“Spice up your appetizer game with Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls! Bursting with bold flavors, these crispy rolls are filled with a mouthwatering blend of chicken, black beans, corn, and spices. Perfectly paired with a zesty dipping sauce, these irresistible egg rolls will transport your taste buds to the vibrant Southwest. Get ready for a fiesta of flavors in every bite!”
Southwestern Eggrolls (Just Like Chili’s)
If you’re a fan of Chili’s Southwestern Eggrolls, you’ll love this homemade version. Made with chicken, spinach, corn, and black beans, these eggrolls are packed with flavor. The exterior shell is made from a wonton wrapper or flour tortilla, and the filling includes a delicious mix of ingredients like red bell pepper, jalapeno peppers, Monterrey Jack cheese, and spices like cumin and chili powder.
To make these eggrolls, start by sauteing the chicken in vegetable oil until it’s nearly cooked through. Then add all the filling ingredients to the skillet and cook for a few more minutes. Next, add the cheese and let it melt into the mixture. Once the filling is ready, place it onto the wonton wrappers or flour tortillas and roll them up tightly.
You can choose to fry or bake these eggrolls depending on your preference. If frying, heat oil in a skillet until it reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit and fry the eggrolls for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. If baking, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 minutes per side.
What’s in a Southwestern Eggroll?
A Southwestern Eggroll is a delicious appetizer made with chicken, spinach, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, jalapeno peppers, Monterrey Jack cheese, cilantro, and a blend of spices including chili powder, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper. The filling is wrapped in a wonton wrapper or flour tortilla and then deep-fried or baked until crispy and golden brown.
The combination of ingredients creates a flavorful and satisfying bite. The chicken provides protein while the vegetables add texture and freshness. The spices give the eggroll a hint of heat and smokiness. The cheese brings creaminess and richness to the filling. Overall, the Southwestern Eggroll is a perfect blend of Southwest flavors that will have you craving for more.
How to Make Southwestern Eggrolls like Chili’s
To make Southwestern Eggrolls like Chili’s, start by finely chopping the chicken, red bell pepper, onion, cilantro, and thawed spinach. It’s important to chop everything into very small pieces so that they cook evenly and make it easy to roll up the eggrolls.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the chicken in vegetable oil until it is nearly cooked through. Then add all the filling ingredients and the spice mix. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 3 minutes before turning the heat down to medium-low.
Add the cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts into the mixture. Now it’s time to fill the wonton wrappers or flour tortillas with the mixture. Be careful not to overstuff them, as it will make rolling difficult.
To roll up the eggrolls, place a wrapper on a flat surface and fold in the left and right edges over the filling on each end. Fold the flap closest to you over the top of the ingredients and press firmly against them. Roll up tightly like a sleeping bag.
If you’re deep frying the eggrolls, heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet until it reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the eggrolls on all sides for approximately 3 minutes or until they turn golden brown. If you prefer baking them, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 minutes per side.
Serve these delicious Southwestern Eggrolls with an avocado cream sauce made by blending ranch dressing with avocado until smooth. Alternatively, you can serve them with pico de gallo salsa if you prefer less creamy sauces. Enjoy!
Mix up the spices
To create the flavorful spice mix for these Southwestern Eggrolls, combine chili powder and cumin in a bowl. Mix them up so they’re ready to go when you start cooking.
Finely chop the chicken, red bell pepper, onion, and cilantro into very small pieces. Thaw and squeeze the water out of the spinach before chopping it finely as well. It’s important for all the ingredients to be roughly the same size so they cook evenly and make rolling the eggrolls easier.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the chicken in vegetable oil until it’s nearly cooked through. Then add all the filling ingredients, including the spice mix. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 3 minutes before reducing the heat to medium-low. Add cheese to the mixture and stir until it melts into the filling.
Place a wonton wrapper or flour tortilla on a flat surface. Fold in the left and right edges over the ingredients at each end, then fold over the flap closest to you on top of the ingredients. Press firmly against the filling and roll tightly like a sleeping bag. Give it a light squeeze to compact all the ingredients together.
If frying, preheat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook each eggroll for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. If baking, place them on a baking sheet in an oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 minutes per side until golden brown.
Chili’s serves their Southwestern Eggrolls with an avocado cream sauce. To make it, blend ranch dressing with avocado until smooth. Alternatively, serve the eggrolls with pico de gallo salsa for a fresh and tangy flavor.
