Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls – Crispy, Spicy, and Perfect for Game Day

Buffalo chicken egg rolls are everything you love about buffalo wings—spicy chicken, creamy cheese, tangy sauce—wrapped in a crispy, golden shell. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry them, they deliver the ultimate crunchy bite with a fiery, cheesy center.

Perfect for parties, game day spreads, or anytime you want a bold snack that goes beyond the usual, these egg rolls are quick to prep, easy to freeze, and guaranteed to be the first thing gone on the plate.

Want something creamy to pair it with? Try our Baked Feta Pasta for a comfort food combo that hits all the notes.

Why Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls Are the Ultimate Party Appetizer

Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: Buffalo + Cheese + Crunch

There’s a reason buffalo chicken egg rolls are a hit every time. They combine three universally loved flavors and textures:

  • Spicy buffalo sauce gives them a signature heat and tang
  • Shredded chicken and melted cheese make them hearty and satisfying
  • Crispy wrappers deliver that golden, crave-worthy crunch

Each bite hits you with heat, creaminess, and crunch—just like your favorite game day snack, but easier to eat and way less messy.

These are not just appetizers. They’re attention-grabbers. Mini meals in a bite. And if you serve them with the right dip? Game over.

When to Serve: Game Day, Parties, Snacks, or Meal Prep

Buffalo chicken egg rolls are surprisingly flexible. Serve them as:

  • Appetizers for Super Bowl parties or holidays
  • Midweek snacks or meal prep lunch bites
  • Make-ahead freezer snacks you can air fry anytime
  • Finger food for potlucks, birthdays, or BBQs

Make a batch and watch your guests devour them faster than you can say “Where’s the ranch?”

Crispy buffalo chicken egg rolls with celery sticks served on a platter with ranch dressing
Golden buffalo chicken egg rolls filled with chicken and celery, served with creamy ranch dipping sauce

Key Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

Creating the perfect buffalo chicken egg rolls starts with just a few bold ingredients. It’s all about spicy, creamy, and crunchy—wrapped up in one delicious bite. Whether you’re using rotisserie chicken or leftovers, the real magic is in how everything comes together inside the wrapper.

Best Chicken to Use: Shredded, Rotisserie, or Leftovers

You don’t need to overthink the chicken. The key is that it’s fully cooked and shredded so it blends easily with the sauce and cheese.

Ideal Options:

  • Rotisserie chicken – quick, flavorful, and perfectly tender
  • Leftover grilled or baked chicken – just shred and season
  • Poached or pressure-cooked chicken breast – lean and simple
  • Canned chicken (in a pinch) – drain well and mix with extra seasoning

Using rotisserie chicken cuts your prep time in half and gives your egg rolls a juicier texture with minimal effort.

Sauces, Cheese, and Wraps That Work Best

Your choice of sauce and cheese will define the flavor profile of your buffalo chicken egg rolls.

🔥 Buffalo Sauce:

Use your favorite brand, but make sure it’s bold and not too runny.

  • Frank’s RedHot – classic and well-balanced
  • Texas Pete or Cholula – spicier with a smoky edge
  • Homemade – mix hot sauce, melted butter, and garlic powder

🧀 Cheese:

Melted cheese brings it all together. Go for a combo of melt + tang:

  • Cream cheese – adds creaminess and balances heat
  • Cheddar or mozzarella – for that gooey melt
  • Blue cheese crumbles – optional but classic with buffalo flavor

For a milder version, skip blue cheese and lean on mozzarella or ranch-seasoned cream cheese.

🥟 Egg Roll Wrappers:

These are found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. Look for:

  • Square egg roll wrappers, not spring roll (they’re thinner)
  • Keep them covered while rolling to prevent drying out

With these ingredients, your buffalo chicken egg rolls will have that irresistible spicy filling and golden crispy shell every single time.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls Step by Step

If you’ve never made buffalo chicken egg rolls before, don’t worry—it’s way easier than you think. With just a few ingredients and simple rolling technique, you’ll have a batch of spicy, cheesy, crunchy egg rolls ready to fry, bake, or air fry.

