Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These eggrolls are crispy, hearty, and full of bold Southwestern flavor. They are perfect for entertaining and can be baked or fried depending on your preference.
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Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls: Crispy, Spicy, and Packed with Bold Flavor
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 eggrolls
- Diet: Halal
Description
Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls are crispy, golden tortillas filled with a flavorful mixture of chicken, black beans, corn, peppers, spinach, and melted cheese, served with a creamy dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 large flour tortillas
- Oil for frying
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (for dipping)
- 1 tbsp chipotle sauce or hot sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, black beans, corn, bell pepper, spinach, cheese, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Warm tortillas slightly to make them flexible.
- Spoon filling evenly onto each tortilla.
- Fold in sides and roll tightly like a burrito.
- Heat oil to 175°C (350°F) in a deep skillet.
- Fry eggrolls in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Mix ranch dressing with chipotle sauce for dipping.
- Slice eggrolls diagonally and serve with dipping sauce.
Notes
- Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes for a lighter option.
- Do not overfill to prevent bursting.
- Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooked chicken breast provides tender protein and structure to the filling.
Black beans add heartiness and earthy flavor.
Corn kernels contribute sweetness and texture.
Red bell pepper adds color and mild sweetness.
Green onions provide freshness and mild sharpness.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese melts smoothly and balances spice.
Spinach adds subtle earthiness and color.
Cumin delivers warm, smoky depth.
Chili powder adds gentle heat and Southwestern character.
Garlic powder enhances savory flavor.
Salt sharpens and balances the seasoning.
Black pepper adds mild warmth.
Eggroll wrappers create the crisp outer shell.
Vegetable oil is used for frying to achieve golden crispness.
Sour cream forms the base of the creamy dipping sauce.
Lime juice brightens the dipping sauce with citrus notes.
Directions
In a large bowl, combine cooked shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, spinach, shredded cheese, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
Place an eggroll wrapper on a flat surface. Spoon a portion of the filling into the center. Fold in the sides and roll tightly, sealing the edge with a small amount of water.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the eggrolls in batches until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Drain on paper towels.
For the dipping sauce, mix sour cream with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt. Serve alongside the warm eggrolls.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 12 eggrolls, serving 6 as an appetizer. Preparation takes 20 minutes, with frying time of 10 to 15 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
Variations and Customizations
Southwest Eggrolls are highly adaptable. I tested this recipe with diced jalapeños for extra heat, which added a pleasant kick. For a lighter option, bake the eggrolls at high temperature until golden instead of frying.
You can substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience. Adding diced avocado after cooking provides creamy contrast.
For a spicier dipping sauce, mix in a small amount of hot sauce or chipotle powder. These adjustments allow you to customize flavor intensity while maintaining the signature Southwestern character.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do Not Overfill
Overfilling can cause wrappers to tear.
Seal Properly
Use water along the edges to prevent opening.
Maintain Oil Temperature
Consistent heat ensures even browning.
Serve Immediately
Best enjoyed hot and crispy.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at high temperature until crisp and golden.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze before frying and cook directly from frozen.
Are they very spicy?
They are moderately spiced and adjustable.
What dipping sauces pair well?
Sour cream, chipotle sauce, or ranch complement them nicely.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Yes, omit chicken and add extra beans or vegetables.
How do I keep them crispy?
Reheat in an oven or air fryer rather than microwave.
Conclusion
Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls deliver crispy texture and bold, satisfying flavor in every bite. Perfect for entertaining or casual meals, this homemade version captures the spirit of the restaurant favorite while allowing you to adjust flavors to your liking.
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