You can customize these eggrolls by leaving out or substituting ingredients based on your preferences. Some variations include using poblano peppers instead of jalapeños or using flour tortillas instead of wonton wrappers. You can also choose to fry or bake the eggrolls depending on your desired level of crispiness and healthiness.
Whether as an appetizer or a main meal, these Southwestern Eggrolls are best served alongside homemade guacamole, a bacon jalapeno cheeseball, or other Mexican-inspired side dishes like bacon and jalapeno corn salad or elote (Mexican street corn). Enjoy!
Chop up the Ingredients
Chop up the Ingredients:
To start making these Southwestern Eggrolls, you’ll need to finely chop a few of the ingredients so they are in very small pieces. Everything should be roughly the same size so it all cooks evenly and makes the roll easy to close.
First, finely chop the chicken, red bell pepper, onion, and cilantro. It’s important to make sure these ingredients are chopped into small pieces so that they blend well together in the filling. Additionally, thaw out and squeeze any excess water from the frozen spinach before chopping it finely as well.
Using a sharp knife and a cutting board, take your time to carefully chop each ingredient into small, uniform pieces. This will ensure that every bite of the eggroll is filled with a balanced combination of flavors.
Once all of your ingredients are chopped up and ready to go, you can move on to the next step in this delicious recipe.
Mix Everything Together
Mix Everything Together:
To make these delicious Southwestern Eggrolls, start by finely chopping the chicken, red bell pepper, onion, and cilantro into very small pieces. It’s important to ensure that all the ingredients are roughly the same size for even cooking and easy rolling. Thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out any excess water before chopping it finely as well.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add some cooking oil and sauté the chicken until it’s almost cooked through. Then add all the filling ingredients, including the spice mix, and stir everything together. Let it cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, before reducing the heat to medium-low.
Next, add the cheese to the skillet and stir it in to combine with the other ingredients. Allow the cheese to melt slowly into the mixture, creating a creamy and flavorful filling.
Once your filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the eggrolls. If using wonton wrappers or flour tortillas, place one on a flat surface and fold the left and right edges over the ingredients at each end. Then fold the flap closest to you over the top of the ingredients and press it firmly against them. Roll up tightly like a sleeping bag and give it a light squeeze to compact everything together.
If deep frying these eggrolls, heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet until it reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully add the eggrolls to the hot oil and fry them on all sides for about 3 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Remove them from the oil and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing them in half diagonally.
Alternatively, if you prefer baking instead of frying, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and place the assembled eggrolls on a baking sheet. Bake for approximately 8 minutes per side or until they begin to turn golden brown.
Serve these mouthwatering Southwestern Eggrolls with an avocado cream sauce made by combining ranch dressing and pureed avocado. Alternatively, you can also serve them with pico de gallo salsa for a fresh and tangy accompaniment.
Feel free to make adjustments to the recipe based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. You can leave out or substitute ingredients as needed without drastically affecting the outcome. Additionally, you can choose to use wonton wrappers or flour tortillas for the wrap, depending on your preference and what you have available in your kitchen.
Whether deep fried or baked, these Southwestern Eggrolls are sure to be a hit as an appetizer or even as a main meal. Enjoy them alongside homemade guacamole or other Mexican-inspired sides for a delicious and satisfying dining experience.
Stuff the Eggrolls
To stuff the eggrolls, start by placing a wonton wrapper or flour tortilla on a flat surface. Be sure not to overstuff the wrapper, as it will be difficult to roll up.
Next, add a spoonful of the filling mixture onto the wrapper. The filling should consist of finely chopped chicken, red bell pepper, onion, cilantro, spinach, and cheese.
Fold the left and right edges of the wrapper over the ingredients on each end. Then fold the flap closest to you over the top of the ingredients. Press the flap firmly against the filling and roll up tightly like a sleeping bag.
Once rolled, give it a light squeeze to compact all the ingredients together. This will help prevent any filling from falling out when you cut them in half.
Repeat this process until all of your eggroll wrappers or tortillas are filled and rolled.
You have two options for cooking your Southwestern Eggrolls – frying or baking.
If you choose to fry them, heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet until it reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully place the eggrolls into the hot oil and fry on all sides for approximately 3 minutes, or until they turn a nice golden brown color. Remove from oil and let cool on a wire rack.
If you prefer to bake them, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the eggrolls on a baking sheet and bake for about 8 minutes per side, or until they begin to turn golden brown.
Whether you choose to fry or bake your eggrolls is entirely up to your preference and dietary needs.
Serve your Southwestern Eggrolls with an avocado cream sauce or pico de gallo salsa for dipping. Enjoy as an appetizer alongside other delicious dishes or as a main meal with complementary sides.
