Chilis Southwest Egg Rolls Recipe

Try This Spicy Southwest Egg Rolls Recipe from Chilis

Crispy, golden-brown southwest egg rolls burst with zesty flavors that dance across your palate.

These delectable Chili’s southwest egg rolls recipe bites pack a punch of southwestern-inspired goodness.

Packed with tender chicken, black beans, and a blend of melted cheeses, each roll offers a crunchy exterior that gives way to a spicy, savory filling.

The combination of fresh ingredients creates a restaurant-quality appetizer you can easily make at home.

Jalapeños and corn add an extra layer of excitement to these irresistible rolls.

Perfectly seasoned and fried to a beautiful golden color, these egg rolls will become an instant crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Prepare to impress your guests with this mouthwatering southwestern sensation.

How to Store Southwest Egg Rolls Easily

  • Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual egg rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange egg rolls on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. This method helps restore crispiness and prevents sogginess.
  • Place egg rolls in the air fryer basket at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Spray lightly with oil to help regain the original crispy texture.

FAQs

  • What type of cuisine are these egg rolls inspired by?

These egg rolls draw inspiration from Southwest and Tex-Mex flavors, combining ingredients like black beans, corn, jalapeños, and cilantro that are typical in Southwest cooking.

  • Are these egg rolls vegetarian-friendly?

While the recipe includes chicken, you can easily make them vegetarian by replacing chicken with additional beans, tofu, or plant-based protein alternatives.

  • Can I bake these egg rolls instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 425F for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even crispiness. Lightly spray with cooking oil to help achieve a golden exterior.

Chilis Southwest Egg Rolls Crowd-Pleasing Elements

  • Southwest-inspired egg rolls pack a punch with vibrant ingredients like black beans, corn, and spicy jalapeños, offering a delicious twist on traditional appetizers.
  • These crispy rolls come together effortlessly, making them perfect for game day, potlucks, or spontaneous gatherings with friends and family.
  • Swap chicken for vegetarian protein, adjust spice levels, or experiment with different cheeses to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • The creamy avocado ranch sauce elevates these egg rolls from simple snack to restaurant-quality appetizer, adding a luxurious and tangy dimension to every bite.

Ingredients Needed for Southwest Egg Rolls

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Shredded protein that provides the primary substance for the egg rolls.
  • Egg Roll Wrappers: Thin pastry sheets that create the crispy exterior of the dish.
  • Black Beans: Hearty legume that adds texture and southwestern flavor.
Vegetable Mix:
  • Red Bell Peppers, Green Onions, Jalapeno, Corn, Spinach: Fresh vegetables that contribute color, nutrition, and robust southwestern taste.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • Monterey Jack Cheese: Mild cheese that melts smoothly and binds the filling.
  • Ranch Dressing, Buttermilk: Creamy components for the dipping sauce.
Seasonings and Herbs:
  • Cumin, Chili Powder, Cayenne, Salt: Spices that create a bold southwestern flavor profile.
  • Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds brightness to both filling and sauce.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Avocado: Creamy base that provides richness to the dipping sauce.
  • Lime Juice: Adds tangy brightness to the sauce.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Seasonings that enhance the sauce's depth of flavor.

Tools for Homemade Southwest Egg Rolls

  • Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing vegetables and cooking filling perfectly.
  • Mixing Bowl: Crucial for combining chicken, vegetables, and cheese.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping vegetables and cilantro precisely.
  • Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for ingredient preparation.
  • Tongs: Helps safely fry and handle egg rolls in hot oil.
  • Deep Fryer or Heavy-Bottom Pot: Necessary for frying egg rolls evenly.
  • Blender or Food Processor: Ideal for creating smooth, creamy dipping sauce.
  • Paper Towels: Used to drain excess oil from fried egg rolls.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Rolling Up Southwest Egg Rolls at Home

Step 1: Sizzle Vegetable Base

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add red bell peppers and cook until they become tender and slightly soft.

Toss in the following ingredients:
  • Green onions
  • Jalapeno
  • Corn
  • Black beans
  • Spinach
Sprinkle in seasonings:
  • Cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Salt
  • Cayenne

Cook everything together for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Create Flavor Fusion

Transfer the vegetable mixture to a large mixing bowl.

Fold in:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Monterey Jack cheese

Stir ingredients until completely combined and well-distributed.

Step 3: Wrap and Roll

Lay an egg roll wrapper with a corner pointing towards you.

Scoop a portion of filling into the center of the wrapper.

Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly.

Use water to seal the top corner.

Repeat until all wrappers are filled.

Step 4: Crisp to Golden Perfection

Heat oil to 375°F (190°C) in a deep fryer or heavy pot.

Carefully place egg rolls into hot oil, frying in small batches.

Cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.

Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Dipping Sauce

Combine in a blender:
  • Ranch dressing
  • Mashed avocado
  • Buttermilk
  • Cilantro
  • Lime juice
  • Salt
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Serve sauce alongside hot egg rolls for dipping.

Best Practices for Chilis Southwest Egg Rolls

  • Chop all vegetables and cook chicken in advance to speed up assembly and reduce kitchen stress.
  • Assemble uncooked egg rolls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for quick future meals.
  • Use a thermometer to maintain 375F for perfect crispy exterior and fully cooked interior without burning.
  • Replace chicken with additional black beans, quinoa, or tofu for a plant-based version that's equally delicious.
  • Brush egg rolls with olive oil and bake at 425F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway for even crispiness.

Tasty Fillings for Chilis Southwest Egg Rolls

  • Vegetarian Southwest Egg Rolls: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein crumbles, maintaining the same spicy vegetable mix for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional egg roll wrappers with gluten-free rice paper or corn tortillas, ensuring crispy texture while accommodating wheat sensitivities.
  • Baked Version: Instead of deep-frying, brush egg rolls with olive oil and bake at 425F for 15-20 minutes, creating a healthier alternative with reduced oil content.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Use large lettuce leaves as wrappers, filling them with the Southwest mixture and rolling tightly for a carbohydrate-conscious approach that maintains bold flavors.

Serving Southwest Egg Rolls to Impress

  • Southwest Party Platter: Arrange egg rolls on a large wooden board with dipping sauce in the center, surrounded by fresh cilantro sprigs and lime wedges for a festive presentation.
  • Appetizer Feast: Serve as part of a Mexican-inspired appetizer spread with salsa, guacamole, and Mexican street corn for a vibrant party spread that'll wow guests.
  • Lunch Companion: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad topped with black beans and corn for a complete meal that balances the richness of the egg rolls.
  • Game Day Delight: Plate alongside cold beer or margaritas for the perfect sports watching snack that'll keep everyone coming back for more.
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Chilis Southwest Egg Rolls Recipe

Chilis Southwest Egg Rolls Recipe


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4.9 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Chilis southwest egg rolls bring together zesty Tex-Mex flavors in a crispy appetizer. Packed with chicken, black beans, corn, and spices, these rolls offer a delicious start to any meal for hungry diners.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Cheese:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Vegetables and Herbs:

  • 1/2 cup black beans, canned, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup corn (fresh, frozen thawed, or canned)
  • 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup green onions, diced
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, diced
  • 1/3 cup frozen spinach, thawed and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Spices, Oils, and Wrappers:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1012 egg roll wrappers
  • Oil for frying

Avocado Ranch Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 medium ripe avocado, mashed
  • 2 tablespoons buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. Sauté red bell peppers in olive oil until tender, creating a vibrant base for the filling.
  2. Introduce green onions, jalapeño, corn, black beans, and spinach to the skillet, incorporating cumin, chili powder, salt, and cayenne for a robust flavor profile. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften.
  3. Transfer the vegetable medley to a mixing bowl, folding in shredded chicken, fresh cilantro, and Monterey Jack cheese until thoroughly combined.
  4. Position egg roll wrapper diagonally, placing a generous portion of filling in the center. Fold the bottom corner upward, tuck in side edges, and roll tightly, using water to seal the final corner.
  5. Heat oil to 375°F (190°C) in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot. Carefully submerge egg rolls in small batches, frying for 3-4 minutes until achieving a golden, crispy exterior.
  6. Drain fried egg rolls on paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain crispness.
  7. Craft a creamy dipping sauce by blending ranch dressing, mashed avocado, buttermilk, cilantro, lime juice, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and well-incorporated.
  8. Serve hot egg rolls immediately with the prepared avocado-ranch sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Customize Protein Swap chicken with tofu, tempeh, or plant-based alternatives for vegetarian and vegan options.
  • Control Spice Level Adjust cayenne and jalapeno quantities to match personal heat tolerance, ensuring comfort for all palates.
  • Baking Alternative Skip deep-frying by brushing egg rolls with olive oil and baking at 425F for 15-20 minutes, creating a healthier version with less oil.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly Prepare filling and assemble egg rolls in advance, storing them refrigerated or frozen until ready to cook, perfect for meal prep and quick entertaining.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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