How to Make Barbecued Chicken Egg Rolls- A Fusion Delight

 If you’re looking to elevate your snack game, barbecued chicken egg rolls are a must-try. This delicious fusion of savory barbecue chicken wrapped in a crispy egg roll shell is perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a fun kitchen experiment. With the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and crispy, these rolls are guaranteed to impress.

In this blog, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make barbecued chicken egg rolls from scratch. Let's get started!

Ingredients

Before diving into the preparation process, gather all the ingredients for the filling, wrappers, and dipping sauce. Here's what you'll need:

For the Filling:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (grilled or rotisserie works well)
• ½ cup barbecue sauce (choose your favorite brand or make it homemade)
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• ½ cup grated carrots
• ½ cup diced green onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Egg Roll Wrappers:

• 1 package of store-bought egg roll wrappers (about 20 pieces)
• 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil or peanut oil (enough to fill a deep frying pan or pot)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup ranch dressing
• 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)
  
  
  

Step 1: Prepare the Barbecued Chicken Filling

1. Cook the Chicken:

   • If you’re starting with raw chicken, season it lightly with salt and pepper, then grill or bake until fully cooked. Shred the meat into small pieces.
   • For a shortcut, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and shred it.

2. Mix the Sauce:

   • In a large skillet or pan, heat the barbecue sauce over medium heat. Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil for an added depth of flavor.
   • Add the shredded chicken to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.

3. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • Sauté the minced garlic in the skillet until fragrant. Then, add shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and diced green onions.
   • Cook the vegetables for 2–3 minutes, just until they soften slightly.

4. Combine the Filling:

• Mix the barbecued chicken and cooked vegetables in the skillet. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.

Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls

1. Lay Out the Wrappers:

   • Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface with one corner pointing toward you (diamond orientation).

2. Add the Filling:

   • Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the barbecued chicken filling and place it near the center of the wrapper. Be careful not to overfill.

3. Fold the Wrapper:

   • Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, tucking it snugly.
   • Fold the two side corners inward, like an envelope.
   • Roll the wrapper tightly toward the top corner, sealing the edge with a brush of the beaten egg.

4. Repeat:

• Continue the process with the remaining wrappers and filling, placing the completed rolls on a plate.

Step 3: Fry the Egg Rolls

1. Heat the Oil:

   • In a deep frying pan or pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.

2. Fry the Rolls:

   • Carefully add a few egg rolls to the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
   • Fry for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.

3. Drain the Oil:

   • Remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

4. Cool Slightly:

• Let the egg rolls cool for a few minutes before serving.
  
  
  

Step 4: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

1. Mix Ingredients:

   • In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, and hot sauce (if desired).
   • Stir until smooth and creamy.

2. Serve:

• Pour the dipping sauce into a serving bowl or ramekin.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Arrange the barbecued chicken egg rolls on a platter with the dipping sauce in the center. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch.

These egg rolls are perfect as an appetizer or even a light meal when paired with a fresh salad. Their crunchy texture and the burst of barbecue flavor make them a crowd favorite.

Tips and Variations

1. Baking Option:

   • For a healthier twist, bake the egg rolls in the oven. Preheat to 400°F (200°C), brush the rolls with a bit of oil, and bake for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway.

2. Air Fryer Option:

   • Place the egg rolls in an air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

3. Vegetarian Version:

   • Replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like jackfruit, tofu, or tempeh. Use barbecue sauce suitable for vegetarians.

4. Spice It Up:

   • Add diced jalapeños or a dash of chili powder to the filling for an extra kick.

5. Customize the Dipping Sauce:

• Experiment with honey mustard, sweet chili sauce, or even sriracha mayo as alternative dips.

Final Thoughts

Barbecued chicken egg rolls combine the best of two culinary worlds: the smoky, tangy richness of barbecue and the crispy, handheld convenience of egg rolls. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry them, these rolls are guaranteed to be a hit at any table.

Try them out and share your creations with friends and family. They’ll undoubtedly ask for the recipe!