Chilis Southwest Eggrolls Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful appetizer that’s sure to impress your family and friends, you’ve found it! This Chilis Southwest Eggrolls recipe is not just another dish; it’s a celebration of flavors wrapped in a crispy shell. The combination of seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, and peppers creates a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these eggrolls will be the star of the show!

What makes this recipe special is its versatility and ease of preparation. You can whip them up in no time, making them an excellent choice for quick dinners or meal prep. Plus, they’re packed with wholesome ingredients, so you can feel good about serving them to your loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 50 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have delicious eggrolls ready to enjoy without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: These eggrolls are a hit with both kids and adults. They’re fun to eat and bursting with flavor!
• Make Ahead: Prepare them in advance and keep them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to fry them up fresh.
• Customizable: Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.
• Perfect for Dipping: Serve with ranch or your favorite dips for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how simple and wholesome the ingredients are for this recipe. Most likely, you already have many of these items in your pantry! Let’s gather everything we need to make these scrumptious Chilis Southwest Eggrolls.

For the Filling

• 8 oz chicken breast (cooked and shredded)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup black beans (canned, rinsed, and drained)
• 1/2 cup corn (can use thawed frozen corn, canned, or fresh)
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper (diced)
• 1/4 cup green onions (diced)
• 1 jalapeno pepper (diced; add more or less depending on how spicy you’d like your eggrolls to be)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1/3 cup frozen spinach (thawed and chopped)
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
• 10-12 egg roll wrappers

For the Dipping Sauce

• Oil for frying
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 medium ripe avocado (mashed)
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily modify it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Swap the Protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or ground turkey instead of chicken breast for a different twist.
• Add More Veggies: Toss in some zucchini or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with more beans or quinoa for a hearty vegetarian option.
• Change Up the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar to give your eggrolls a new flavor profile.

How to Make Chilis Southwest Eggrolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions, red bell pepper, jalapeno, spinach, and cook until they soften. This step helps release their natural flavors and makes the filling deliciously aromatic!

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the cooked chicken, black beans, corn, cilantro, spices, and cheese. Stir everything together until well mixed. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 3: Fill the Wrappers

Take one egg roll wrapper at a time. Place about two tablespoons of filling near one corner of each wrapper. Fold over the corner tightly around the filling then roll it up tightly while folding in the sides. This helps keep all that yummy goodness inside!

Step 4: Fry Away!

In a deep pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place several eggrolls in hot oil, cooking until golden brown on each side—about 3-4 minutes per side should do it! Frying gives them that perfect crispy texture everyone loves.

Step 5: Prepare Your Dipping Sauce

While those eggrolls are frying away, mix together mashed avocado with buttermilk, cilantro, lime juice, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. This creamy dip pairs wonderfully with our savory eggrolls!

Now you’re all set! Enjoy your homemade Chilis Southwest Eggrolls as an appetizer or snack at any gathering—trust me; they won’t last long!

Pro Tips for Making Chilis Southwest Eggrolls Recipe

Making the perfect eggrolls can be a delightful adventure, and with these pro tips, you’ll impress everyone with your culinary skills!

• Preheat Your Oil: Ensuring the oil is hot enough before frying helps achieve that beautiful crispy texture. If the oil isn’t hot, the eggrolls can absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Don’t Overfill: Keep your filling modest; overfilling can lead to messy eggrolls that burst open during cooking. A generous tablespoon of filling is usually just right.
• Seal Properly: Make sure to seal your eggroll wrappers tightly using a bit of water. This prevents any filling from leaking out while frying and keeps the eggrolls intact.
• Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño or cayenne pepper based on your preference for spiciness. This way, you can make them as mild or fiery as you’d like!
• Experiment with Dipping Sauces: While ranch is a classic, don’t hesitate to mix things up! Try serving with guacamole or a zesty salsa for an exciting twist.

How to Serve Chilis Southwest Eggrolls Recipe

These delicious eggrolls not only taste amazing but also look appealing when served right. Here are some fun ideas to present your dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing! Squeezing fresh lime juice over the eggrolls enhances their taste.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: A vibrant blend of corn, lime juice, cilantro, and spices that brings a refreshing crunch to your meal.
• Guacamole: Creamy avocado mixed with lime and spices makes a perfect dip that pairs wonderfully with the crispy texture of the eggrolls.
• Black Bean Salsa: This hearty salsa made from black beans, tomatoes, and onions adds a nice protein-packed side that complements the flavors in your eggrolls.
• Simple Green Salad: A light green salad dressed in olive oil and vinegar provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the eggrolls.

Enjoy preparing and serving these delightful Chilis Southwest Eggrolls—they’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chilis Southwest Eggrolls recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch in advance, store them, and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to handle leftovers and prepare for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• After frying, let the eggrolls cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Lay the cooled eggrolls on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen eggrolls to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until crispy.
• If reheating from the fridge, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about this delightful recipe:

Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken in the Chilis Southwest Eggrolls Recipe?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds delicious flavor to your eggrolls. Just ensure it’s well seasoned!

What type of cheese works best for Chilis Southwest Eggrolls Recipe?

Monterey Jack cheese is traditional, but you could also use pepper jack for extra spice or cheddar for a sharper taste. Choose what you love!

How do I make these eggrolls vegetarian?

To make vegetarian-friendly Chilis Southwest Eggrolls, simply omit the chicken and increase the amount of black beans and veggies. They will still be super tasty!

Can I bake instead of fry my eggrolls?

Yes! For a healthier option, brush them with olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.

What dipping sauces pair well with Chilis Southwest Eggrolls?

They’re delicious with ranch dressing as suggested in the recipe! You could also try salsa, guacamole, or even a zesty yogurt dip.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Chilis Southwest Eggrolls recipe brings joy to your kitchen! It’s such a fun dish that combines bold flavors with crispy texture—perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in. Enjoy making these delightful bites, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your fillings! Happy cooking!