Southwestern Egg Rolls

These Southwestern Egg Rolls are packed with juicy chicken, melty Pepper Jack cheese, black beans, corn, and fresh bell peppers—all wrapped in a crispy, golden tortilla! A Chili’s Restaurant copycat, this easy appetizer can be fried, air-fried, or baked to perfection. Serve them with a creamy avocado ranch dip for the ultimate Tex-Mex snack!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy & Cheesy – A perfect balance of crunchy exterior and gooey filling.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in just 17 minutes!
• Customizable – Adjust spices, fillings, or protein to your liking.
• Multiple Cooking Methods – Fry, bake, or air-fry for a lighter option.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Egg Rolls:

• 1½ cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
• ½ cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
• ½ cup corn
• ⅓ cup red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
• 2 cups Pepper Jack cheese (shredded)
• 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika)
• 1¼ teaspoons onion powder
• 1¼ teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 12 taco-size flour tortillas
• Oil for frying (if frying)

For the Avocado Ranch Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup mashed avocado
• ½ cup ranch salad dressing
• 2½ tablespoons sour cream
• 3 teaspoons lime juice

Directions

Step 1: Make the Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, black beans, corn, bell peppers, spinach, cheese, and cilantro.
2. Add cumin, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Mix everything together until evenly combined.

Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls

1. Lay out a tortilla and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of filling onto the center.
2. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly like a burrito. Seal the edges with a bit of water.
3. Repeat until all tortillas are filled and rolled.

Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method

Frying (Best for Crispiest Rolls)

1. Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, fry the egg rolls for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
3. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Baking (Healthier Option)

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place egg rolls on a baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking oil.
3. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

Air Frying (Crispy & Light)

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly spray egg rolls with oil and place in a single layer.
3. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 4: Make the Dipping Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mash the avocado until smooth.
2. Mix in ranch dressing, sour cream, and lime juice. Stir until well combined.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

• Serve the egg rolls hot with avocado ranch dip on the side!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 egg rolls
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version – Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or tofu.
• Extra Spicy – Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the filling.
• Cheese Swap – Use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend instead of Pepper Jack.
• Tortilla Alternative – Use egg roll wrappers instead of tortillas for a lighter, crispier shell.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked egg rolls for up to 3 months. Cook straight from frozen, adding extra time.
• Reheating:
  • Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes
  • Air Fryer: 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes
  • Microwave: 30-45 seconds (less crispy option)

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Roll them up and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even quicker.

How do I prevent them from becoming soggy?

Make sure the filling isn’t too wet and avoid overstuffing.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! Baking at 400°F for 18-20 minutes works well.

What can I serve these with?

They pair well with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or extra ranch dressing.

Can I use corn tortillas?

Flour tortillas work best, as corn tortillas are more prone to breaking.

Can I use store-bought taco seasoning instead of individual spices?

Yes! Use 1½ tablespoons taco seasoning in place of the listed spices.

Can I make a larger batch?

Yes! Just double the ingredients and freeze extras for later.

Can I air fry frozen egg rolls?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Do these taste like Chili’s egg rolls?

Yes! This recipe is a spot-on copycat of Chili’s famous Southwestern Egg Rolls.

Conclusion

These Southwestern Egg Rolls are packed with Tex-Mex flavors, crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and incredibly easy to make. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, they’re a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado ranch dip.

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