Fry or Bake the Eggrolls
When it comes to cooking these Southwestern Eggrolls, you have the option to either fry them or bake them. At Chili’s, they are deep-fried for a crispy exterior. If you want to achieve the same effect, then frying is your best bet. However, if you prefer a healthier alternative with less oil, you can also bake them.
To fry the eggrolls, heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet until it reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the eggrolls to the pan and fry on all sides for approximately 3 minutes or until they turn a nice golden brown color. Be sure to keep a watchful eye on them so they don’t burn. Once fried, remove them from the pan and place them on a wire rack to cool. To serve, slice them in half at a diagonal.
On the other hand, if you choose to bake the eggrolls, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and place the filled eggrolls on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 8 minutes per side or until they begin to turn golden brown. Baking is a healthier option as it reduces the amount of added oil in comparison to frying.
Whether you decide to fry or bake these delicious Southwestern Eggrolls, they will surely be a hit at any gathering or as an appetizer for your meal. Serve them alongside an avocado cream sauce or pico de gallo salsa for an extra burst of flavor.
The Dipping Sauce
The dipping sauce for these Southwestern Eggrolls is a delicious avocado cream sauce. To make the sauce, you’ll need to combine ranch dressing with avocado and puree it in a blender until smooth. You can make your own ranch dressing using powdered mix, mayonnaise, and milk, or you can use store-bought if you prefer. Once the avocado cream sauce is blended together, serve it on the side as a dipping sauce for the eggrolls. If you’re not a fan of creamy sauces, you can also serve these eggrolls with a pico de gallo salsa for dipping. There are many variations and adjustments you can make to this recipe based on your preferences. For example, if you’re allergic to spinach like the author of this recipe, you can leave it out or substitute it with another vegetable. Additionally, if you don’t have eggroll wrappers on hand, you can use flour tortillas instead. The choice between frying or baking the eggrolls is also up to personal preference – frying will give them a crispy exterior similar to Chili’s, while baking will be a healthier option with less oil. Serve these Southwestern Eggrolls as an appetizer alongside guacamole or a cheeseball, or as a main meal with a side of corn salad or Mexican street corn.
Variations of an Eggroll
Eggrolls are a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
1. Vegetarian Eggrolls: If you prefer a meat-free option, you can omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and bell peppers. You can also substitute the cheese with tofu or a vegan cheese alternative.
2. Seafood Eggrolls: For seafood lovers, you can replace the chicken with shrimp or crab meat. Add some diced onions, celery, and garlic for extra flavor. Serve with a tangy dipping sauce like sweet chili or sriracha mayo.
3. Spicy Eggrolls: If you like your food with a kick, add extra jalapeno peppers or even some diced habanero peppers to the filling mixture. You can also sprinkle some hot sauce or chili flakes on top before serving.
4. Asian-Inspired Eggrolls: Experiment with flavors from different Asian cuisines by adding ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil to the filling mixture. Serve with a side of soy dipping sauce or sweet and sour sauce.
5. Fusion Eggrolls: Get creative by combining different culinary influences in your eggrolls. For example, add some kimchi and gochujang for a Korean twist, or use curry powder and coconut milk for an Indian-inspired variation.
Remember to adjust cooking times and temperatures accordingly when making these variations to ensure that they are cooked through and crispy on the outside.
What to Serve it With
These Southwestern Eggrolls are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of accompaniments. One option is to serve them with an avocado cream sauce, similar to the one served at Chili’s. To make the sauce, simply combine ranch dressing with avocado and blend until smooth. This creamy and tangy sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy eggrolls.
Another option is to serve these eggrolls with a pico de gallo salsa. The fresh and vibrant flavors of the salsa complement the savory filling of the eggrolls. You can either make your own pico de gallo by combining diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, lime juice, and salt, or you can use a store-bought version.
If you’re serving these eggrolls as a main meal rather than an appetizer, they can be accompanied by other Mexican-inspired dishes. A Bacon and Jalapeno Corn Salad or Elote (Mexican street corn) would be excellent choices. These side dishes add additional flavors and textures that complement the Southwestern Eggrolls perfectly.
Overall, there are plenty of options for what to serve with these Southwestern Eggrolls. Whether you choose a creamy avocado sauce, a zesty pico de gallo salsa, or other Mexican-inspired sides, these eggrolls are sure to be a hit at your next meal or gathering.
