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Tasty Southwest Chicken Rolls

Featured in Finger Foods and Party Snacks.

These crispy Southwest Eggrolls bring bold restaurant flavors to your table. Stuffed with juicy shredded chicken, black beans, sweet corn, sautéed bell peppers, and fresh spinach, they're seasoned with spices like cumin and chili powder. Melty Monterrey Jack cheese ties it all together, and you can turn up or dial down the heat with jalapeños. Fried to golden goodness, each roll is paired perfectly with a smooth avocado ranch sauce. Serve this showstopping appetizer for your next dinner party or a casual family night.
A young woman with long, wavy hair wearing glasses is seated at a table, holding a menu and looking thoughtfully to the side in a softly lit restaurant.
Updated on Thu, 27 Feb 2025 23:01:30 GMT
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Southwest Eggrolls Appetizer Pin it
Southwest Eggrolls Appetizer | quickierecipe.com

These homemade southwestern egg rolls capture all the irresistible flavors of the restaurant favorite. Crispy wrappers encase a savory filling of seasoned chicken, black beans, sweet corn, and melted cheese. The addition of fresh vegetables and bold spices creates an appetizer that rivals the original, especially when paired with creamy avocado ranch dipping sauce.

These egg rolls have become a staple at gatherings, consistently earning praise from even the most skeptical guests. Their popularity speaks to the perfect combination of familiar ingredients presented in an exciting way.

Key Components

  • Egg Roll Wrappers: Available in most grocery stores' refrigerated section, choose fresh, pliable wrappers
  • Shredded Chicken: Fresh cooked and shredded provides optimal texture and flavor
  • Black Beans and Sweet Corn: Creates authentic southwestern taste and texture
  • Fresh Jalapeños: Adds balanced heat and authentic flavor
  • Monterey Jack: Melts perfectly, binding ingredients together
Crispy Southwest eggrolls filled with chicken, black beans, and bold flavors. Pin it
Crispy Southwest eggrolls filled with chicken, black beans, and bold flavors. | quickierecipe.com

Preparation Method

Creating the Filling:
Begin by sautéing diced red peppers in olive oil until tender. Add green onions and jalapeños, cooking until fragrant. Mix in corn and black beans to heat through. Season with southwestern spices. Incorporate spinach just until wilted.
Assembly Technique:
Position wrapper in diamond shape. Place filling below center point. Fold bottom corner up and over filling, ensuring tightness. Fold side corners in envelope-style. Continue rolling upward, sealing final corner with water. Keep finished rolls covered.
Cooking Process:
Heat oil to 375°F. Cook rolls in small batches until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on wire rack over paper towels. Allow brief cooling before serving.

With practice, the rolling technique becomes second nature, allowing focus on perfecting the filling seasonings and cooking temperature.

Rolling Technique

Success lies in treating each wrapper like a small burrito, maintaining consistent pressure while rolling to achieve the perfect shape and seal.

Dipping Sauce

While traditional avocado ranch complements these perfectly, consider exploring additional options like spicy chipotle sauce or fresh tomatillo salsa.

Advance Preparation

Prepare and freeze uncooked rolls by arranging in single layer until firm, then transfer to freezer storage containers for later use.

Alternative Cooking Method

For a lighter version, brush with oil and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.

These southwestern egg rolls represent the perfect fusion of traditional Asian technique with bold Mexican-inspired flavors.

Recipe Summary

Master these egg rolls and enjoy restaurant-quality results at home. The satisfying crunch of the wrapper giving way to flavorful filling creates an irresistible appetizer suitable for any occasion.

Chili's-inspired Southwest eggrolls, a savory appetizer with a Tex-Mex twist. Pin it
Chili's-inspired Southwest eggrolls, a savory appetizer with a Tex-Mex twist. | quickierecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I cook these in the oven instead of frying?
Absolutely! Heat your oven to 425°F, bake them for 15-20 minutes, and flip them halfway. They won't be as crispy as frying, though.
→ Can I prep these ahead of time?
Sure! Make the filling and roll them in advance. Keep them in the fridge, and fry right before serving for freshness.
→ Are these rolls spicy?
You decide! Add less jalapeño or cayenne if you prefer it mild, or go bold with more for a spicy kick.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in your fridge. Reheat in the oven to keep them crisp!
→ Can these be frozen?
Totally! Assemble them raw, freeze for up to 3 months, and fry straight from the freezer. Just add a couple more minutes to the cook time.

Southwest Chicken Rolls

Crispy rolls brimming with seasoned chicken, black beans, veggies, and gooey cheese. A side of avocado ranch makes it absolutely irresistible!

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Meryem


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (10-12 egg rolls)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Egg Roll Filling

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 8 oz cooked chicken breast, shredded
03 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
04 1/2 cup corn (use fresh, thawed frozen, or canned)
05 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
06 1/4 cup chopped green onions
07 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
08 1/3 cup thawed frozen spinach, chopped up
09 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced
10 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
11 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
12 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
13 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
15 10-12 egg roll wrappers
16 Oil to fry with

→ Avocado Ranch Sauce

17 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
18 1 medium avocado, mashed smooth
19 1/2 cup ranch dressing
20 2 tablespoons buttermilk
21 1 and 1/2 teaspoons lime juice
22 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
23 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
24 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 01

Warm the olive oil in a big pan and cook the bell peppers until they soften. Toss in the green onions, jalapeño, corn, beans, spinach, and all your spices (cumin, chili powder, salt, and cayenne). Let everything cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies are nice and tender.

Step 02

Take the cooked veggies from the skillet and put them in a big mixing bowl. Add in the shredded chicken, minced cilantro, and grated cheese. Stir it all together so the filling is evenly combined.

Step 03

Lay an egg roll wrapper down so that one corner points toward you. Scoop about 1/4 cup of filling right into the middle. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold the sides in, and roll it up tightly. Wet the top corner with water to seal it shut. Keep doing this with the rest of the wrappers.

Step 04

Get your oil to a hot 375°F (190°C). Fry a few egg rolls at a time for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn crispy and golden. Lay them on paper towels to drain the extra oil.

Step 05

Throw the ranch, mashed avocado, buttermilk, cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a blender. Puree it until the mixture is super smooth. Offer it as a tasty dip for your warm egg rolls.

Notes

  1. Want extra heat? Add more jalapeño.
  2. Corn can be fresh, from a can, or frozen and thawed—your choice!

Tools You'll Need

  • A large skillet
  • Either a deep fryer or big pot for frying
  • Blender or food processor
  • Paper towels to drain oil

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has dairy (cheese, buttermilk, ranch)
  • Has gluten (egg roll wrappers)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~