There’s just something about biting into a crispy egg roll packed with bold, cheesy goodness that feels downright satisfying. These Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls combine the zesty flavors of the Southwest—think black beans, corn, jalapeños, and cumin—with tender chicken and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped in a perfectly crisp shell. Whether you’re planning a game-day spread, hosting a party, or just looking for a fun dinner idea, these egg rolls are guaranteed to steal the show.
What makes this recipe stand out? It’s versatile, easy to whip up, and endlessly customizable. Plus, they’re just as delicious baked as they are fried, so you can choose whichever method suits your mood (or your health goals). I first made these egg rolls when I was craving something different for a family gathering, and let me tell you—there were no leftovers. Ever since then, they’ve become a go-to dish for just about every occasion.
Why You’ll Love These Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls
There are countless reasons why these egg rolls should make their way to your table. First and foremost, they’re incredibly easy to prepare. With simple, everyday ingredients like cooked chicken, black beans, and cheese, you don’t need to spend hours grocery shopping or prepping.
Next, the flavor profile is chef’s kiss. The cumin and chili powder add warmth and depth, while the jalapeños bring just the right amount of heat. And let’s not forget the cheese—because cheese makes everything better, right?
These egg rolls are also perfectly crispy on the outside. Whether you fry them for that classic golden crunch or bake them for a lighter twist, you’ll get that satisfying crispiness every time.
Lastly, they’re a hit with everyone. Kids love the cheesy, mild filling (you can tone down the spice if needed), and adults appreciate the bold flavors. Plus, they’re great for meal prepping—just make a big batch, freeze the extras, and you’ve got an easy snack or appetizer ready to go.
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes (depending on method)
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Servings: Makes about 20 egg rolls (serves 6–8 as an appetizer or 4–6 as a main dish)
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 cup canned corn, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- ¼ cup diced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat)
- ½ tablespoon ground cumin
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For Assembly and Cooking:
- 20 egg roll wrappers
- Oil for frying (about 1 inch, if frying)
- Optional: cooking spray or oil for baking
Optional Dipping Sauces:
- Avocado ranch
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Sour cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Filling
Start by making the delicious filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, corn, black beans, spinach, red bell pepper, and jalapeños. Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, then add the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Give everything a good mix until evenly combined. The mixture should be vibrant, colorful, and aromatic—the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Assemble the Egg Rolls
Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves and assemble those egg rolls! Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface in a diamond shape, with one point facing you. Scoop about 2–3 tablespoons of the filling into the center of the wrapper.
Fold the bottom corner up and over the filling, tucking it in gently. Then, fold in the left and right corners to enclose the filling. Roll the wrapper tightly toward the top point, sealing the edges with a little water. Don’t worry if your first few rolls aren’t perfect—you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
Choose Your Cooking Method
Option 1: Frying
If you’re in the mood for ultra-crispy egg rolls, frying is the way to go. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet or deep pan to 350°F. To test if the oil is ready, drop in a small piece of wrapper—it should sizzle immediately. Carefully place the egg rolls in the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
Option 2: Baking
For a lighter version, preheat your oven to 425°F. Arrange the egg rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush them lightly with oil or cooking spray. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden and crisp. This method is just as delicious and perfect if you want to avoid frying.
Serve and Enjoy
These egg rolls are best served warm, paired with your favorite dipping sauces. Whether you’re a fan of creamy avocado ranch, tangy salsa, or classic guacamole, the dips elevate the flavor to the next level.
Tips for the Best Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls
- Use Rotisserie Chicken for Ease: If you’re short on time, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store. It’s flavorful, tender, and saves you the hassle of cooking your own chicken.
- Drain the Corn and Beans Well: Excess moisture can make the filling too wet, which might cause the egg rolls to burst while cooking. Take a moment to drain the corn and beans thoroughly.
- Don’t Overfill the Egg Rolls: As tempting as it is to stuff them full, overfilling can make it tricky to seal the wrappers properly. Stick to 2–3 tablespoons of filling for the best results.
- Seal the Wrappers with Water: A dab of water along the edges helps the wrappers stick together and prevents them from opening during cooking.
- Reheat for Maximum Crispiness: If you have leftovers, pop them in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crunchy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Variations to Try
These egg rolls are highly customizable, so feel free to get creative with the ingredients.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add extra veggies like diced zucchini, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes.
- Spicy Twist: Amp up the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or using spicy pepper jack cheese.
- Cheese Swap: Try cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend of Mexican cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free egg roll wrappers or rice paper wrappers for a gluten-free version.
Serving Suggestions
These egg rolls are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of sides and dips. Consider serving them with:
- A Fresh Salad: A simple arugula or spinach salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette.
- Rice and Beans: A classic side that complements the Southwest flavors perfectly.
- Sweet Potato Fries: For a fun and flavorful side dish.
- Dips Galore: Set out a variety of dipping sauces like chipotle mayo, cilantro-lime dressing, or queso.
Freezing and Storage
If you’re planning to make a big batch (and why wouldn’t you?), these egg rolls freeze beautifully.
Freezing Uncooked Egg Rolls: Lay the assembled egg rolls on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, fry or bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Storing Leftovers: Store cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness.
Special Equipment
- Parchment Paper: To prevent the egg rolls from sticking while baking.
- Cooking Thermometer: Helpful for checking oil temperature when frying.
- Air Fryer: For an alternative cooking method that delivers a crispy texture with less oil.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought egg roll wrappers?
Absolutely! Store-bought wrappers are convenient and work perfectly for this recipe.
Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the egg rolls a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them.
What if I can’t find egg roll wrappers?
You can use spring roll wrappers or even large tortillas as an alternative.
Can I make them in an air fryer?
Definitely! Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
What dipping sauces work best?
Guacamole, sour cream, and salsa are classics, but avocado ranch and chipotle mayo are amazing too!
Final Thoughts
These Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls are an irresistible mix of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re frying or baking, serving them as an appetizer or a main dish, or customizing the filling to suit your taste, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Don’t forget to snap a picture of your creations and share them—I’d love to see how yours turn out!
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Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls Recipe – Crispy, Flavorful, Easy to Make
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: About 20 egg rolls 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls are loaded with bold flavors from chicken, black beans, corn, and spices, wrapped in a crispy shell. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or even a light meal, they can be fried or baked for versatility.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- 1 cup canned corn (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- ¼ cup diced jalapeños (de-seeded)
- ½ tbsp cumin
- ½ tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 20 egg roll wrappers
- Oil for frying (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix chicken, corn, black beans, spinach, red bell pepper, jalapeños, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cheese.
- Lay an egg roll wrapper flat. Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, fold in the sides, and roll tightly, sealing with water.
- Fry in hot oil (350°F) for 2–3 minutes per side or bake at 425°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve warm with dipping sauces like guacamole or salsa.
Notes
- For a lighter option, bake instead of frying.
- Freeze uncooked egg rolls for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: Southwest