There’s something magical about egg rolls, isn’t there? They evoke memories of bustling kitchens and laughter-filled gatherings. This recipe for Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch has become my go-to when I need a crowd-pleaser—or just a little comfort food. It combines the spicy kick of buffalo chicken with the crunch of egg rolls, making it a dish that’s perfect for game night, a casual dinner, or an unexpected craving.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Imagine biting into a perfectly crisp egg roll, with juicy, spicy buffalo chicken nestled inside, and a cool dollop of cilantro lime ranch waiting to be your dipping companion. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its fabulous flavor but also in its versatility. You can serve these as appetizers, pack them in lunch boxes, or simply enjoy them for dinner alongside some fresh veggies. They’re a delightful twist on classic buffalo wings—a crunchy alternative that’s a little less messy but just as satisfying! Plus, they bake rather than fry, which means you can enjoy these goodies with a little less guilt.
Not to mention, who doesn’t love a recipe that comes together quickly and easily? The moment your kitchen fills with that heavenly aroma of baked goodness, your family (or friends) will come running. And let’s face it, being the culinary wizard who whipped up these beauties will feel incredibly rewarding!
Gather these ingredients
Let’s talk ingredients because they’re the lifeblood of this comfort dish:
- Cooked Chicken (1 cup, shredded): Use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly poach some chicken breasts. Shredded chicken adds that protein kick and serves as the foundation of flavor. Feel free to use cooked turkey as another option!
- Buffalo Sauce (1/2 cup): Whether you opt for a zesty store-bought version or make your own from scratch, this fiery elixir is what gives the dish its signature heat. Adjust the amount to spice tolerance—add more for fiery or a little less for gentle warmth.
- Egg Roll Wrappers (8-10): These thin, delicate sheets are perfect for wrapping that savory filling. If you’re in a pinch, spring roll wrappers will also do just fine.
- Shredded Cheese (1 cup): Go for cheddar for a robust flavor or mozzarella for a milder, stretchy texture. Mixing the two can create a tasty hybrid that’s downright delicious!
- Green Onions (1 tablespoon, chopped): These add a little crunch and flavor brightness. If you don’t have them, you could substitute shallots or even a hint of garlic powder.
- Vegetable Oil: A light brush will help those egg rolls achieve golden brown perfection. You can spray them lightly instead, with a cooking spray if you want to keep it lighter.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste. Don’t skimp on this—good seasoning elevates everything!
For the zesty Cilantro Lime Ranch you’ll need:
- Ranch Dressing (1/2 cup): A classic creamy base.
- Lime Juice (1 tablespoon): Fresh juice brightens up the creaminess.
- Fresh Cilantro (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a punch of herby freshness. Not a fan? Just leave it out or substitute with parsley for a different twist!
Preparing Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making these delicious morsels.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your egg rolls turn crisp and golden—no soggy rolls on my watch!
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cheese, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper—you want this filling to be bursting with flavor, so don’t hold back!
- Set up your work station: Lay an egg roll wrapper down on a clean surface, diagonally. This will help create a nice fold for your rolls.
- Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of the wrapper. Don’t overstuff—this isn’t Thanksgiving, after all; we want to roll, not overflow!
- Fold the bottom corner up over the filling. Then, fold in the sides and roll tightly away from you. It’s like a little package of joy—secure it by sealing the edges with a dab of water. Think of it as tucking your filling in for a cozy nap.
- On a baking sheet, arrange the rolls seam-side down and brush them lightly with vegetable oil. This is where they get that extra crunch!
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be tempting and irresistible!
- For the Cilantro Lime Ranch, in a small bowl, mix the ranch dressing, lime juice, and cilantro. Whisk it till happy and serve alongside your egg rolls!
Serving suggestions
When it’s time to serve, your beautifully baked buffalo chicken egg rolls deserve to shine. Serve them on a large platter, lined with parchment paper for a playful display. The contrast of the crunchy egg rolls against the creamy, zesty cilantro lime ranch will make everyone’s mouth water.
You can also pair them with some garden-fresh veggies for a refreshing crunch, like carrot sticks or celery. A chilled beer, a fruity cocktail, or even just sparkling water with a slice of lime will wash these beauties down nicely.
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you find yourself with leftovers (which might not happen!), simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back into the oven at 350°F until warmed through—like a little magic trick that brings them back to life! Freezing is another option; just make sure they are completely cooled, then freeze them in a single layer and transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll be good for a couple of months.
Pro chef tips
A few insider tips can take this dish from good to legendary! Consider adding a splash of vinegar to your buffalo sauce for a bit of tang. If you want extra depth, mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of garlic powder into your chicken mixture for an extra layer of flavor. Don’t hesitate to customize your filling; diced bell peppers or jalapeños can add even more flair.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Switch up the flavor profile by using BBQ sauce instead of buffalo sauce and toss in some cooked bacon or ranch seasoning for a twist. You could even try stuffing the rolls with a spicy jalapeño popper mixture! Vegetarian? Swap out the chicken for a medley of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and cheese for a delectable spin.
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
8-10 egg roll wrappers
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1 tablespoon green onions, chopped
Vegetable oil for brushing
Salt and pepper to taste
For Cilantro Lime Ranch:
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, cheese, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper.
- Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface and add a spoonful of the chicken mixture to the center.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly. Seal edges with water.
- Place rolls on a baking sheet and brush with vegetable oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- For the Cilantro Lime Ranch, mix ranch dressing with lime juice and cilantro in a bowl. Serve with egg rolls.
Common questions
- What can I use instead of chicken? Shredded turkey or a mixture of veggies if going vegetarian.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the rolls, store in the fridge, and bake right before serving.
- How long do leftovers last? Up to 3 days in the fridge or a couple of months in the freezer.
- Can I use low-fat cheese? Absolutely! Use whatever variety fits your dietary needs.
- What’s the best way to reheat? Place in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for crispy results.
These baked buffalo chicken egg rolls are an ode to good times and delicious bites, ready to elevate your weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try them! As you embark on this culinary adventure, don’t hesitate to sprinkle in your personal touch. So roll up your sleeves, grab those egg roll wrappers, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen! Share your journey with me—I’m eager to hear all about your scrumptious creations!
Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch
Description
Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch are a delicious twist on traditional buffalo chicken, combining spicy flavors with the satisfying crunch of egg rolls and a zesty dip.Ingredients
For Egg Rolls
For Cilantro Lime Ranch
Instructions
Preparation
-
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).This will ensure your egg rolls turn crisp and golden. -
Mix Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cheese, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper.Make sure to mix well for full flavor. -
Wrap Egg Rolls
Lay an egg roll wrapper diagonally, place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center, fold the bottom corner over, then fold in the sides and roll tightly.Seal edges with a dab of water. -
Bake Egg Rolls
Place rolls seam-side down on a baking sheet and brush lightly with vegetable oil.Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy. -
Make Ranch
In a small bowl, mix ranch dressing, lime juice, and cilantro. Whisk until combined.This will be your dipping sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 250kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 11g17%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 60mg20%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Potassium 250mg8%
- Total Carbohydrate 24g8%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 20g40%
- Vitamin A 800 IU
- Vitamin C 5 mg
- Calcium 200 mg
- Iron 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