Mixing the Buffalo Chicken Filling

The filling is what gives buffalo chicken egg rolls their iconic flavor. It’s creamy, spicy, and perfectly balanced between tender shredded chicken and melted cheese.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
  • ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or similar)
  • ½ cup cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional for extra zing)
  • Optional: blue cheese crumbles or a dash of ranch seasoning

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and softened cream cheese.
  2. Stir until fully coated and creamy.
  3. Fold in shredded cheese and green onions.
  4. For classic heat, stick to original buffalo sauce. For mild heat, mix in a little ranch or reduce the sauce amount.
  5. Chill the mixture for 10 minutes—this makes filling the egg rolls much easier.

Rolling, Sealing, and Prepping for Cooking

Now it’s time to roll those buffalo chicken egg rolls! Here’s how to do it like a pro:

What You’ll Need:

  • 12–15 egg roll wrappers
  • Small bowl of water (to seal the edges)
  • Your chilled buffalo chicken filling
  • A clean surface for rolling

Step-by-Step Rolling Guide:

  1. Place one wrapper on a cutting board in a diamond shape.
  2. Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken filling onto the lower third.
  3. Fold the bottom tip up over the filling, fold in both sides, then roll up tightly.
  4. Dip your finger in water and moisten the top corner to seal the egg roll shut.
  5. Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined tray.

Pro Tip: Keep unused wrappers covered with a damp towel so they don’t dry out while you roll your buffalo chicken egg rolls.

Repeat until all wrappers are filled. You can cook the buffalo chicken egg rolls right away, or freeze them for later use (covered in Part 7).

Once you’ve rolled your batch, you’re just minutes away from biting into one of the most irresistible buffalo chicken egg rolls you’ll ever eat—crispy on the outside, spicy and creamy on the inside.

Mixing buffalo chicken filling and rolling it into egg roll wrappers
Mix the spicy buffalo chicken filling and roll it tightly in egg roll wrappers

How to Cook Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls – Fry, Bake, or Air Fry

Once your buffalo chicken egg rolls are prepped and ready, the real fun begins—cooking them to golden, crispy perfection. Whether you love the deep-fried crunch, want a lighter baked version, or swear by your air fryer, this section breaks down the best methods to cook buffalo chicken egg rolls the way you like them.

Deep Frying for Golden Crunch

If you’re going for that classic takeout-style texture, deep frying is the way to go. It gives your buffalo chicken egg rolls the crispiest shell and an unbeatable golden finish.

How to Deep Fry:

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Carefully add a few egg rolls at a time, seam-side down.
  3. Fry for 3–4 minutes, turning once, until golden brown on all sides.
  4. Remove and place on a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.

Don’t overcrowd the pan—frying in batches helps maintain oil temperature and ensures evenly crispy egg rolls.

Oven-Baking for a Lighter Option

Want a healthier take on buffalo chicken egg rolls without sacrificing crunch? Oven-baking gets you there with less oil and fewer calories.

How to Bake:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place egg rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Lightly brush each roll with olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
  4. Bake for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Oven-baked buffalo chicken egg rolls have a slightly lighter crunch but still deliver on flavor and texture—great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.

 Frying buffalo chicken egg rolls in oil and draining them on paper towels
Fry buffalo chicken egg rolls until golden, then drain on paper towels for crispy perfection

Air Frying for Fast, Crispy Results

If you have an air fryer, this might become your go-to method. Air frying gives buffalo chicken egg rolls that deep-fried crisp in less time and with way less oil.

How to Air Fry:

  1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly spray egg rolls with cooking oil.
  3. Place in a single layer in the basket (don’t overlap).
  4. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.

Want consistent results? Don’t skip the oil spray—it helps create a fried texture without soaking in oil.

No matter how you cook them, buffalo chicken egg rolls turn out crisp on the outside and spicy, cheesy on the inside. The method you choose depends on how fast and how indulgent you want to go.

Print
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Golden buffalo chicken egg rolls topped with buffalo sauce, served with ranch and blue cheese dips

Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls – Crispy, Spicy, and Perfect for Game Day


  • Author: Laura Mitchell
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 egg rolls 1x

Description


These buffalo chicken egg rolls are spicy, cheesy, and ultra crispy. Packed with shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and melted cheddar, they’re the ultimate appetizer for game day or party snacks. Bake, fry, or air fry for golden perfection every time!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover)

  • ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)

  • ½ cup cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

  • ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)

  • 1215 egg roll wrappers

  • Water (for sealing)

  • Vegetable oil (for frying) or cooking spray (for baking/air frying)


Instructions

  • In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and cream cheese until well combined.

