Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe
If you love that perfect crossover between crispy, spicy, and creamy, then you’re going to adore this Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe. I’ve made these countless times for game day and casual get-togethers because they bring that irresistible crunch of an egg roll with the zesty punch of buffalo chicken, all without the mess of deep-frying. Baking keeps them lighter, and the cilantro lime ranch dip adds a fresh, tangy twist that balances the heat beautifully.
What’s really special about this Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe is how easy it is to pull together, and how impressive it tastes. It’s perfect when you want a cozy, flavorful snack, or even a fun appetizer to wow guests. Plus, mixing creamy cheeses and fresh herbs into the filling elevates it beyond your typical buffalo chicken dish. I promise, once you try it, it’ll be a go-to in your recipe rotation.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Flavor Profile: The spiciness of buffalo sauce is perfectly cooled by the creamy cilantro lime ranch.
- Healthier Cooking Method: Baking the egg rolls gives you that crunch with less oil and fewer calories.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Everyday pantry staples come together for a seriously delicious result.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Great for parties, game days, or a fun weeknight meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe plays a role in creating layers of flavor and texture. Picking fresh herbs and quality cheeses really makes a difference, and using plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess with a protein boost.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken saves time and makes sure the filling is tender yet hearty.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess without heaviness — I swap it for sour cream sometimes with great results.
- Buffalo sauce: Look for a good-quality one to get that signature spicy tang that defines the recipe.
- Fresh chives: Deliver a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
- Dried parsley and dried dill: These herbs boost flavor complexity and blend seamlessly into the mix.
- Onion and garlic powder: Pantry staples that deepen savory notes without adding moisture.
- Kosher salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey pockets inside the egg rolls.
- Crumbled blue cheese: Provides that classic sharp bite that pairs so well with buffalo chicken.
- Egg roll wrappers: Look for square wrappers to make rolling easier and more uniform.
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (for ranch): The base that makes your cilantro lime ranch creamy and refreshing.
- Fresh cilantro: Brings citrusy brightness to the ranch—don’t skip it!
- Fresh chives (for ranch): Adds a subtle onion note that complements the cilantro perfectly.
- Juice from limes: Gives your ranch that distinct zesty pop that lightens the whole dish.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love making this Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe my own by tweaking the heat level and herbs depending on the season. Feel free to experiment—you can easily dial up the spiciness or swap cheeses to suit your preferences.
- Spice it up: When I want extra heat, I toss in some finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne into the filling.
- Dairy-free variation: I’ve swapped the cheeses for a vegan cheese and used coconut yogurt for a tasty dairy-free option that still packs punch.
- Herb swaps: Try fresh parsley instead of dried, or add a bit of fresh basil for a more fragrant filling.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute shredded chicken with mashed roasted cauliflower or jackfruit to keep the texture satisfying and flavorful.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by heating your oven to 425°F and lightly greasing two baking sheets. Getting the oven hot right away is key so the egg rolls crisp up nicely. I like to use a little olive oil spray or brush, but any neutral oil will work.
Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling
Combine cooked shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, chives, parsley, dill, onion and garlic powder, and a pinch of kosher salt in a mixing bowl. Then fold in shredded cheddar and crumbled blue cheese. I usually taste just a bit of the filling to check the flavor balance since you want that perfect zing before wrapping.
Step 3: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling onto the center of each egg roll wrapper. Moisten the edges with water — this seals them perfectly without making them soggy. Roll each one snugly, tucking in the sides as you go. Placing them seam side down on the baking sheet keeps them from unrolling in the oven.
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy
Brush the tops lightly with olive oil to promote golden crispiness, then bake for 10-12 minutes. Flip carefully and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them — they’re done when the wrappers are puffed and golden brown. This step always feels like magic to me, watching raw dough transform into crunchy bites.
Step 5: Whip Up the Cilantro Lime Ranch
While the egg rolls bake, mix sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro and chives, garlic and onion powder, and fresh lime juice in a jar or bowl. Shake or stir until creamy. The fresh lime juice brightens the ranch and complements the spicy filling beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Plate up the crispy egg rolls with a generous bowl of cilantro lime ranch for dipping. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if you like. Trust me, you’ll want to dig in immediately—these are best served warm and fresh!
