Why You’ll Love This Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls
If you’re a fan of bold flavors, crispy textures, and easy-to-make dishes, then Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls are a perfect addition to your recipe repertoire. These egg rolls combine the smoky, spicy, and savory flavors of the Southwest with the crispy crunch you love in traditional egg rolls. Packed with tender shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and a blend of spices, these rolls are a party in your mouth!
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a fun appetizer for a gathering, or a new meal idea for Taco Tuesday, Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls deliver on all fronts. The combination of juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and melted Monterey Jack cheese all wrapped up in a crispy, golden exterior is a flavor explosion that everyone will enjoy. Plus, these egg rolls are incredibly versatile—you can bake or fry them, and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra kick.
What makes these egg rolls even better is how easy they are to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a delicious, crowd-pleasing snack in no time. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or serving them at a party, Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls will be a hit every time.
What You’ll Need
To make these Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls, you don’t need a lot of complicated ingredients. Most of them are pantry staples or easy-to-find produce items. Here’s everything you’ll need to make the perfect batch:
Ingredients for Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great here!)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/4 cup jalapeño, finely chopped
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tbsp cumin
- 1 package egg roll wrappers (typically found in the refrigerated section of the store)
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
For Frying (Optional):
- Vegetable or peanut oil (for frying)
For Baking (Optional):
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for brushing or spraying the egg rolls before baking)
Optional Dipping Sauces:
- Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make your Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls:
1. Prepare the Filling:
Start by cooking your chicken, if it’s not already cooked. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cook your own by pan-searing, grilling, or baking it. Shred or dice the chicken once it’s cooked and set it aside.
Next, in a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, chopped jalapeño, red bell pepper, spinach, black pepper, chili powder, salt, and cumin. Mix everything together until the ingredients are well distributed. The combination of beans, corn, and spices adds depth to the flavor, while the spinach and bell pepper contribute fresh, vibrant color and crunch. Finally, stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, which will melt and hold everything together when cooked.
2. Prepare the Egg Roll Wrappers:
Lay out a clean surface to work on, such as a large cutting board or countertop. Take one egg roll wrapper at a time and place it in a diamond shape on the surface. This position will make it easier to roll the egg roll.
If you find the wrappers a bit dry, you can use a damp towel to lightly cover them while you prepare the rolls. This will help prevent them from cracking while you’re rolling.
3. Assemble the Egg Rolls:
Place about two to three tablespoons of the chicken and veggie filling in the center of each egg roll wrapper. Be careful not to overstuff the rolls, as this can make them difficult to seal.
To fold the egg roll, start by folding the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the two side corners. Roll the egg roll tightly, making sure the filling stays in place, and seal the top corner by wetting it with a small amount of water or egg wash. The water or egg wash helps the wrapper stick and seal while it cooks.
4. Cook the Egg Rolls:
You have two options for cooking these Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls: frying or baking.
To Fry:
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable or peanut oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat. You’ll know the oil is ready when a small drop of water sizzles when added to the pan.
- Gently place the egg rolls into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the rolls for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the egg rolls from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
To Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the egg rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them lightly with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray to help them crisp up while baking.
- Bake the egg rolls for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your egg rolls are cooked, let them cool slightly before serving. These Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls pair perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or even a zesty ranch dressing. Serve them as an appetizer, a snack, or even as a main dish with a side salad or some Mexican rice.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overstuff the Egg Rolls: While it’s tempting to add a lot of filling, overstuffing the egg rolls can cause them to burst open while cooking. Stick to about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per egg roll to ensure they stay intact and cook evenly.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients will give your egg rolls the best flavor. If you’re using frozen corn or beans, make sure they are thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture that can affect the texture of the rolls.
- Seal the Egg Rolls Well: Ensure that you seal the egg rolls tightly with water or egg wash to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking. A loose seal can cause the filling to spill out, creating a mess in the pan or oven.
- Frying vs. Baking: Frying gives the egg rolls a crispier, golden texture, but baking is a healthier alternative. Both methods work well, so choose based on your preference. If baking, be sure to brush the rolls with oil or spray them to achieve the crispy texture.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the egg rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Just make sure to wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Variations to Try
While these Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls are delicious as-is, you can easily customize them to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Add Avocado: For a creamy, rich addition, try adding some diced avocado to the filling. It pairs perfectly with the spicy jalapeños and smoky chicken.
- Use Ground Beef or Turkey: If you prefer ground meat, substitute the chicken with ground beef or turkey. Brown the meat and add the spices and vegetables for a different take on the recipe.
- Make it Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add extra beans, corn, and even roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty, vegetarian-friendly version. You could also add more cheese to give it extra richness.
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, increase the amount of jalapeño or add some chopped serrano peppers. You can also drizzle hot sauce inside the egg rolls before sealing them.
- Cheese Variations: While Monterey Jack is the go-to cheese for this recipe, you can also use cheddar, pepper jack, or a combination of cheeses to switch things up.
Storing and Reheating
These Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls are great for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat them:
Storing:
- In the Refrigerator: Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- In the Freezer: You can freeze un-cooked egg rolls for later use. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer the egg rolls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- In the Oven: Reheat egg rolls in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they are crispy and heated through.
- In the Microwave: While not as crispy, you can microwave egg rolls for about 1-2 minutes until they are warm. Be sure to wrap them in a paper towel to absorb moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the egg rolls and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before cooking them. You can also freeze the assembled rolls and cook them later.
Can I use other proteins in place of chicken?
Definitely! Ground beef, turkey, or even shrimp would make great substitutes. Just be sure to cook the meat thoroughly before adding it to the filling.
Are these egg rolls spicy?
The level of spice depends on the amount of jalapeño you use. If you prefer a milder version, remove the seeds from the jalapeños or use a smaller amount. You can also leave them out entirely for a non-spicy version.
Can I bake the egg rolls instead of frying them?
Yes! Baking is a healthier alternative to frying. Simply brush the egg rolls with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
The Final Word
Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls are the perfect combination of crispy, savory, and spicy goodness. With tender chicken, flavorful veggies, and melty cheese all wrapped up in a crispy shell, they are sure to become your new favorite appetizer or snack. Whether you’re frying them for a crispy, golden finish or baking them for a healthier alternative, these egg rolls are versatile, easy to make, and guaranteed to satisfy any crowd.
Try them at your next gathering, or make them for a fun family meal—either way, these Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls will be a hit!