Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe
If you’re anything like me, you love a good twist on a classic snack, especially when it’s packed with bold flavors and a kick of spice. That’s exactly why I adore sharing my Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe with you. These egg rolls are crispy, cheesy, and bursting with that familiar buffalo tang, but baked to perfection so you get all the crunch without the mess of frying. They’re juicy inside with tender shredded chicken and just the right amount of heat—trust me, every bite feels like a flavor party.
What makes this Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe such a winner is how easily it comes together for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting game day, craving a fun appetizer, or looking for a crowd-pleaser at your next get-together, these egg rolls hit the mark. Plus, the cilantro lime ranch sauce is the perfect cooling companion that’s fresh and zesty, lifting the whole dish to a new level of delicious. I can’t wait for you to try them—you’ll see why this combo has become one of my most-requested recipes!
Why This Recipe Works
- Baked, Not Fried: Achieves that perfect crispy texture without the extra oil or mess.
- Bold Buffalo Flavor: The sauce packs just the right heat, balanced beautifully by creamy cheeses.
- Fresh Cilantro Lime Ranch: Adds a zesty, herbaceous dip that’s a refreshing contrast to spicy egg rolls.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Uses easy-to-find staples to create a gourmet-level snack.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe is all about combining flavors and textures that complement each other beautifully. Each ingredient plays a role—from the tender shredded chicken soaking up buffalo sauce, to the cheesy goodness and fresh herbs that keep things lively without overpowering the dish.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken makes prep quick, and shredding it helps it absorb all those buffalo flavors better.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess with a slight tang, making the filling moist without heaviness.
- Buffalo sauce: The heart of the flavor—spicy, tangy, and so addictive.
- Chopped fresh chives: Gives a mild oniony freshness that brightens the filling nicely.
- Dried parsley and dill: These herbs add depth and an almost garden-fresh feel in dried form, easy to find and use anytime.
- Onion & garlic powders: Essential seasoning that packs savory punch without adding moisture.
- Kosher salt: Balances all flavors perfectly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey savoriness.
- Crumbled blue cheese: That distinct tang adds character and richness.
- Egg roll wrappers: The canvas for your filling, baking to a delicate crisp with olive oil brushing.
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (for ranch): Creates the creamy base of the cilantro lime ranch dip.
- Fresh cilantro and chives (for ranch): Infuse the dip with fresh herbal brightness and a little texture.
- Lime juice: Adds a zesty pop that cuts through richness and heat.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the best parts about this Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe is how versatile it is—you can easily customize the filling or the dipping sauce to suit exactly what you love or have on hand. I often switch up the cheese or add extras to sneak in some veggies or more spice if I’m feeling adventurous.
- Make it milder: If spicy isn’t your thing, simply cut back on the buffalo sauce, or swap for a milder wing sauce. It still tastes delicious without overwhelming heat.
- Add veggies: I’ve mixed in finely diced bell pepper or shredded carrots to add a little crunch and color inside the filling.
- Dairy-free variation: Try a vegan cream cheese substitute and skip the blue cheese to make it dairy-free while keeping creamy texture.
- Extra heat: For those who love the spice, toss in some finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne powder into the filling.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Filling
First things first, make sure your chicken is cooked and shredded — rotisserie chicken works beautifully if you’re in a hurry. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with plain Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, and the herbs: fresh chopped chives, dried parsley, and dill, along with onion and garlic powder, plus a pinch of kosher salt. Stir everything together well so the chicken is evenly coated. Finally, fold in the shredded cheddar and crumbled blue cheese; this mix of cheeses really amps up the richness and flavor. If the filling feels too loose, let it chill a bit in the fridge so it firms up, making it easier to roll later.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Lay out your egg roll wrappers on a clean, flat surface. Spoon about two tablespoons of the buffalo chicken filling onto the center of each wrapper. To help the wrappers seal, lightly brush the edges with water. Now comes the rolling: fold one corner over the filling, tuck the sides in, and roll tightly but gently to avoid tearing. Place each roll seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment or lightly greased. I find a quick brush of olive oil on top of each egg roll before baking is key to getting that golden, crispy finish.
Step 3: Bake Until Crispy
Pop your baking sheets into a preheated 425°F oven. Bake the egg rolls for about 10-12 minutes, then carefully flip each one over for an even crisp on the other side and continue baking for another 8-10 minutes. You want them golden and crispy without burning, so keep an eye on them toward the end. This hot, dry heat is perfect to make these egg rolls delightfully crunchy yet tender inside, without deep frying.
