– **Title**: Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
– 12 egg roll wrappers
– Cooking spray or olive oil for brushing
– 1 cup ranch dressing
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, and chopped green onions. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Lay an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface with a corner pointing towards you. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center of the wrapper.
4. Fold the corner closest to you over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll away from you to form the egg roll. Seal the edges with a little water. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
5. Place the rolled egg rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush the tops with cooking spray or olive oil to help them crisp up during baking.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the egg rolls are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through for even browning.
7. While the egg rolls are baking, prepare the cilantro lime ranch by whisking together the ranch dressing, lime juice, and chopped cilantro in a bowl until well combined. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. Once the egg rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
9. Serve the baked buffalo chicken egg rolls warm with the cilantro lime ranch for dipping.
Enjoy this deliciously crispy and spicy treat paired with a refreshing and zesty dip!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Using cooked shredded chicken is key here. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves time and adds flavor. If you’re vegetarian, consider swapping with shredded jackfruit or a mix of beans for a hearty option.
Buffalo Sauce: The heart of this recipe! Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce for your spice level. If you want a milder taste, Frank’s RedHot or even a homemade version using hot sauce and butter can work. For a milder choice, you might try BBQ sauce mixed with hot sauce.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the filling. If you’re looking for a lighter choice, use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese. I find that the creaminess holds the mixture well, making it easier to roll.
Egg Roll Wrappers: These are essential for wrapping your filling. If you can’t find them, try using spring roll wrappers or even large tortillas for a different style. Just remember that the cooking time may vary.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings brightness to the ranch. If you’re not a fan, parsley works as a great substitute. You could also skip the herbs and just stick with lime juice and ranch; it’ll still be tasty!
How Can I Make Perfectly Sealed Egg Rolls?
Sealing your egg rolls can be tricky, but it’s all about the right technique. Follow these steps to ensure they stay closed during baking:
- Position the wrapper as a diamond shape with a corner facing you.
- Place the filling at the center but avoid overfilling—it can lead to a messy outcome.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling tightly. This secures the mixture inside.
- Fold in the sides, pressing gently to keep everything snug.
- Use a small amount of water on the top corner to help it stick. This is key for sealing.
Practice makes perfect! Don’t worry if the first few don’t look perfect; they’ll still taste amazing!
How to Make Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Egg Rolls:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- Cooking spray or olive oil, for brushing
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cilantro Lime Ranch:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, followed by 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in just under an hour, you can enjoy these tasty egg rolls with a refreshing dipping sauce!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the egg rolls from sticking.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and chopped green onions. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined. Taste your mixture and add salt and pepper as you like!
3. Assemble the Egg Rolls:
Take an egg roll wrapper and lay it on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you (like a diamond shape). Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken filling into the center of the wrapper. Now, fold the bottom corner over the filling, fold in the sides, and roll tightly until it’s sealed. To help seal, wet the top corner with a bit of water. Get creative and repeat with the rest of the wrappers and filling!
4. Prepare for Baking:
Once all your egg rolls are ready, place them on the lined baking sheet. Give them a light spray or brush with cooking spray or olive oil to help them get crispy in the oven!
5. Bake the Egg Rolls:
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Be sure to flip the egg rolls halfway through the cooking time for even browning. They should come out beautifully golden and crispy!
6. Make the Cilantro Lime Ranch:
While your egg rolls are baking, mix up the Cilantro Lime Ranch. In a small bowl, combine the ranch dressing, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
After the egg rolls are done baking, let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with your zesty Cilantro Lime Ranch for dipping. Yum!
Enjoy your deliciously spicy and crunchy baked Buffalo chicken egg rolls!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooking My Own?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the chicken and you’re good to go. It will save you cooking time while still providing delicious flavor for your egg rolls.
What If I Don’t Have Egg Roll Wrappers?
If you don’t have egg roll wrappers, you can use spring roll wrappers or even tortillas as alternatives. Just note that the cooking time may differ slightly, so keep an eye on them while baking!
How Do I Make These Egg Rolls Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the egg rolls in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Bake right before serving!
How Should I Store Leftover Egg Rolls?
Store any leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crisp again.
