If you’ve been craving a scrumptious appetizer that packs a punch of flavor and a hint of the Southwest, then these Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls are your new best friend. Each bite delivers a blend of tender chicken, vibrant veggies, gooey cheese, and a hint of spice, all wrapped in a crispy shell. Let’s dive into this culinary delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Explosive Flavor: Each bite is a fiesta, combining spicy, cheesy, and savory flavors that will leave you craving more.
- Versatile Cooking: Whether you choose to fry or bake these rolls, they turn out golden and delicious every time.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep these rolls in advance and freeze them; they’re ready to cook whenever you need a quick snack or appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls lies in its ingredients. They’re simple, yet each plays a crucial role in delivering that distinct flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need.
- Cooked Chicken: This should be shredded or chopped to mix easily with other ingredients and absorb all the spices.
- Black Beans and Corn: Provide that authentic Southwestern base with their hearty texture and sweetness.
- Spinach and Red Bell Pepper: These add color and a fresh, crisp taste to each bite.
- Jalapeno: Brings the heat, but deseeded to ensure your egg rolls aren’t overwhelmingly spicy.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts perfectly, binding all ingredients with creamy goodness.
- Egg Roll Wrappers: Crispy and golden when cooked, the perfect vessel for our flavorful filling.
Variations
Feel free to make this recipe your own! The Southwest Chicken Egg Roll is highly customizable to fit personal preferences, dietary needs, or simply what’s in your pantry.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for extra beans or use tofu for a protein-packed veggie version.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Keep the jalapeno seeds for more heat or swap with milder peppers for a less spicy kick.
How to Make Southwest Chicken Egg Roll
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by combining your shredded chicken, corn, black beans, chopped spinach, red bell pepper, and diced jalapeno in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper over your mixture. Stir well until it’s all beautifully combined and fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Cheese
Mix in the Monterey Jack cheese with the vegetable-chicken mixture, ensuring every component is coated with cheesy goodness, transforming your filling into a beautifully cohesive mix ready to be wrapped.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
On a clean surface, lay an egg roll wrapper with a corner facing you. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of filling onto the wrapper’s center. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides snugly, and roll it up. Seal the edges with water, creating a neat, sealed roll.
Step 4: Cook the Egg Rolls
You can fry or bake these beauties! Fry them in heated oil at 350°F until golden. Alternatively, bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, for a healthier option. Either way, they’ll be deliciously crispy and ready to serve.
Pro Tips for Making Southwest Chicken Egg Roll
- Cheese Selection: For an extra kick, try mixing Monterey Jack with some Pepper Jack for added spice.
- Filling Control: Don’t overfill the wrappers; it might cause them to burst, ruining that perfect roll.
- Oil Temperature: For frying, maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for evenly cooked rolls that are perfectly crispy.
- Sealing Precision: Use a water-cornstarch paste for an airtight seal that holds while frying or baking.
How to Serve Southwest Chicken Egg Roll
Garnishes
Garnish your egg rolls with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or a dollop of sour cream. This adds a fresh brightness that balances the rich flavors inside.
Side Dishes
These egg rolls pair wonderfully with a fresh avocado salad or classic pico de gallo. Both provide a refreshing contrast and enhance the Southwest flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these egg rolls on a rustic wooden board accompanied by small bowls of salsa and guacamole. For a party setup, stack them in a pyramid with skewers for easy serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover egg rolls should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days and can make a fantastic quick snack!
Freezing
For freezing, lay uncooked egg rolls on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be good for up to three months.
Reheating
Reheat your egg rolls by baking them in an oven preheated to 375°F for about 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
FAQs
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Can I make these egg rolls without chicken?
Absolutely! They taste just as delicious with additional beans or even a tofu substitute, perfect for vegetarians or those wanting a different protein.
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What dip pairs best with these egg rolls?
Try serving them with creamy avocado dip or a tangy cilantro lime sauce—both complement the flavors marvelously.
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Can I air fry these egg rolls?
Yes, you can air fry them at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway for even crispiness.
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How do I keep the egg rolls from getting soggy?
To avoid sogginess, ensure the filling isn’t overly moist and don’t overcrowd them in the pan or baking sheet while cooking.
Final Thoughts
Dive into the delightful flavors of these Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls and bring a taste of the Southwest to your table. They’re sure to be a hit, whether for a party, as a snack, or a simple dinner treat. I promise you’ll love every crunchy, flavorful bite!
Print
Southwest Chicken Egg Roll Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (baking) / 6-9 minutes (frying)
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 20 egg rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American Southwest
Description
Enjoy a flavorful and crispy Southwest Chicken Egg Roll packed with seasoned chicken, beans, corn, spinach, and cheese, then fried or baked to perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, it’s a versatile and tasty addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- 1 cup corn (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup spinach (chopped)
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeno (de-seeded)
- 1/2 tablespoon cumin
- 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Wrappers
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- 20 egg roll wrappers
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, corn, black beans, chopped spinach, diced red bell pepper, and diced jalapeno. Mix well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Add spices: In a small bowl, stir together cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this spice mixture over the chicken and vegetable mixture and stir until well coated.
- Add cheese: Stir in shredded Monterey Jack cheese into the mixture until fully incorporated.
- Assemble egg rolls: Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one point facing towards you. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of filling onto the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in the side corners tightly. Roll up remaining and seal the edges by dipping your finger in water and pressing to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- Freeze: Place assembled egg rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until ready to cook. This helps them stay intact during frying or baking.
- Frying method: Heat oil in a large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry egg rolls in batches, turning occasionally, for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
- Baking method: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush egg rolls with oil and place seam-side down on the sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Notes
- Ensure the filling is cooled before assembling to prevent soggy wrappers.
- You can add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for variation.
- For extra flavor, serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg roll (about 60 grams)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
