If you love bold Southwestern flavors and crispy, crunchy appetizers, these Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls are a must-try! Packed with seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, peppers, and gooey cheese, these egg rolls are bursting with flavor in every bite.
They are crispy on the outside and loaded with a smoky, cheesy, and slightly spicy filling that makes them irresistible. Whether you bake, fry, or air-fry them, they are the perfect party appetizer, game-day snack, or meal prep option.
So, let’s dive in and make the best homemade Southwest chicken egg rolls! 🌮🔥
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Crispy & Flavorful – A crunchy shell with a savory, cheesy filling.
✔️ Perfectly Spiced – Seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
✔️ Easy to Make – Can be baked, fried, or air-fried for convenience.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Freeze them for later and reheat anytime!
✔️ Customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap proteins, or make them vegetarian.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great!)
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Egg Rolls:
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
- Oil for frying (or spray for baking/air-frying)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chopped cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder (optional for spice)
👉 Learn the best way to fold egg rolls here
🔥 How to Make Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, mix together shredded chicken, black beans, corn, bell peppers, green onions, shredded cheese, and cream cheese.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir until everything is well combined and coated in seasoning.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner facing you (diamond shape).
- Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of filling into the center.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides.
- Brush the top corner with beaten egg, then roll tightly to seal.
- Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 3: Cook the Egg Rolls
Option 1: Deep Frying (Crispiest!)
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the egg rolls for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Option 2: Baking (Healthier Option)
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place egg rolls on a greased baking sheet and spray them lightly with cooking spray.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
Option 3: Air Frying (Best of Both Worlds!)
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place egg rolls in the basket in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden brown.
Step 4: Make the Dipping Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, ranch dressing, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and chipotle powder.
- Serve alongside the warm egg rolls and enjoy!
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 12 egg rolls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-20 minutes (depending on method)
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
🔥 Variations & Additions
1. Spicy Southwest Egg Rolls
- Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
2. Vegetarian Southwest Egg Rolls
- Replace chicken with extra black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or diced sweet potatoes.
3. Beef or Shrimp Egg Rolls
- Swap chicken for ground beef, shredded beef, or chopped shrimp.
4. Cheesy Ranch Egg Rolls
- Add extra cheese and a bit of ranch seasoning to the filling for a creamy twist.
5. Breakfast Southwest Egg Rolls
- Use scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheese for a morning version.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store cooked egg rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Arrange uncooked egg rolls on a baking sheet, freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. They last up to 3 months.
How to Reheat
- Oven/Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
- Skillet: Reheat in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes per side.
- Microwave: Not recommended, as it will make them soft.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and freeze them uncooked, then fry or bake straight from frozen.
2. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! It saves time and adds great flavor.
3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free egg roll wrappers or rice paper for a different texture.
4. What dipping sauces go well with these?
Try them with avocado ranch, chipotle mayo, salsa, or queso.
5. Why are my egg rolls not crispy?
If baking or air-frying, lightly spray them with oil to get that crispy texture.
6. Can I use wonton wrappers instead?
Yes, but they will be smaller and cook faster.
7. Do I have to use cream cheese?
No, but it adds creaminess! You can substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
8. How can I make these less spicy?
Skip the chipotle powder and reduce the chili powder for a milder version.
9. Can I fry these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air-frying is a great way to make them crispy without deep frying.
10. Can I use corn tortillas instead of egg roll wrappers?
Not recommended—they won’t hold together as well, but you can try wrapping them like taquitos!
🎉 Final Thoughts
These Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls are crispy, cheesy, and packed with smoky, bold flavors. Whether you bake, fry, or air-fry them, they are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
Try this easy homemade egg roll recipe today, and let us know how it turns out! 🌮🔥
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