Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe
If you’re like me and adore that perfect spicy kick combined with a crispy, comforting bite, then you’re going to love these Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe. They’re like the ultimate game day snack or a satisfying appetizer that effortlessly steals the show every time. What makes this recipe shine is the balance—it’s bold, but not overwhelming, and the baked egg rolls give you that crunch with less guilt compared to frying.
I’ve made these a handful of times, and honestly, they’re a fantastic way to mix things up when you want something a little different from classic buffalo wings. Plus, the cilantro lime ranch is a fresh, tangy twist that adds a cool contrast, making every bite an explosion of flavor. Whether you’re hosting friends or craving a cozy night in, this Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe is a total winner you need on your menu.
Why This Recipe Works
- Baking Instead of Frying: Gives you that crispy, golden texture without all the extra oil and mess.
- Buffalo Sauce and Herb Blend: The combination of bold buffalo flavor with fresh and dried herbs creates a depth that’s irresistible.
- Homemade Cilantro Lime Ranch: This tangy, creamy dip refreshes your palate and elevates the whole experience.
- Versatile and Crowd-Friendly: Easy to prep ahead and adaptable to your spice preferences—perfect for parties or casual dinners.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in the Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe plays a crucial role, creating a balance between spicy, creamy, and fresh flavors. Shopping for quality components like good buffalo sauce and fresh herbs can make a noticeable difference here.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken means the filling stays juicy and easy to mix without adding extra prep time.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and a slight tang while keeping things lighter than mayo or heavy cream alternatives.
- Buffalo Sauce: This is where all the signature heat and flavor come alive—pick your favorite brand or homemade version for control!
- Fresh Chives: These bring a mild onion note that brightens the filling deliciously.
- Dried Parsley and Dill: These dried herbs add subtle layers of earthiness and complexity.
- Onion and Garlic Powder: Essential pantry staples that punch up the savory depth without overpowering the buffalo spice.
- Kosher Salt: Helps bring out the natural flavors in all ingredients.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds that melty, gooey goodness that holds everything together.
- Crumbled Blue Cheese: For those classic buffalo flavors, blue cheese lends a tangy kick—totally optional if you’re not a fan.
- Egg Roll Wrappers: Their thin, delicate texture crisps up perfectly in the oven for that satisfying crunch.
- Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt (for ranch): The creamy base balances the acidity from the lime juice.
- Fresh Cilantro: Brings the signature herbal citrus note that pairs beautifully with lime.
- Fresh Chives (for ranch): Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor to the dip.
- Garlic and Onion Powder (for ranch): Staples that enrich the ranch with mellow flavor.
- Lime Juice: Adds brightness and the perfect zing to the ranch dressing.
Make It Your Way
What I love about this Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you like your food extra spicy or a little milder, you can adjust the buffalo sauce or mix in extra herbs to suit your taste buds.
- Variation: Sometimes I swap the shredded chicken with pulled rotisserie pork for a different twist, and the buffalo flavor still shines through beautifully.
- Vegetarian Option: Try using shredded jackfruit or a mix of sautéed mushrooms instead of chicken for a meatless but still hearty version.
- Spice Level Adjustments: If buffalo sauce is too spicy, mix it with a bit more Greek yogurt or sour cream in the filling to tone it down without losing flavor.
- Cheese Variations: I’ve also tried pepper jack cheese for an added smoky heat, which worked great with the cilantro lime ranch dip.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe
Step 1: Mix Up the Flavor-Packed Filling
Start by combining your cooked shredded chicken with plain Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, chopped fresh chives, dried parsley, dill, garlic and onion powders, and a pinch of kosher salt. Then fold in the shredded cheddar and crumbled blue cheese. The mixture should be creamy but not soupy, easy to scoop onto each egg roll wrapper. I usually taste a little bit here, just to make sure the buffalo sauce is balanced and adjust the salt if needed.
Step 2: Assemble Your Egg Rolls
Lay out your egg roll wrappers on a clean, dry surface. Spoon about two tablespoons of the filling onto the center of each wrapper. Wet the edges with a little water using your finger or a brush—that helps seal them tight when you roll. Roll up each wrapper tightly, folding in the sides as you go, then set them seam side down on a baking sheet lined with a light grease or parchment paper. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil, which helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Pop those bad boys into a preheated 425°F oven, and bake for 10-12 minutes before carefully flipping each to the other side. Bake for an additional 8-10 minutes or until they’re evenly golden brown and crispy to your liking. The flipping step is key to get that perfect crunch on both sides, so don’t skip it! Plus, baking avoids the oily mess of frying but keeps all that delicious crispiness you want.
