Short Description
Crispy Southwest Chicken Rolls are a delicious fusion of bold Tex-Mex flavors wrapped in a crunchy egg roll shell. Stuffed with seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, spinach, and melty Monterey Jack cheese, these rolls are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or meal. Serve them with your favorite dips for a satisfying bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Flavorful: The crunchy egg roll wrapper complements the rich and cheesy Southwest filling.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Can be fried, baked, or air-fried for a lighter alternative.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and freeze for a quick meal or snack.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Perfect for game days, parties, or family dinners.
- Easily Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add extra veggies for a personalized touch.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, drained
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- ¼ cup jalapeño, diced and deseeded (optional for spice)
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- ½ tablespoon cumin
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package (20 count) egg roll wrappers
- Oil for frying (or brushing if baking)
Directions
1. Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, spinach, and jalapeño. Stir well.
- Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
2. Assemble the Rolls
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface in a diamond shape.
- Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of filling into the center.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides tightly.
- Roll up toward the top corner, sealing with a little water.
- Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
3. Choose Your Cooking Method
Frying (Crispiest Option)
- Heat 1 inch of oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry the rolls for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
Baking (Healthier Alternative)
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Brush the rolls with oil and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Air-Frying (Quick and Light Option)
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the rolls with oil and place them in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crisp and golden.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the rolls cool slightly before serving.
- Serve with avocado ranch, guacamole, sour cream, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 20 rolls
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-20 minutes (depending on method)
- Total Time: 30-40 minutes
Variations
- Extra Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or more jalapeños.
- Cheese Swap: Try Pepper Jack for a spicier kick or Cheddar for a milder taste.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or more beans.
- Protein Boost: Use ground beef or turkey instead of chicken.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free wraps or rice paper instead of egg roll wrappers.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Place uncooked rolls on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Store for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:
- From the fridge: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- From frozen: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the rolls and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
How do I prevent the egg roll wrappers from drying out?
Keep unused wrappers covered with a damp paper towel while assembling the rolls.
What oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
Can I bake these without oil?
Yes, but brushing them with a little oil helps them crisp up in the oven.
Do I need to cook the filling before assembling?
No, all ingredients are pre-cooked, so you can assemble them right away.
How do I make the rolls extra crispy?
For extra crispiness, double-fry them: fry once, let cool, then fry again for 1-2 minutes.
Can I use wonton wrappers instead of egg roll wrappers?
Yes, but they will be smaller and may require a shorter cooking time.
What dipping sauces go well with these rolls?
Guacamole, sour cream, chipotle mayo, or salsa are all great choices.
Can I reheat these in the microwave?
You can, but they will lose their crispiness. For best results, reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Conclusion
Crispy Southwest Chicken Rolls are packed with bold flavors and a satisfying crunch, making them a perfect appetizer or meal. With multiple cooking methods and endless customization options, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try them today and enjoy a delicious, crispy bite with your favorite dipping sauce!
Print
Crispy Southwest Chicken Rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: Frying, Baking, or Air-Frying
- Cuisine: Southwest, Tex-Mex
Description
These Crispy Southwest Chicken Rolls are packed with bold flavors—juicy shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and melty Monterey Jack cheese, all wrapped in a crispy egg roll shell. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, these rolls make the perfect appetizer or meal!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, drained
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup jalapeño, diced and deseeded (optional for spice)
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 tablespoon cumin
- 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package (20 count) egg roll wrappers
- Oil for frying (or brushing if baking)
Instructions
Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, spinach, and jalapeño.
- Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, then mix well.
- Stir in shredded cheese until evenly distributed.
2. Assemble the Rolls
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface in a diamond shape.
- Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of filling into the center.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides tightly.
- Roll up to the top corner, sealing with a little water.
- Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
3. Choose Your Cooking Method
Frying:
- Heat 1 inch of oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
Baking:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Brush rolls lightly with oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air-Frying:
- Lightly spray rolls with oil.
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
- Let the rolls cool slightly before serving.
- Pair with avocado ranch, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
Notes
- Keep unused egg roll wrappers covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne or more jalapeños.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
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