Southwestern Eggrolls
These Southwestern Eggrolls are a delicious appetizer inspired by the popular dish at Chili’s. Made with chicken, spinach, corn, black beans, and other flavorful ingredients, these eggrolls are crispy and packed with southwestern flavors. They are perfect for parties or as a tasty snack.
To make these eggrolls, start by sautéing chicken in a skillet until it’s nearly cooked through. Then add the remaining ingredients, including the spice mix, and cook until everything is well combined. Next, fill the wonton wrappers (or flour tortillas) with the filling mixture and roll them up tightly.
You can choose to deep fry or bake these eggrolls. If frying, heat oil in a skillet and fry the eggrolls until they are golden brown. If baking, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 minutes per side.
Serve these Southwestern Eggrolls with an avocado cream sauce or pico de gallo salsa for dipping. They make a great appetizer alongside other Mexican-inspired dishes or can be enjoyed as a main meal with sides like corn salad or Mexican street corn.
Ingredients
This recipe for Southwestern Eggrolls requires the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus extra for frying
- 1/4 cup frozen spinach, thawed, pressed and chopped
- Finely chopped chicken
- Finely chopped red bell pepper
- Finely chopped onion
- Finely chopped cilantro
- Wonton wrappers or flour tortillas
- Cooking oil (vegetable, canola, peanut) for frying
- Shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Salt and cayenne pepper to taste
To make the avocado cream sauce, you will need:
- Ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
- Avocado
- Milk (optional)
You can also serve these eggrolls with pico de gallo salsa if desired.
For the seasoning:
This Southwestern Eggroll recipe starts with a simple spice mix. Combine chili powder and cumin in a bowl and mix them up, so it’s ready to go.
To make the filling, finely chop the chicken, red bell pepper, onion, cilantro, and spinach. Make sure all the ingredients are roughly the same size for even cooking. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the chicken until it’s nearly cooked through. Then add all the filling ingredients and the spice mix. Stir everything together and cook for about 3 minutes before turning down the heat to medium-low. Add cheese to melt into the mixture.
Add the filling to wonton wrappers or flour tortillas. Be careful not to overstuff them as it will be difficult to roll them up. To roll, place a wrapper on a flat surface and fold the left and right edges over the ingredients on each end. Fold the flap closest to you over the top of the ingredients and press firmly against the filling. Roll up tightly like a sleeping bag and give it a light squeeze to compact the ingredients together.
If frying, heat oil in a heavy skillet until it reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry eggrolls on all sides for approximately 3 minutes or until golden brown. If baking, place eggrolls on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 minutes per side or until golden brown.
Chili’s Southwestern Eggrolls are typically served with an avocado cream sauce made by combining ranch dressing with avocado in a blender or food processor until smooth. They can also be served with pico de gallo salsa. Adjustments can be made to the recipe based on personal preferences, such as substituting ingredients or using different types of wrappers (wonton or flour tortillas). The eggrolls can be frozen before frying for reduced oil uptake. Serve as an appetizer with guacamole or a Bacon Jalapeno Cheeseball, or as a main meal with a Bacon and Jalapeno Corn Salad or Elote (Mexican street corn).
For the Eggrolls:
For the Eggrolls:
To make these delicious Southwestern Eggrolls, you’ll need a variety of ingredients including chicken, spinach, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, jalapeno peppers, Monterrey Jack cheese, cilantro, and various spices. Start by finely chopping all the necessary ingredients so that they are roughly the same size for even cooking and easy rolling.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the chicken in vegetable oil until it is almost cooked through. Then add in all the other filling ingredients along with a spice mix consisting of chili powder and cumin. Stir everything together and let it cook for a few minutes before turning down the heat to medium-low.
Next, add in the cheese and stir until it melts into the mixture. Now it’s time to assemble the eggrolls. Place a wonton wrapper or flour tortilla on a flat surface and carefully fold in the edges before rolling tightly like a sleeping bag. Give it a light squeeze to keep everything together.
You have options when it comes to cooking these eggrolls. If you prefer deep-frying, heat vegetable oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit and fry them for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 8 minutes per side.
Serve these tasty Southwestern Eggrolls alongside an avocado cream sauce made by blending ranch dressing with avocado until smooth. You can also pair them with pico de gallo salsa if you prefer something less creamy. Feel free to make adjustments based on your preferences by adding or substituting ingredients as desired.
Whether you choose to use wonton wrappers or flour tortillas, fry or bake them, these Southwestern Eggrolls are sure to be a hit as an appetizer or main meal. Enjoy!
For the dipping sauce:
For the dipping sauce:
To accompany these delicious Southwestern Eggrolls, you can make a simple and flavorful avocado cream sauce. One easy way to prepare this sauce is by combining ranch dressing with ripe avocado and pureeing it in a blender or food processor until smooth. You can use store-bought ranch dressing or make your own using a powdered mix, mayonnaise, and milk. Blend the ingredients together until you achieve a creamy texture. This avocado cream sauce adds a cool and creamy element to complement the spicy flavors of the eggrolls.
Alternatively, if you prefer a different type of sauce, you can serve these eggrolls with pico de gallo salsa. This traditional Mexican salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and spices adds a fresh and tangy flavor that pairs well with the savory eggroll filling.
Feel free to experiment with different sauces or condiments based on your personal preferences. The versatility of these Southwestern Eggrolls allows you to customize them to suit your taste buds.
Instructions
To make these Southwestern Eggrolls, start by preparing the spice mix. In a bowl, combine chili powder and cumin. Set aside.
Next, finely chop the chicken, red bell pepper, onion, cilantro, and spinach. Make sure all the ingredients are roughly the same size so they cook evenly and are easy to roll.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil and sauté the chicken until it’s almost cooked through. Then add all the filling ingredients along with the spice mix. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 3 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the Monterrey Jack cheese to the skillet. Stir until it melts into the mixture.
Now it’s time to fill the wrappers. Place a wonton wrapper on a flat surface and fold the left and right edges over the ingredients on each end. Fold the flap closest to you over the top of the ingredients and press firmly against them. Roll up tightly like a sleeping bag and give it a light squeeze to compact the filling.
If you prefer crispy eggrolls, freeze them for a few hours before frying. Otherwise, heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or skillet (about 1/8 inch deep) over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the eggrolls for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown.
If you want a healthier option, you can bake these eggrolls instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for approximately 8 minutes per side or until golden brown.
To serve these Southwestern Eggrolls like Chili’s does, prepare an avocado cream sauce by blending ranch dressing with avocado in a blender or food processor until smooth. You can also serve them with pico de gallo salsa if you prefer a non-creamy sauce.
These eggrolls can be enjoyed as an appetizer alongside homemade guacamole or a Bacon Jalapeno Cheeseball. They can also be served as a main meal with sides like Bacon and Jalapeno Corn Salad or Elote (Mexican street corn).
Notes
These Southwestern Eggrolls can be customized to suit your preferences. Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your taste. For example, you can add diced tomatoes or jalapenos for an extra kick of flavor.
If you don’t have access to wonton wrappers, you can use flour tortillas as a substitute. Just make sure to adjust the cooking method accordingly – fry the wonton wrappers and bake the flour tortillas.
For a healthier alternative, you can bake these eggrolls instead of frying them. Simply place them on a baking sheet and cook for about 8 minutes per side at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
The avocado cream sauce served with these eggrolls can be made by combining ranch dressing with mashed avocado. If you prefer a non-creamy option, you can serve them with pico de gallo salsa.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings to create your own unique twist on this recipe. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Nutrition
These Southwestern Eggrolls are a delicious appetizer option that can be enjoyed at home. While they may not be the healthiest choice, they can still be enjoyed in moderation. The exact nutritional information will depend on the specific ingredients and cooking methods used, but here is a general overview of the potential nutrition profile:
A serving of Southwestern Eggrolls (approximately 1-2 rolls) may contain around 200-300 calories. The majority of these calories come from carbohydrates and fats, with a smaller amount coming from protein.
The eggrolls are likely to have a moderate amount of fat, as they are typically fried or baked. However, baking them can reduce the overall fat content compared to deep frying. It’s important to note that the type of oil used for frying can also impact the nutritional value.
The filling of the eggrolls includes various vegetables such as spinach, red bell pepper, and onion. These vegetables provide important vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber. Additionally, black beans contribute plant-based protein and dietary fiber.
The cheese used in the recipe adds flavor and texture but also contributes to the overall fat content. Choosing lower-fat cheese options or reducing the amount used can help make this dish slightly healthier.
It’s worth mentioning that the avocado cream sauce served with these eggrolls may add additional calories and fat to the meal. However, avocados are a good source of healthy fats and provide essential nutrients.
Overall, while these Southwestern Eggrolls may not be considered a health food, they can still be enjoyed as an occasional treat when prepared in moderation.
In conclusion, Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls are a delicious and satisfying appetizer that perfectly combines the flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. With their crispy exterior and flavorful filling, they are sure to please any palate. Whether enjoyed as a snack or shared with friends, these egg rolls are a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their dining experience.
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