     

  • Stir in shredded cheese and green onions.

  • Place an egg roll wrapper in a diamond shape. Add 2–3 tablespoons of filling to the lower third.

  • Fold the bottom up over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly. Seal the top corner with water.

  • Repeat until all filling is used.

  • To fry: Heat oil to 350°F and fry for 3–4 minutes until golden brown.

  • To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F, spray egg rolls with oil, and bake for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway.

  • To air fry: Preheat air fryer to 375°F, spray egg rolls with oil, and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.

 

  • Let cool slightly and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Notes

  • Chill filling for 10–15 minutes before rolling to prevent soggy wrappers.

  • Add blue cheese crumbles for classic buffalo flavor.

 

  • Make ahead and freeze before cooking for easy snacks later.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 egg roll
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 350g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 35g

Keywords: buffalo chicken egg rolls, game day snacks, spicy appetizers

Best Dipping Sauces and Pairings

One of the best parts of serving buffalo chicken egg rolls is the dipping. That bold, spicy interior begs for something cool, creamy, or tangy on the side. Whether you stick with a classic or try something new, the right sauce takes your egg rolls to the next level.

Blue Cheese vs Ranch: The Ultimate Dip Showdown

Buffalo sauce’s soulmate is either blue cheese or ranch—depending on who you ask. Here’s how they stack up:

🧀 Blue Cheese Dressing

  • Sharp, tangy, and slightly funky
  • Perfect for those who like bold contrasts
  • Pairs beautifully with spicy buffalo chicken and creamy cheese filling

🥣 Ranch Dressing

  • Creamy, herby, and mellow
  • A safer, kid-friendly dip
  • Cools the heat from the buffalo sauce and complements crispy wrappers

Want to offer both? Serve them in small ramekins alongside a platter of hot buffalo chicken egg rolls for the best of both worlds.

Other Dip Ideas That Work

Looking for something unique? These dips also pair incredibly well with buffalo chicken egg rolls:

  • Avocado ranch or cilantro-lime dip – Creamy and zesty
  • Garlic aioli – Adds a savory depth
  • Spicy mayo or chipotle crema – For extra heat
  • Honey mustard – Sweet meets spicy
  • Greek yogurt ranch – A lighter, tangy option with probiotics

What Sides and Drinks Go Best with Buffalo Egg Rolls

To turn your buffalo chicken egg rolls into a full party spread or light meal, pair them with easy, crowd-pleasing sides and drinks.

Sides:

  • Celery and carrot sticks – Classic, crunchy contrast
  • Coleslaw – Creamy and cooling
  • Sweet potato fries – Salty-sweet balance
  • Crunchy salads – Like our Crunchy Rice Salad for a refreshing contrast

Drinks:

  • Cold beer (IPA or lager) – Cuts through the heat
  • Sparkling water or lemonade – Cleanse the palate
  • Iced tea with lemon – Southern-style comfort combo

When paired right, buffalo chicken egg rolls aren’t just a snack—they’re the MVP of your entire meal or party spread.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

One of the best things about buffalo chicken egg rolls is how flexible they are. You can tweak the spice level, make them creamier, or even go totally plant-based. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or want to get creative, these variations keep things exciting without losing the signature buffalo flavor.

Cream Cheese or No? (And Other Filling Swaps)

Adding cream cheese to your buffalo chicken filling is a game changer. It mellows out the heat and gives the inside of your egg rolls a smooth, rich texture.

Want something different?

Try These Add-Ins:

  • Shredded carrots – for a crunchy, fresh bite
  • Diced celery – a nod to the classic buffalo wing pairing
  • Green onions or chives – add mild, aromatic sharpness
  • Jalapeños – for a serious heat boost
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing – mixed right into the filling for extra flavor

Pro tip: Don’t overdo wet ingredients like dressings or sauces—they can cause your buffalo chicken egg rolls to burst during cooking.