Step 4: Whip Up the Cilantro Lime Ranch
While your egg rolls are baking, whisk together sour cream or plain Greek yogurt with finely chopped cilantro, chives, garlic and onion powders, and the juice from two limes. I toss mine in a glass jar and give it a good shake until creamy and well combined. It’s refreshing, slightly tangy, and the perfect cooling dip to balance that spicy buffalo heat.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your crispy baked buffalo chicken egg rolls piping hot with a generous side of cilantro lime ranch for dipping. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chives or extra cilantro if you want to add a pretty pop of green. I promise, as soon as you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this combo is a total crowd-pleaser.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Keep Wrappers Dry: Any moisture on the egg roll wrappers can make them soggy—make sure they’re dry before assembly.
- Use a Light Brush of Oil: Don’t skip brushing olive oil—they crisp up the egg rolls without frying.
- Flip Halfway Through Baking: This ensures your egg rolls are evenly golden and crispy on all sides.
- Seal Egg Rolls Well: Use water to seal to avoid any filling oozing out during baking.
How to Serve Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe
Garnishes
I usually garnish these egg rolls with extra fresh chives and chopped cilantro—it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens the dish. If you’re a blue cheese fan, a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese on top never hurts either.
Side Dishes
For sides, I love pairing these with a simple crisp celery and carrot sticks platter to keep the buffalo wing vibe going. A light salad with mixed greens and a citrus vinaigrette also balances the richness really well.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I’ve arranged these egg rolls upright in a shallow bowl or basket lined with parchment paper, making it easy for guests to grab and dip. Drizzling a little extra buffalo sauce over the top or adding small bowls of hot sauce on the side adds a festive touch that everyone appreciates!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover egg rolls store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to layer them with parchment paper so they don’t stick together and lose their crispness.
Freezing
I’ve frozen unbaked assembled egg rolls by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to freezer bags. When I’m ready, I bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time—it’s a real time saver!
Reheating
To reheat, I find the best way is in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to restore that crispy texture. Microwaving makes them soggy, so I avoid that whenever possible.
FAQs
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Can I make Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the traditional egg roll wrappers for gluten-free ones available at many grocery stores. Just be sure to check the ingredients to avoid any hidden gluten, and the recipe works just as well.
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Is it okay to fry these egg rolls instead of baking?
You can fry them if you prefer that crispy deep-fried texture, but baking keeps them lighter and less greasy. If frying, use oil heated to the right temperature (about 350°F) and fry until golden brown—about 3-4 minutes per side.
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Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the buffalo chicken filling up to two days in advance and keep it refrigerated. Assemble the egg rolls just before baking for the best texture.
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What can I use if I don’t have blue cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t your thing or you don’t have it on hand, you can either omit it or substitute with feta cheese for a milder but still tangy flavor.
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How spicy is this Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe?
The spice level depends mostly on your buffalo sauce choice. For milder bites, go with a gentle buffalo sauce or add extra yogurt to mellow the heat. If you love spice, use a hotter sauce or even add a dash of cayenne to the filling.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite snacks to share with friends and family. The crispy baked egg roll shells combined with that spicy, cheesy chicken filling and the cooling ranch dip hits every craving spot perfectly. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and packed with flavor, give this one a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
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 Fat
Description
Crispy baked Buffalo chicken egg rolls served with a tangy cilantro lime ranch dipping sauce. These flavorful egg rolls combine shredded chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, cheddar and blue cheese, herbs, and Greek yogurt for a healthier twist on a game-day favorite.
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 tablespoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoon 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
- Olive oil for brushing
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 to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, plain Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, 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 evenly mixed.
- Assemble Egg Rolls: Place 2 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken filling onto each egg roll wrapper. Brush the edges of the wrapper with water to help seal. Roll the wrappers tightly and place them seam-side down on the greased baking sheets. Lightly brush the tops of the rolls with olive oil to help them crisp during baking.
- Bake Egg Rolls: Bake the egg rolls in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Flip them carefully and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Make Cilantro Lime Ranch: While the egg rolls bake, combine sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, chopped chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and lime juice in a jar or bowl. Shake or stir well until the ranch sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Serve the warm buffalo chicken egg rolls with the cilantro lime ranch dipping sauce and additional buffalo sauce if desired. Garnish with fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add extra buffalo sauce to the filling.
- You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter ranch sauce.
- Brushing the egg rolls with olive oil helps achieve a golden, crispy texture without frying.
- Make sure not to overfill the egg roll wrappers to avoid tearing during rolling.
- If you prefer, these egg rolls can be air fried at 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (2-3 egg rolls)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg