Southwest chicken egg rolls

These Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls are a fantastic way to bring bold, spicy flavors into a fun handheld bite. Ideal for game day snacks or casual gatherings they combine hearty chicken with black beans, corn, and melty cheese in a crisp wrapper.

I first made these egg rolls on a whim to use up leftover chicken and they immediately became a crowd favorite. They freeze beautifully which means snack emergencies are easily solved.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken: shredded or chopped for easy shredding and fast cooking use fresh or leftover rotisserie chicken for the best texture
• Corn: drained and rinsed adds subtle sweetness look for firm kernels that are not mushy in the can
• Black beans: drained and rinsed provide hearty texture and protein choose low sodium cans if possible
• Spinach: chopped imparts a fresh green note and packs in nutrients pick baby spinach for a tender bite
• Diced red bell pepper: delivers crisp sweetness get vibrant red peppers for the best flavor contrast
• Diced jalapeno: de-seeded controls spice level remove seeds carefully if you want mild heat
• Cumin: adds warm earthiness freshly ground powder offers the most aroma
• Chili powder: contributes smoky depth choose a balanced blend not overly salty
• Salt: balances the flavors opt for kosher or sea salt for better seasoning control
• Black pepper: freshly ground to brighten the filling
• Monterey jack cheese: melts beautifully with mild flavor go for freshly grated cheese to avoid clumping
• Egg roll wrappers: get fresh if possible keep them covered to prevent drying out

Instructions

Build The Filling:

Combine the shredded chicken corn black beans chopped spinach diced red bell pepper and diced jalapeno in a large mixing bowl. Add cumin chili powder salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the ingredients evenly. Stir in the shredded Monterey jack cheese last making sure it is distributed well throughout the mixture.

Prepare The Wrappers:

Lay out one egg roll wrapper on a clean dry surface pointing one of the corners toward you so it looks like a diamond. This orientation makes rolling easier and neater.

Fill The Egg Rolls:

Place about two to three tablespoons of the prepared filling in the center of the wrapper just above the corner closest to you. Be careful not to overfill to prevent tearing or leaks.

Roll And Seal:

Fold the corner closest to you up and over the filling then tuck the two side corners in tightly against the filling to create a neat pouch. Continue rolling toward the far corner to complete the egg roll. To seal use a moistened finger with water and press firmly along the open edges. Place the finished egg roll onto a lined baking sheet seam side down.

Repeat And Chill:

Repeat the filling and rolling process until all filling and wrappers are used. Once assembled place the egg rolls in the freezer for at least 15 minutes to firm up. This step makes frying or baking easier and cleaner.

Cook To Golden Perfection:

For baking preheat oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit (two hundred degrees Celsius) and bake the egg rolls on a lined baking sheet for fifteen to twenty minutes until they turn golden brown and crisp. If frying heat oil accordingly and fry until golden and cooked through.

My favorite ingredient has to be the smoky chili powder it lifts the whole filling with a warm depth I learned not to skip toasting the seasoning beforehand in other dishes to really make the aromas pop. These egg rolls remind me of watching weekend football games with family sharing bites hot from the oven alongside guacamole and salsa.

Storage Tips

Store leftover cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to preserve crispness. To freeze wrap each egg roll individually in plastic wrap then seal in a freezer bag for up to two months. Bake or fry from frozen adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.

Ingredient Swaps

Use ground turkey or firm tofu as a substitute for chicken for a different protein profile Swap Monterey jack with cheddar or pepper jack to add extra punch Try adding finely chopped green onions or cilantro for fresh herbal notes

Serving Ideas

Serve these egg rolls with a side of fresh salsa guacamole or sour cream for dipping. Pair with a simple corn salad or a fresh green salad with a zesty lime dressing to balance the richness.

The perfect blend of bold flavors and easy preparation makes these Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls a must-try for all skill levels.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ Can I bake the egg rolls instead of frying them?

Yes, baking at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes yields crispy, golden egg rolls without added oil.

→ How spicy are these egg rolls?

The diced jalapeno and chili powder provide a mild to medium spice level that can be adjusted to taste.

→ What cheese works best in these egg rolls?

Monterey Jack melts well and complements the southwestern spices beautifully.

→ Can leftover egg rolls be frozen?

Yes, freezing before cooking helps preserve freshness. Cook them directly from frozen, adjusting cook time as needed.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these egg rolls?

Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole all enhance the savory, spicy flavors nicely.