There’s something undeniably special about merging two beloved flavors into one bite-sized treat, and that’s exactly what you get with Southern-Style BBQ Egg Rolls. Picture this: crispy, golden egg rolls filled with tender shredded chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and fresh coleslaw mix, all harmonizing in perfect balance. Whether you’re crafting a snack for game day, rolling out appetizers for a casual get-together, or just seeking a cozy weeknight dinner option, these egg rolls are your answer. Let’s dive deeper into why you’ll want to make this recipe a staple in your kitchen.
Why you’ll love this dish
Southern-Style BBQ Egg Rolls have a knack for appealing to everyone. Kids love the crunch and fun bite-sized nature, while adults appreciate that savory twist on traditional Southern barbecue. They’re versatile, too! Perfect for appetizers at a party, a game-day nibble, or even as a playful dinner option served with a side of baked beans or a bright salad.
“These BBQ egg rolls were a hit at our family gathering! Everyone couldn’t stop raving about the flavor. I’ll definitely be making these again!” – A Happy Cook
What truly sets these egg rolls apart is how quick and budget-friendly they are. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying dish that feels much more indulgent than it really is. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can always have a stash on hand for unexpected guests or a late-night snack craving.
How this recipe comes together
Creating Southern-Style BBQ Egg Rolls is a straightforward process that requires minimal fuss but delivers maximum flavor. You start by mixing shredded chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce, then add a crunchy coleslaw mix and some chopped green onions for an added zing. Once your filling is ready, it’s just a matter of wrapping and frying until they achieve that dreamy golden crispness.
Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need for this flavorful adventure.
What you’ll need
- Egg roll wrappers
- Shredded cooked chicken
- BBQ sauce (the more flavorful, the better!)
- Coleslaw mix
- Green onions, chopped
- Oil for frying
If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here, saving you both time and energy. And if you want to mix it up, feel free to play around with your favorite BBQ sauce — perhaps a spicy version or a sweet & smoky blend.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, coleslaw mix, and chopped green onions. Toss everything together until it’s well mixed.
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface, making sure one corner is pointing towards you. Place a scoop of the filling in the center and carefully fold the wrapper according to the package instructions (these usually involve folding the corner over the filling, then folding in the sides before rolling it up tightly).
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat, ensuring there’s enough to submerge the egg rolls halfway.
- Gently place the egg rolls in the hot oil, frying them until they’re golden brown and crispy on all sides — this usually takes a few minutes per side.
- Once they’re perfectly golden, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve them hot, perhaps with a side of BBQ sauce for dipping.
Best ways to enjoy it
The beauty of Southern-Style BBQ Egg Rolls lies not just in their flavor but also in their presentation. Serve them on a large platter, perhaps garnished with sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a touch of flair.
Pair them with a refreshing side, like a crisp cucumber salad or sweet potato fries, to create a well-rounded meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might even want to try a zesty dip, like a garlic aioli or ranch dressing, alongside the BBQ sauce.
How to store & freeze
Got leftovers? No problem! Allow your egg rolls to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep for about 3–4 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing them. Arrange the uncooked rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last for about 2–3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, you can fry them directly from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Helpful cooking tips
Making the perfect egg roll is all about timing and oil temperature. Ensure your oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of wrapper into it; if it sizzles immediately, you’re ready to go. This helps those egg rolls get that signature crispiness without soaking up too much oil.
If you’re wrapping a lot of egg rolls, keep a damp towel over the wrappers you aren’t using. This will prevent them from drying out and cracking as you work through your filling.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? You can give your Southern-Style BBQ Egg Rolls a twist by swapping in different proteins like pulled pork or even a vegetarian option with black beans and corn. For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños to the filling. And let’s not forget the dipping sauces — try a honey mustard or even a spicy sriracha for a bold pairing.
Your questions answered
What’s the prep time?
The prep time is roughly 15 minutes, especially if your chicken is already cooked and ready to go.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep and wrap the egg rolls in advance. Just store them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
To revive their crispy glory, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to ensure they don’t become soggy.
Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just starting your culinary journey, these Southern-Style BBQ Egg Rolls promise a delightful experience. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and sure to impress anyone who takes a bite!
Southern-Style BBQ Egg Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, coleslaw mix, and chopped green onions. Toss everything together until it’s well mixed.
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface, making sure one corner is pointing towards you. Place a scoop of the filling in the center and carefully fold the wrapper according to package instructions.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat, ensuring there’s enough to submerge the egg rolls halfway.
- Gently place the egg rolls in the hot oil, frying them until they’re golden brown and crispy on all sides — this usually takes a few minutes per side.
- Once perfectly golden, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot, with BBQ sauce for dipping.