry these instead of frying?
Absolutely! For baking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), spray egg rolls lightly with cooking spray, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. For air frying, preheat to 400°F (200°C), spray lightly, and air fry for 8-10 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp.
- → Are there any cheese substitutions I can make?
While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses. Pepper jack will add an extra layer of spice, or Monterey Jack can provide a milder, melty texture. A blend of cheeses can also enhance the flavor profile.