
There is something undeniably satisfying about the crunch of a perfectly fried egg roll. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, looking for a unique weeknight dinner, or just craving a snack that hits all the right notes, these Crispy Chicken Egg Rolls with Creamy Dipping Sauce are a total game-changer.
Most people think of egg rolls as a strictly “takeout-only” food, but making them at home is surprisingly simple and allows you to control the quality of the ingredients. By using tender shredded chicken and a blend of gooey cheeses, we’re taking the traditional egg roll and giving it a comfort-food twist that is hard to resist.
Why I Love This Recipe
What makes this recipe a staple in my kitchen is its versatility. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time, and the assembly is a fun activity for the whole family. If you’ve enjoyed making my Easy Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Wontons, you already know how addictive a crispy, chicken-filled shell can be.
These egg rolls offer a perfect balance of textures: the exterior is shatteringly crisp, while the inside remains creamy and savory. Plus, the signature dipping sauce provides just enough acidity and sweetness to cut through the richness of the fried wrapper.
Ingredients
For the Egg Rolls:
- Shredded Chicken (2 cups): Use poached chicken breasts or a store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Cheddar or Colby-Jack Cheese (1 cup): Freshly shredded melts the best.
- Cream Cheese (½ cup): Make sure it is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Green Onions (2 tablespoons): Finely chopped for a fresh, peppery bite.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds depth without the moisture of fresh garlic.
- Onion Powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances the savory profile.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Egg Roll Wrappers (10–12): Found in the refrigerated produce section of most grocery stores.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying (canola or peanut oil also work well).
For the Dipping Sauce:
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy base of the sauce.
- Ketchup (2 tablespoons): For a touch of sweetness and color.
- Sweet Chili Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a mild heat and tang.
- Rice Vinegar or Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon): Provides the necessary acidity.
- Salt: A small pinch to balance the flavors.
Swaps and Notes
- The Protein: Not a fan of chicken? You can easily swap the protein for shredded pork or even ground turkey. If you have leftovers from my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole, the seasoned chicken works beautifully here too!
- Cheese Variations: For a bit of heat, try using Pepper Jack cheese.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to stir in some finely shredded cabbage or carrots if you want to lean closer to a traditional egg roll vibe.
- Air Fryer Option: If you want to skip the deep frying, spray the egg rolls generously with oil and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, softened cream cheese, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use a sturdy spatula to fold everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the creamy mixture.
2. Assemble the Egg Rolls
Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface so it looks like a diamond. Place approximately 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling.
- Tuck in the left and right side corners toward the middle.
- Roll the wrapper tightly toward the top corner.
- Dip your finger in a bit of water and run it along the edges of the top corner to seal the roll shut.
3. Heat the Oil
In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet, pour about 5 cm (2 inches) of vegetable oil. Heat the oil to 175°C (350°F). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test it by dropping a small piece of wrapper into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, it’s ready.
4. Fry to Perfection
Carefully place 3–4 egg rolls into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will drop the oil temperature and lead to greasy egg rolls. Fry for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs, until they are a deep golden brown. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
5. Mix the Dipping Sauce
While the egg rolls are cooling slightly, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, and salt in a small bowl until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to pack them full, but overfilling can cause the wrappers to burst in the hot oil.
- Keep Wrappers Covered: While you are working, keep the unused egg roll wrappers under a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out and becoming brittle.
- Check the Seal: Ensure the edges are completely sealed with water, or the cheese filling will leak out into the oil.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These egg rolls are a fantastic standalone snack, but they also shine as part of a larger spread. If you are hosting a party, serve them alongside a Beer Cheese Dip for the ultimate dip-fest.
For a fun “hand-held” themed dinner, you can pair these with Sheet Pan Quesadillas or set up a Walking Taco Bar to give your guests plenty of variety.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Note: Values are estimates based on 1 egg roll with sauce.
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 410mg
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To maintain the crunch, avoid the microwave. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes.
- Freezing: You can freeze these before frying! Assemble the rolls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry them directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the cooking time.
Final Thoughts
Making your own egg rolls is one of those kitchen skills that sounds impressive but is actually quite simple once you get the hang of the rolling technique. The combination of savory chicken and melted cheese wrapped in a crispy shell is a guaranteed hit.
I’d love to hear how these turned out for you! Did you stick to the recipe or add your own secret ingredient? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more easy, delicious recipes!




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