Make Them Spicier or Milder

You control the heat. If you’re cooking for a heat-loving crowd, crank it up. If not, there are plenty of ways to mellow the spice.

To Turn Up the Heat:

  • Add a splash of extra hot sauce or cayenne to the filling
  • Use pepper jack cheese or toss in minced chili peppers

To Tone It Down:

  • Mix in more cream cheese or ranch to cool the flavor
  • Use a mild buffalo sauce or cut it with melted butter

These options let you serve buffalo chicken egg rolls to everyone—spice lovers and spice avoiders alike.

Vegetarian or Low-Carb Versions

Want to enjoy the flavor without the chicken or the carbs? Easy.

Vegetarian Fillings:

  • Use shredded jackfruit tossed in buffalo sauce
  • Try a blend of chickpeas and cauliflower for plant-based protein
  • Use tofu crumbles with buffalo seasoning and vegan cream cheese

Low-Carb Tweaks:

  • Wrap in low-carb egg roll wrappers or lettuce leaves
  • Skip the wrapper entirely and make buffalo chicken egg roll bowls

Buffalo flavor is bold and versatile, which means you can remix these egg rolls again and again without getting bored.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

Buffalo chicken egg rolls are easy to make ahead—and just as easy to store. Whether you’re prepping them for game day or saving leftovers, knowing how to keep them crisp and flavorful makes all the difference. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat them the right way.

How to Store Leftover Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

If you’ve already cooked your egg rolls, you can store them in the fridge for 3–4 days.

Best Practices:

  • Let egg rolls cool to room temperature before storing
  • Place in an airtight container lined with a paper towel (to absorb moisture)
  • Don’t stack more than two layers to avoid sogginess

When stored properly, buffalo chicken egg rolls stay crispy enough to reheat and enjoy with minimal loss in texture.

Can You Freeze Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls?

Yes—and you should! Freezing buffalo chicken egg rolls is a great way to prep ahead and cook on demand.

To Freeze Before Cooking:

  1. Roll your egg rolls as normal
  2. Place on a baking sheet and freeze in a single layer for 1–2 hours
  3. Transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or container
  4. Label with date and use within 2 months

You can cook them directly from frozen—no thawing needed. Just add a few extra minutes to your bake or air fry time.

To Freeze After Cooking:

  • Let egg rolls cool completely
  • Wrap individually in foil or parchment paper
  • Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months
  • Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture

Want more freezer-friendly meals? Try our Hearty Vegan Minestrone Soup to serve alongside your crispy egg rolls.

How to Reheat Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls Without Losing Crunch

Reheating can be tricky, especially if you want to avoid soggy shells. Here’s how to keep that crispy exterior intact:

Oven:

  • Preheat to 375°F (190°C)
  • Place egg rolls on a baking sheet
  • Bake for 10–12 minutes or until heated through and crispy

Air Fryer:

  • Preheat to 350°F (175°C)
  • Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway

Avoid:

  • Microwave-only reheating. It softens the wrapper and turns it chewy instead of crispy

Whether frozen or fresh, your buffalo chicken egg rolls can be just as good the next day—or the next week—with the right prep and reheating strategy.

Nutrition Facts and Healthier Swaps

Buffalo chicken egg rolls may be indulgent, but they don’t have to wreck your nutrition goals. With the right ingredients and cooking methods, you can enjoy all the flavor while keeping things balanced. Whether you’re counting calories or just want to lighten things up, here’s how to make it work.

Calorie and Fat Breakdown (Per Egg Roll, Fried)

NutrientAmount (approx.)
Calories180–220 kcal
Protein10–12g
Fat10–13g
Carbohydrates15–20g
Sodium300–400mg

Note: Nutrition varies based on ingredients used, size of wrapper, and cooking method.

Frying naturally adds more calories from oil, but baking or air frying significantly reduces fat content.