Pro Tips for Making Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe
- Don’t Overfill: Resist the urge to heap on too much filling or the egg rolls can burst during baking.
- Seal with Water, Not Egg Wash: Using water on the edges makes sealing quick and easy without extra richness.
- Flip Midway for Even Crisping: Turning the egg rolls halfway through baking ensures both sides are golden and crunchy.
- Use Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup: I always line my baking sheets—this prevents sticking and makes clean up a breeze.
How to Serve Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe
Garnishes
I like to top these egg rolls with a sprinkle of extra chopped fresh chives and parsley—you get that lovely color contrast and a fresh flavor boost. Sometimes I add a dash of smoked paprika or a few thinly sliced green onions if I’m feeling fancy. It’s an easy way to make your presentation pop.
Side Dishes
These egg rolls pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or crunchy veggie sticks like celery and carrots. I also love serving them alongside some sweet potato fries or baked mac and cheese for a hearty meal. The cool ranch dip helps balance everything.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like arranging the egg rolls in a circular pattern around a big bowl of cilantro lime ranch for easy sharing. You can also slice the egg rolls diagonally for bite-sized appetizers that are perfect for cocktail-style gatherings. Adding edible flowers or lime wedges on the platter creates a fresh, festive vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them from getting soggy, I like placing a paper towel underneath to soak up any moisture. Just reheat them properly before serving for best texture.
Freezing
These egg rolls freeze beautifully! After assembling, but before baking, I flash freeze them on a tray for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to baking time. This way you can enjoy them anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the egg rolls in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until crispy again. Avoid using the microwave—it tends to make the wrappers soggy. Using a convection setting if you have it helps crisp them up even quicker.
FAQs
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Can I make these egg rolls gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the regular egg roll wrappers with gluten-free alternatives available at many grocery stores or use rice paper wrappers for a slightly different but tasty texture.
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Is it possible to deep fry these egg rolls instead of baking?
Yes, you can deep fry them for an extra crispy exterior if you prefer, but baking is healthier and still delivers great crunch. Just fry until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side.
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Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of making cilantro lime ranch?
You can, but I highly recommend trying the homemade cilantro lime ranch version—it’s fresher, tangier, and complements the buffalo chicken better than most store-bought options.
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How do I keep the egg rolls from getting soggy after baking?
Serve them immediately for best texture. If storing, keep them airtight with paper towels to absorb moisture and reheat in the oven to crisp them up again before eating.
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Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes! The filling can be mixed and refrigerated up to 24 hours ahead, which makes assembly quick and easy when you’re ready to roll and bake.
Final Thoughts
I honestly can’t recommend this Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe enough. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent but is super approachable to make. Whether it’s for a laid-back night with friends or a family snack, the combo of crispy, spicy, and creamy hits all the right notes. Give it a try—you’ll quickly find yourself coming back to this recipe when you want something delicious and fuss-free.
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
Crispy baked buffalo chicken egg rolls filled with a flavorful mixture of shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, Greek yogurt, herbs, and cheeses, served with a refreshing cilantro lime ranch dip. This appetizer combines spicy and creamy elements for a perfect party snack or game day treat.
Ingredients
Egg Rolls Filling
- 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 the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and lightly grease 2 baking sheets to prevent sticking.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine cooked shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, chopped 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 to seal. Roll up tightly and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheets. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil to encourage crispness.
- Bake the Egg Rolls: Bake the egg rolls in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Then flip them over and continue baking for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Prepare Cilantro Lime Ranch: While egg rolls bake, combine sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped fresh cilantro, chopped chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and lime juice in a glass jar or bowl. Shake or stir until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Serve the hot baked buffalo chicken egg rolls with plenty of the cilantro lime ranch for dipping and an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce if desired.
Notes
- Use Greek yogurt as a healthier substitute for sour cream in both the filling and ranch sauce.
- For extra crispiness, brush olive oil on the egg rolls before baking.
- If fresh herbs are unavailable, substitute dried but use less to avoid overpowering flavors.
- Egg roll wrappers can be found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores or Asian markets.
- These egg rolls can be assembled ahead of time, kept refrigerated, and baked just before serving.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- 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: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg