Chilis Southwest Chicken Eggrolls

Chilis Southwest Eggrolls have everything I love in a handheld snack crispy wrappers filled with a colorful jumble of chicken black beans corn and zesty veggies all melty with cheese. If you are craving those restaurant egg rolls but want to make them at home this recipe nails it every time with that creamy avocado ranch on the side that makes each bite irresistible.

When I first made these for my friends everyone begged for the recipe and now I bring them to every game day get together. They disappear within minutes so I always double the batch.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast cooked and shredded: gives a hearty bite use rotisserie for a shortcut
• Olive oil for sautéing: adds richness and helps veggies soften choose extra-virgin for the best flavor
• Black beans canned rinsed and drained: give protein and a creamy texture pick a can with low sodium for better control
• Corn: adds sweetness and juicy bursts frozen canned or fresh all work well
• Red bell pepper diced: brings color and crunch pick bright heavy peppers for best flavor
• Green onions diced: give fresh bite choose ones with crisp green tops
• Jalapeno pepper diced: adds a little kick adjust the amount for your spice level
• Fresh cilantro chopped: brightens up the filling always use fresh for punchy flavor
• Frozen spinach thawed and chopped: sneaks in greens squeeze out moisture so egg rolls stay crisp
• Ground cumin: earthy and smoky choose a fresh fragrant spice for best depth
• Chili powder: brings southwest flavor check the freshness for vibrant color and aroma
• Salt: ties the flavors together taste as you go to avoid over salting
• Cayenne pepper: for heat you can omit or bump up to taste
• Monterey Jack cheese shredded: melts smoothly for a cheesy pull buy block cheese and shred for smoother melting
• Egg roll wrappers: the crispy vessel look for pliable wrappers at most supermarkets or Asian markets
• Oil for frying: get a neutral oil with a high smoke point I use canola or vegetable oil

For the Avocado Ranch Dipping Sauce

• Ranch: creamy base for the dip use your favorite brand or homemade
• Ripe avocado mashed: adds buttery richness make sure the avocado is soft but not overripe
• Buttermilk: makes the sauce lighter and tangy shake before measuring
• Fresh cilantro chopped: adds herbiness always use fresh leaves for best results
• Lime juice: boosts freshness and keeps the sauce green use freshly squeezed
• Salt: brightens all the flavors taste the dip and adjust as needed
• Garlic powder: rounds out the flavor pick one with a fragrant aroma
• Onion powder: subtle savory background choose a quality powder for smooth blending

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Filling:

Dice and measure all the vegetables shred the chicken and prep cheese and spinach before starting This makes the process smooth and keeps you organized

Sauté the Veggies:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add red bell peppers and sauté until softened about three minutes Stir in green onions jalapeno corn black beans spinach cumin chili powder salt and cayenne pepper Cook for three to four minutes stirring often until veggies are tender and fragrant

Mix the Filling:

Transfer the cooked veggie mixture to a large bowl Add shredded chicken and chopped cilantro Toss well to combine Sprinkle in the shredded cheese and mix again until evenly distributed

Fill and Roll Egg Rolls:

Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you Spoon about a quarter cup of filling into the wrapper Fold the bottom up over the filling then bring in the corners on each side and roll up tightly Use a dab of water to seal the top corner Continue until you run out of filling or wrappers

Fry the Egg Rolls:

Heat oil in a deep pan to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit Fry the egg rolls in batches for three to four minutes turning as needed until all sides are golden brown and crispy Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil

Make the Avocado Ranch Dipping Sauce:

In a blender or food processor combine ranch dressing mashed avocado buttermilk chopped cilantro lime juice salt garlic powder and onion powder Blend until completely smooth Taste and adjust seasoning

Serve:

Stack the crispy egg rolls on a platter Serve hot with a bowl of avocado ranch for dipping

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My favorite ingredient is Monterey Jack cheese because it melts so smoothly and becomes the glue that holds every bite together. Watching my kids break open hot egg rolls and dip them into the vibrant green sauce always brings me back to our first homemade batch when everyone crowded around the kitchen island for just one more.

Storage Tips

Let any leftover egg rolls cool completely before refrigerating Wrap them in foil or plastic and store in an airtight container for up to three days For longer storage freeze uncooked egg rolls in a single layer before transferring to a ziptop bag Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken in place of chicken breast If you want extra smoke add a pinch of smoked paprika Try cheddar or pepper jack cheese for more punch You can also use wheat tortillas instead of wrappers for easier rolling

Serving Suggestions

Pile the egg rolls high on a platter and serve with extra avocado ranch Some like them with spicy salsa or a side of sour cream Cut each roll in half for easy party nibbles They pair perfectly with a light salad or classic chips and guacamole

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Cultural Context

Southwest eggrolls are an American spin on Tex-Mex flavors They draw inspiration from traditional egg rolls but use Southwest ingredients like beans and peppers The avocado ranch dip brings the cool creamy balance that makes this dish so memorable at restaurants

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I bake instead of fry the eggrolls?

Yes, you can brush the rolls with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until browned and crispy, flipping halfway through.

→ What proteins can replace chicken?

Shredded turkey, beef, or even tofu make great substitutes. Simply cook and season as you would the chicken before adding.

→ How spicy are these rolls?

Spice level depends on jalapeno and cayenne. Adjust the amount for a milder or hotter experience to suit your preference.

→ Can I prepare them ahead of time?

Wrap and refrigerate the un-fried rolls up to 24 hours in advance, or freeze and fry directly from frozen, adding extra time.

→ What dipping sauces work well?

Cilantro-lime yogurt sauce, classic ranch, or spicy chipotle mayo all pair nicely if you want something different from avocado ranch.