Healthier Ingredient Swaps

Here’s how to make buffalo chicken egg rolls lighter without sacrificing taste:

1. Use Low-Fat or Light Ingredients:

  • Light cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of full-fat
  • Reduced-fat shredded cheese
  • Homemade buffalo sauce with less butter and sodium

2. Choose a Lighter Cooking Method:

  • Air fry or bake instead of deep frying
  • Lightly spray with olive oil instead of brushing with heavy oils

3. Add Veggies to the Mix:

  • Toss in shredded carrots, celery, spinach, or cauliflower rice
  • These bulk up the filling and lower calories per egg roll

Make It Fit Your Diet

Buffalo chicken egg rolls can be adapted to suit various dietary needs:

  • Low-carb: Use keto egg roll wrappers or bake the filling in bell pepper halves
  • Gluten-free: Use rice paper wrappers or gluten-free egg roll sheets
  • Dairy-free: Skip cheese and sub in mashed avocado or dairy-free cream cheese

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

Making buffalo chicken egg rolls is pretty straightforward—but even a simple recipe can go sideways without a few key tips. If you’ve ever had soggy wrappers, leaky rolls, or bland filling, this section is for you.

Overfilling the Wrapper

Adding too much filling might seem like a win, but it almost always leads to disaster. Overstuffed buffalo chicken egg rolls burst open during cooking, leaking all that cheesy goodness into the pan or fryer.

Fix:
Stick to about 2–3 tablespoons of filling per roll. Fold tightly and seal well with water on the final edge.

Skipping the Wrapper Seal

Not sealing your egg rolls properly is a fast track to leaks, burns, or unraveling. The last fold should always be moistened to keep everything together during cooking.

Fix:
Use a small bowl of water and dampen the final flap before rolling closed. Press firmly but gently.

Wet or Runny Filling

Too much buffalo sauce or warm cream cheese can make your filling watery, which weakens the wrapper and causes sogginess.

Fix:
Chill your filling for 10–15 minutes before assembling. If it’s too runny, add extra shredded chicken or cheese to thicken.

Not Cooking at the Right Temperature

Whether you’re frying, baking, or air frying, the wrong temp can ruin your egg rolls. Too low, and they’ll absorb oil or turn soggy. Too high, and they’ll burn before the inside heats through.

Fix:

  • Fry at 350°F (175°C)
  • Bake at 400°F (200°C)
  • Air fry at 375°F (190°C)

Always flip halfway for even browning and perfect crunch.

Microwaving for Reheating

Microwaving makes buffalo chicken egg rolls chewy and limp. The wrapper loses its crisp, and the filling can overcook.

Fix:
Use an air fryer or oven to reheat. It brings back that golden, crunchy texture while warming the inside evenly.

Avoiding these common mistakes means your buffalo chicken egg rolls will be consistently crispy, spicy, and absolutely addictive—just the way they’re meant to be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you air fry buffalo chicken egg rolls?

Yes! Air frying is a great option for getting crispy buffalo chicken egg rolls with less oil. Preheat to 375°F, spray lightly with oil, and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Are buffalo chicken egg rolls spicy?

They have a moderate heat from buffalo sauce, but the spice level is easy to adjust. Add more sauce or jalapeños for heat, or mellow it out with cream cheese or ranch.

What dipping sauce goes best with buffalo egg rolls?

Classic options include blue cheese and ranch dressing, but garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or avocado ranch also pair beautifully.

Can I freeze buffalo chicken egg rolls before cooking?

Absolutely. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to flash-freeze, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen by adding a few extra minutes.

How do I reheat buffalo chicken egg rolls without drying them out?

Reheat in an oven at 375°F or in an air fryer at 350°F to keep them crispy. Avoid microwaving as it softens the wrapper.

Can I make buffalo chicken egg rolls with rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is one of the best shortcuts—it’s juicy, flavorful, and shreds easily into the buffalo filling.

Spicy, Cheesy, Crunchy Perfection in Every Bite

Buffalo chicken egg rolls combine the bold heat of buffalo sauce with creamy cheese and shredded chicken, all wrapped in a golden, crispy shell. They’re easy to make, incredibly versatile, and guaranteed to steal the show at any gathering—whether it’s game day, a holiday party, or just a night in.

With multiple cooking methods to choose from and endless ways to customize the filling, these egg rolls are as flexible as they are flavorful. Make a big batch, freeze some for later, and serve them with your favorite dip for a crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer that hits every time.

Crispy on the outside, spicy and cheesy on the inside—buffalo chicken egg rolls are the kind of comfort food that always disappears fast.

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