The Best Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls Recipe

If you are craving a bold, flavorful appetizer that truly hits all the right notes, look no further than The Best Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls Recipe. This dish combines tender shredded chicken, zesty spices, creamy Monterey Jack cheese, and vibrant veggies all wrapped snugly in a crispy, golden egg roll. Paired with a luscious avocado ranch dipping sauce, these eggrolls are bursting with Southwest charm and make for a perfect snack, party treat, or game day indulgence. I’m so excited to walk you through this delicious recipe that never fails to impress guests and satisfy cravings alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple yet packed with flavor, the ingredients for The Best Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls Recipe come together in harmony. Each component is carefully chosen to contribute to the creamy, spicy, and crunchy experience — from the creamy cheese to the fresh cilantro, every bite is a celebration of Southwest flair.

• 8 oz chicken breast cooked and shredded: The protein backbone that keeps these eggrolls hearty and satisfying.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the veggies to tender perfection with just the right aroma.
• 1/2 cup black beans (canned, rinsed, and drained): Adds earthy richness and a bit of extra fiber for balance.
• 1/2 cup corn (thawed frozen, canned, or fresh): Sweet bursts of flavor and a pop of color every bite.
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper diced: Introduces a crisp, slightly sweet crunch that brightens the mixture wonderfully.
• 1/4 cup green onions diced: For zesty, fresh onion notes that lift the overall flavor.
• 1 jalapeno pepper diced: Adjust the heat with this spicy kick — more or less depending on your taste!
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped: A must for that unmistakable Southwest herbal brightness.
• 1/3 cup frozen spinach thawed and chopped: Sneaks in vibrant green goodness and subtle earthiness.
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin: The warm, smoky spice that underpins all those Southwest vibes.
• 3/4 teaspoon chili powder: Adds complexity and a hearty depth of flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances every other ingredient’s taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Brings an exciting edge of heat without overwhelming.
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded: Melts beautifully to bind the filling with creamy, mild richness.
• 10-12 egg roll wrappers: The crisp, golden exterior that holds all the deliciousness together.
• Oil for frying: To achieve that irresistible crunchy texture.

For the Avocado Ranch Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup ranch dressing: Creamy base that brings cool, herby flavor.
• 1 medium ripe avocado mashed: Adds silky smoothness with subtle buttery notes.
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk: Brings tangy creaminess and thins the sauce to ideal dipping consistency.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro: A fresh burst of herbal brightness.
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoon lime juice: Light, citrusy lift that cuts through richness.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives subtle savory depth.
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a mild, sweet onion background flavor.

How to Make The Best Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating the olive oil in a medium skillet and sautéing the red bell peppers until they’re nice and tender. Then add the green onions, jalapeno, corn, black beans, thawed spinach, cumin, chili powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together and cook for about 3-4 minutes to soften the vegetables and let those spices meld beautifully. This fragrant veggie mix is packed with layers of Southwest goodness.

Step 2: Combine the Filling

Transfer your seasoned veggies to a large bowl and stir in the cooked, shredded chicken breast and fresh cilantro. Then add the Monterey Jack cheese and mix again. This combo is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor—perfect for stuffing into your egg roll wrappers.

Step 3: Wrap the Eggrolls

Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface with a corner pointed toward you. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken and veggie filling in the center. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then tuck in the sides and roll tightly toward the top. Use a dab of water to seal the final corner so your filling stays put during frying. Repeat until all the filling and wrappers are used.

Step 4: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully add the rolled eggrolls in batches, cooking each for 3-4 minutes until the wrappers turn golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Once fried, transfer them onto paper towels to drain excess oil. The crunch combined with that satisfying Southwest filling is pure magic.

Dipping Sauce: Blend the Avocado Ranch

While your eggrolls are frying, throw the ranch dressing, ripe avocado, buttermilk, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder into a blender. Blend until creamy and smooth. This cool, zesty dipping sauce perfectly complements the spicy, savory eggrolls with a fresh creamy touch.

How to Serve The Best Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle some extra chopped cilantro or green onions on top of your eggrolls for that bright pop of color and extra hint of herbal freshness. If you love a little more heat, add thin slices of fresh jalapeno or a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky finish. Garnishes aren’t just pretty—they add layers of flavor to every bite.

Side Dishes

These Southwest eggrolls pair beautifully with a crisp side salad featuring fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy lime vinaigrette. For something heartier, consider black bean and corn salsa or a bowl of creamy Mexican street corn (elote) to amplify that vibrant Southwest spirit. The contrast of textures and complementary flavors makes your meal a full-on fiesta.

Creative Ways to Present

Present these eggrolls sliced in half diagonally on a rustic wooden board or colorful platter to showcase the vibrant filling. Arrange dipping sauce cups alongside for easy access. For a party, create mini servings on skewers or serve alongside individual bowls of guacamole and pico de gallo for variety. The Best Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls Recipe is versatile and fun to serve in any setting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare because these disappear fast!), store the eggrolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy, avoid stacking them directly. Lining your container with paper towels helps absorb moisture and keeps the wrappers from getting soggy.

Freezing

Make a batch ahead by rolling the eggrolls but skipping the frying step. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until firm, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready, fry straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to cooking time for golden, crispy results any time you’re craving The Best Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls Recipe.

Reheating

To reheat while keeping the perfect crisp, bake eggrolls in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. This restores the crunch without drying out the flavorful filling. Microwave reheating is possible but may make the wrappers lose their crispiness.

FAQs

Can I make these eggrolls vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and double up on the beans, corn, and veggies. You can also add diced mushrooms or tofu for extra texture and protein. The spices and cheese still pack plenty of flavor for a satisfying vegetarian version of The Best Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls Recipe.

What’s the best oil to use for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils ensure the eggrolls fry evenly without burning and help achieve that golden crispy texture we all love.

Can I bake the eggrolls instead of frying them?

Yes! Baking is a lighter option. Brush the eggrolls with oil, place them on a parchment-lined sheet, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. While the outside won’t be quite as crispy as frying, baking still yields delicious results with less oil.

How spicy are these eggrolls?

The heat level depends on how much jalapeno you include and the cayenne in the filling. Feel free to reduce or remove the jalapeno if you prefer mild flavors or add extra if you love the kick. The Best Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls Recipe is very adaptable to your spice preference.

What can I substitute for Monterey Jack cheese?

Mild cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend work well as substitutes. Monterey Jack melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture, but feel free to experiment based on what you have on hand or prefer flavor-wise.

Final Thoughts

There is truly something magical about The Best Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls Recipe — from the vibrant, spiced filling to the crispy exterior and luscious avocado ranch dip. Whether for a casual get-together, game day feast, or simply a special snack, these eggrolls bring warmth and zest to the table that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your home too!

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