Buffalo Chicken Ranch Rolls Recipe
Indulge in the bold flavors of these Buffalo Chicken Ranch Rolls, a delightful fusion of zesty buffalo chicken and creamy ranch dressing all wrapped up in a crispy egg roll wrapper. These rolls are perfect for game day snacks, a quick lunch, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. They’re crunchy on the outside with a spicy, cheesy, and creamy filling that will have everyone asking for more. Follow along as I guide you through each step to create this irresistible dish, perfect for women who enjoy cooking up comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Ingredients Overview
- Cooked Chicken, Shredded (2 cups): Use any leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience. Shredding the chicken ensures it mixes well with the sauce and cheese, creating a cohesive filling that’s easy to wrap.
- Buffalo Sauce (1/2 cup): Adds that classic spicy kick to the rolls. Adjust the amount to your heat preference.
- Ranch Dressing (1/2 cup): Balances out the heat from the buffalo sauce with its cool, creamy flavor, adding a nice tang to the filling.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 1/2 cups): Provides a sharp, rich flavor that complements the buffalo sauce. It melts beautifully, binding the filling together.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 1/2 cups): Adds a stretchy, gooey texture to the filling. It has a milder taste, balancing the sharpness of the cheddar.
- Chopped Green Onions (1/4 cup): Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a bit of color to the filling.
- Egg Roll Wrappers (10-12): These are the perfect size for making rolls that are easy to fry and enjoy in a few bites.
- Egg, Beaten (1): Used to seal the edges of the egg roll wrappers, ensuring the filling stays inside while frying.
- Vegetable Oil (for frying): Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or sunflower oil, for a perfectly crispy roll without any burnt flavor.
Optional Dipping Sauce:
- Ranch Dressing (1/2 cup): Enhances the flavor of the rolls and adds extra creaminess.
- Buffalo Sauce (2 tablespoons): Kicks up the heat of the dipping sauce, making it the perfect match for the rolls.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling
- Combine Chicken and Sauces:
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken. Pour in the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Mix well until every piece of chicken is generously coated with the creamy, spicy sauce. This combination creates a flavorful base for the rolls. - Add Cheese and Onions:
Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses along with the chopped green onions. Mix thoroughly until the cheese and onions are evenly distributed throughout the chicken. The cheese will melt during frying, binding the filling together, while the green onions add a hint of freshness.
2. Assemble the Rolls
- Prepare Work Surface:
Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface with one corner pointing towards you, resembling a diamond shape. This positioning makes wrapping easier and helps create a tight seal. - Add Filling:
Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture onto the center of the wrapper. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the rolls to burst open during frying. - Fold and Seal:
Start by folding the bottom corner over the filling. Next, fold in the sides snugly against the filling to encase it. Roll the wrapper tightly towards the top corner, brushing a little beaten egg on the final corner to seal the roll securely. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
3. Fry the Rolls
- Heat Oil:
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of wrapper into the oil; it should sizzle immediately. - Fry Rolls:
Carefully place the rolls into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. - Drain and Cool:
Use a slotted spoon to remove the rolls from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. Allow them to drain and cool slightly. This step helps remove excess oil, ensuring they stay crispy.
4. Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional)
- Mix Sauce Ingredients:
In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and buffalo sauce. Serve on the side with the rolls for dipping.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve:
Arrange the rolls on a serving platter and serve hot with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy the perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and crispy textures in every bite!
Helpful Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Ranch Rolls
- Tip 1: Shred the Chicken Finely: Smaller pieces of chicken mix more evenly with the sauce and cheese, ensuring a uniform filling.
- Tip 2: Don’t Overfill the Wrappers: Keeping the filling to 2-3 tablespoons prevents the rolls from bursting while frying.
- Tip 3: Seal the Wrappers Well: Use the beaten egg to ensure all edges are sealed properly, which helps maintain the roll’s shape during frying.
- Tip 4: Monitor Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at a steady 350°F (175°C). If it’s too hot, the rolls will brown too quickly without cooking the filling thoroughly.
- Tip 5: Serve Immediately: These rolls are best served hot and fresh to maintain their crispiness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storing Leftovers: Place any leftover rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, arrange the rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the rolls soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works great and adds extra flavor to the filling.
Q2: How do I prevent the rolls from bursting while frying?
Ensure you don’t overfill the wrappers and seal them tightly using the beaten egg.
Q3: What type of oil is best for frying these rolls?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil.
Q4: Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Q5: How can I make these rolls spicier?
Add more buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for extra heat.
Q6: What can I serve with these rolls?
They pair well with a side of celery sticks, carrots, and additional ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Q7: Can I use a different cheese besides cheddar and mozzarella?
Absolutely! Try using pepper jack for a spicier kick or Colby cheese for a milder flavor.
Q8: How do I keep the rolls crispy if making them ahead of time?
Place them on a wire rack to cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Q9: Are there any gluten-free alternatives for egg roll wrappers?
Yes, there are gluten-free wrappers available at most grocery stores or online.
Q10: What can I substitute for ranch dressing?
You can use blue cheese dressing if you prefer, or make a homemade ranch with Greek yogurt and herbs.
Q11: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Q12: How do I ensure the rolls don’t stick to the frying pan?
Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the rolls, and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Q13: Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Certainly! Diced bell peppers or jalapeños would be a great addition.
Q14: Can I make these rolls in an air fryer?
Yes, air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until crispy.
Q15: How long can I store the dipping sauce?
Store the dipping sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Q16: What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
Use two forks to pull the chicken apart, or use a hand mixer for a quicker method.
Q17: Can I add hot sauce to the dipping sauce?
Yes, adding hot sauce can intensify the flavor and heat of the dipping sauce.
Q18: Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, substitute the chicken with shredded jackfruit or a plant-based chicken alternative.