Step 4: Whip Up the Cilantro Lime Ranch
While the egg rolls bake, make the fresh cilantro lime ranch to serve alongside. In a jar or small bowl, combine sour cream or Greek yogurt with finely chopped fresh cilantro and chives. Add in garlic powder, onion powder, and the juice of two fresh limes. Give everything a good shake or stir until creamy and well mixed. This sauce is a bright, cooling partner to the spicy buffalo filling—don’t skip it!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe hot from the oven, garnished with extra fresh herbs if you like. Dip, bite, and savor that crazy good combination of spicy, creamy, and crispy. I usually lay them out on a large platter for guests and watch how quickly they disappear!
Pro Tips for Making Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling makes the wrappers hard to seal and increases the risk of tears, so measure carefully for perfect rolls.
- Use Olive Oil Spray or Brush: Applying a light coating of olive oil helps egg rolls crisp evenly without excess fat.
- Flip Midway Through Baking: This ensures even browning on all sides, giving you that fantastic homemade crunch.
- Chill Filling if Needed: If your mixture feels too wet or soft, chilling tightens it up and makes rolling easier.
How to Serve Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe
Garnishes
I love scattering fresh chopped cilantro and chives over the finished egg rolls—adds a pop of color and extra herbaceous flavor that “wows” your guests. A sprinkle of extra blue cheese crumbles can also elevate the rustic richness if you’re a cheese lover like me.
Side Dishes
For sides, crunchy celery sticks or carrot sticks balance the spicy richness perfectly. You can also serve a simple green salad or creamy coleslaw to keep things light and refreshing alongside these indulgent bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I arrange my egg rolls standing upright in a shallow bowl or basket lined with parchment, nestled around a bowl of cilantro lime ranch for easy dipping. They’re also fantastic cut in half on a long platter, revealing that cheesy, spicy filling — colorful and irresistible for any occasion!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover egg rolls store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend lining the container with paper towels to absorb any extra moisture, keeping the wraps crispier when you reheat them.
Freezing
If you want to save time later, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked egg rolls! Place them on a baking sheet without touching, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen — just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To revive that perfect crunch, reheat egg rolls in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes instead of microwaving. This way, you keep the crispy exterior without sogginess while warming the cheese and filling thoroughly.
FAQs
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Can I make these egg rolls gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute traditional egg roll wrappers with gluten-free wrappers, which are available in many grocery stores or online. Just make sure to verify the other ingredients like buffalo sauce and seasonings are also gluten-free for a safe swap.
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What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?
I usually use two forks to pull cooked chicken apart—it’s easy and gives a great texture that holds onto the buffalo sauce nicely. Alternatively, a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low speed for 30 seconds works like a charm if you have one.
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Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Definitely! You can mix the filling up to a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature for easier rolling when you’re ready to assemble your egg rolls.
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Why bake instead of fry the egg rolls?
Baking keeps the process cleaner, healthier, and less greasy without sacrificing the crispiness that frying offers. Plus, it’s easier when you’re making a big batch and want to avoid the hassle of hot oil.
Final Thoughts
These Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe have become a staple in my kitchen because they’re so simple to make yet wildly satisfying. They combine comfort food vibes with fresh, zesty flavors that keep everyone coming back for more. So next time you want a snack that feels special but won’t take hours, pull together this recipe—you’ll impress guests and satisfy cravings all in one go. I’m sure this will be your go-to for years to come!
PrintBaked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
These Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch offer a delicious, healthier twist on a classic appetizer. Filled with shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and cheeses, then baked to crispy perfection, they are paired with a zesty cilantro lime ranch dip to enhance the flavors.
Ingredients
Egg Rolls
- 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons dried dill
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 20-22 square egg roll wrappers
Cilantro Lime Ranch
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Juice from 2 limes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and lightly grease two baking sheets for the egg rolls.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, plain Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, chopped fresh chives, dried parsley, dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of kosher salt. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled blue cheese until well mixed.
- Assemble Egg Rolls: Spoon 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the center of each egg roll wrapper. Brush water around the edges of the wrapper, then roll up tightly and place on the prepared baking sheets. Lightly brush the tops of each roll with olive oil.
- Bake Egg Rolls: Bake the egg rolls in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, then carefully flip and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Make Cilantro Lime Ranch: While the egg rolls bake, combine sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, chopped fresh cilantro, chopped fresh chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and lime juice in a glass jar. Shake or stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Serve the baked buffalo chicken egg rolls hot with plenty of cilantro lime ranch on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, brush egg rolls with olive oil before baking and turn halfway through cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier filling, add extra buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- To make ahead, assemble egg rolls and freeze before baking; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cook time.
- Substitute blue cheese with feta for a milder cheese flavor.
- Use gluten-free egg roll wrappers to make this recipe gluten free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg