If you’re on a mission to discover the ultimate appetizer with a twist, then you’re in for a treat with these Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls. Combining the best of Southwestern flavors wrapped in crispy perfection, this dish will excite your taste buds and guests alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: A delightful mix of vibrant, fresh ingredients delivers a flavor punch in every bite.
- Perfect for Sharing: Make a batch of these egg rolls for your next gathering, and they’re guaranteed to disappear first!
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer frying or baking, this recipe adapts beautifully to both.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite ingredients or dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The key to these Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls lies in the simplicity and freshness of the ingredients. Each one brings something unique to the table—whether it’s the protein-packed chicken or the colorful veggies that add both texture and color.
- 2 cups cooked chicken: Shredded or chopped, this forms the protein-packed base of the dish.
- 1 cup corn: Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch, perfectly complementing the other flavors.
- 1 cup black beans: These contribute protein and a hearty texture.
- 1 cup spinach: Freshly chopped for a pop of color and nutrition.
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper: Offers a hint of sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeño: Brings the heat without overwhelming the dish.
- 1/2 TBS cumin and 1/2 TBS chili powder: Essential spices that provide warmth and depth of flavor.
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully, adding creaminess to each egg roll.
- 1 package egg roll wrappers: The crispy outer layer that holds all the delicious fillings.
Variations
This is where the fun begins! You can easily modify these Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls to suit your taste or availability of ingredients, making them even more delightful.
- Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add more beans or roasted sweet potatoes to keep it satisfying.
- Spicy Extra: If you love spice, add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
- Cheese Lovers: Try mixing in some sharp cheddar for a deeper, bolder cheese flavor.
How to Make Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls
Step 1: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked chicken, corn, black beans, spinach, red bell pepper, and jalapeños. Add in cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed, creating a vibrant and aromatic filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Rolls
Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface with one corner facing you. Place 2-3 tablespoons of the filling mixture in the center. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold the side corners in. Roll tightly but gently, sealing the edges with a dab of water. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 3: Cooking Time
Now it’s time to cook these beauties. You can either fry or bake them depending on your preference. For frying, heat oil in a skillet to about 350°F and gently fry the egg rolls until they’re golden brown. For a lighter version, bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
Pro Tips for Making Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls
- Perfect Wrapping: Keep your egg roll wrappers covered with a slightly damp towel so they don’t dry out as you fill them.
- Crispy Outcome: For extra crispy egg rolls, spray them lightly with cooking oil before baking.
- Flavor Boost: Occasionally taste the filling as you mix to ensure the seasoning is just right for your palate.
- Cheese Melting Tip: Let the cheese reach room temperature before mixing it in to help it blend smoothly.
How to Serve Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls
Garnishes
Consider serving these egg rolls with a side of fresh cilantro or sliced avocado. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but enhance the flavor profile, giving you that authentic Southwestern vibe.
Side Dishes
Pair these egg rolls with a vibrant side salad or some cilantro lime rice. This combination makes for a balanced meal, satisfying your craving for something both crispy and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these egg rolls in a pyramid on a colorful platter, or serve them in a basket lined with a checkered cloth for a charming presentation. You could also cut them in half on a diagonal for easier sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure they’re well-covered to maintain their crispy texture.
Freezing
Planning to enjoy them later? Simply freeze the assembled and uncooked egg rolls on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container. They can be stored for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes if thawed, or 15-20 minutes if still frozen. This will keep them crispy without needing to refry.
FAQs
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Can I use another type of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar or pepper jack are excellent substitutes, offering a similar meltable richness while also enhancing the Southwest flavors.
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What if I don’t have egg roll wrappers?
If you’re in a pinch, tortilla wraps can serve as a substitute. Just note that the texture will differ, leaning more towards a burrito-style bite.
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How do I prevent the egg rolls from becoming soggy?
Ensure the filling isn’t too wet by thoroughly draining ingredients like corn and beans. Also, cooking them soon after wrapping reduces moisture absorption.
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Can I make the egg roll filling ahead of time?
Yes, the filling can be prepared a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge in a sealed container, and you’ll be ready to wrap and cook when needed.
Final Thoughts
Dive into the delightful world of Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls, and you won’t be disappointed. These tasty treats are perfect for any occasion and are sure to become a favorite in your household. Give them a try and watch them become the star of your next gathering!
Print
Southwest Chicken Egg Roll Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (baking) or 6 minutes (frying)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 egg rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southwest
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These flavorful Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls combine tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and spicy seasonings wrapped in crispy egg roll wrappers. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they can be fried or baked to crispy perfection, offering a delicious fusion of textures and bold Southwest flavors.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 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)
Seasonings
- 1/2 TBS cumin
- 1/2 TBS chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Cheese and Wrappers
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- 20 egg roll wrappers
Additional
- Water (for sealing edges)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, corn, black beans, chopped spinach, red bell pepper, and diced jalapeno. Mix well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Add Seasonings: In a small bowl, mix together cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Add this seasoning mixture to the large bowl with the filling ingredients and stir until everything is coated evenly.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until fully incorporated into the filling mixture.
- Assemble Egg Rolls: Lay out an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner facing toward you. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of filling near the corner closest to you. Roll the wrapper tightly, folding in the sides, then continue rolling until sealed. Dip your finger in water and dab along the edges to seal the roll. Place the assembled egg roll seam side down on a prepared baking sheet.
- Repeat: Continue assembling the remaining egg rolls with the remaining filling, placing them on the baking sheet as you go.
- Prepare for Cooking: Place the egg rolls in the freezer for about 15 minutes if frying, or proceed directly to baking if preferred.
- For Frying: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the egg rolls in batches, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
- For Baking: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush egg rolls with a little oil and place seam side down. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
Notes
- For a healthier option, baking the egg rolls reduces oil intake and results in a crisp, golden exterior.
- Create a spicy kick by adding extra jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Ensure the egg roll edges are sealed well to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
- Serve hot with salsa, sour cream, or a cooling avocado dip for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg roll (about 30g)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
