Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls

Introduction

Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls are a crispy, flavorful appetizer packed with a delicious blend of Tex-Mex ingredients. These golden, crunchy eggrolls are filled with seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, spinach, cheese, and southwestern spices, creating a perfect balance of bold flavors and creamy textures.

The first time I made these at home, the aroma alone had everyone eagerly waiting to dig in. The combination of the crispy shell and the warm, cheesy filling is simply irresistible. And let’s not forget the dipping sauce! A cool and tangy avocado-ranch dip takes these eggrolls to the next level, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory filling.

Whether you’re making them for game day, a party, or just as a fun dinner, these eggrolls are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re easy to prepare and even better when shared, making them a go-to appetizer for any occasion.

Perfect for:

• Party appetizers
• Game day snacks
• Tex-Mex lovers
• Family dinners
• Dipping sauce enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls

Here’s why Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls will become a favorite:

• Crispy and Flavorful: The eggroll wrappers fry up perfectly golden and crispy, complementing the rich and savory filling.
• Tex-Mex Inspired: The combination of chicken, black beans, corn, and spices gives these eggrolls an irresistible southwestern flair.
• Creamy and Cheesy: The Monterey Jack cheese melts into the filling, adding a deliciously creamy texture.
• Easy to Make Ahead: These eggrolls can be prepped ahead of time and fried or air-fried when you’re ready to serve.
• Great for Dipping: The cool avocado-ranch sauce pairs perfectly with the warm, crispy eggrolls.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 12 eggrolls
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls:

For the Eggrolls:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 eggroll wrappers
• 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Avocado-Ranch Dipping Sauce:

• 1 ripe avocado, mashed
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken provides a hearty, protein-rich base for the filling.
• Black Beans and Corn: These add texture, color, and a classic southwestern flavor.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach brings a subtle earthiness and extra nutrients.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: This mild, creamy cheese melts beautifully, binding the filling together.
• Eggroll Wrappers: These fry up perfectly crispy, holding the filling together for that signature crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, black beans, corn, spinach, red bell pepper, and green onions.
2. Add the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.

Assemble the Eggrolls:

3. Lay an eggroll wrapper on a clean surface, with one corner pointing towards you (like a diamond).
4. Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of the wrapper.
5. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll the wrapper tightly towards the top.
6. Brush the top corner with the beaten egg to seal the roll. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

Cook the Eggrolls:

7. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
8. Fry the eggrolls in batches, turning occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
9. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Make the Avocado-Ranch Dipping Sauce:

10. In a small bowl, mash the avocado until smooth.
11. Stir in the ranch dressing, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

How to Serve Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls

Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls are best served hot with the avocado-ranch dipping sauce. Here are some serving ideas:

• As an Appetizer: Serve them on a platter with extra dipping sauce.
• Party Platter: Arrange them alongside other Tex-Mex favorites like nachos and queso.
• Side Dish: Pair with a light salad or a bowl of tortilla soup.
• Dipping Variety: Try serving with salsa, sour cream, or chipotle mayo for extra options.

Additional Tips for Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls

Here are some tips to ensure your eggrolls turn out perfect every time:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For convenience, use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Don’t Overfill: Adding too much filling makes it difficult to roll and can cause the eggrolls to burst while frying.
• Seal Tightly: Make sure the edges are sealed well with the egg wash to prevent them from opening while frying.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
• Make Them Ahead: Assemble the eggrolls and freeze them before frying for a quick snack or appetizer.
• Bake Instead: Place eggrolls on a baking sheet, brush lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until crispy.
• Double-Fry for Extra Crispiness – Fry once at a lower temperature (325°F) to cook through, then fry again at 375°F for a crispier texture.
• Bake or Air-Fry for a Healthier Option – Brush with oil and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or air-fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes
• Freeze for Later – Assemble the eggrolls and freeze them before frying for easy make-ahead snacks.
• Serve with Avocado Ranch – Blend ranch dressing with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for an authentic dip.
• Don’t Overstuff – Use about 2 tablespoons of filling per wrapper to avoid tearing and ensure even cooking..

Recipe Variations for Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls

Here are 10 variations you can try for Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls:

• Spicy Southwest Eggrolls: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
• Buffalo Chicken Eggrolls: Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning before wrapping.
• BBQ Chicken Eggrolls: Swap the spices for BBQ sauce for a smoky-sweet flavor twist.
• Cheesy Jalapeño Eggrolls: Use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack and add diced jalapeños.
• Vegetarian Southwest Eggrolls: Omit the chicken and add more beans, corn, and spinach for a meatless option.
• Beef Southwest Eggrolls: Use seasoned ground beef instead of shredded chicken for a heartier filling.
• Shrimp Southwest Eggrolls: Add chopped cooked shrimp for a seafood-inspired version.
• Chorizo and Cheese Eggrolls: Replace the chicken with spicy chorizo for a bolder flavor.
• Taco Eggrolls: Mix in taco-seasoned ground beef and cheddar cheese for a taco-inspired variation.
• Breakfast Southwest Eggrolls: Add scrambled eggs and crumbled bacon for a breakfast twist.

Freezing and Storage for Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls

• Freezing: Place assembled, uncooked eggrolls on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze. Once firm, transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 2 months. Fry or bake directly from frozen.
• Storage: Store cooked eggrolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispiness.

Special Equipment for Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls easier:

• Deep Fryer or Heavy Skillet: For frying the eggrolls evenly.
• Tongs: To safely turn and remove the eggrolls from hot oil.
• Paper Towels: For draining excess oil after frying.
• Food Processor: To quickly mash the avocado for the dipping sauce.
• Baking Sheet: If you choose to bake instead of fry.
• Air Fryer: A healthier alternative for crispy eggrolls.

Frequently Asked Questions for Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls

1. Can I bake these instead of frying?
   Yes, bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, you can freeze them before frying and cook them straight from frozen.
3. Can I use corn tortillas instead of eggroll wrappers?
   No, tortillas won’t hold up as well when fried, but you can try wonton wrappers for a smaller version.
4. How do I keep the eggrolls crispy?
   Serve immediately or reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
5. What other dipping sauces work well?
   Try salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or chipotle mayo.

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Conclusion

Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls are a deliciously crispy, flavor-packed appetizer perfect for any occasion. With their bold Tex-Mex filling and creamy avocado-ranch dip, these eggrolls are sure to impress. Whether you’re making them for a party, family night, or just because, this recipe will bring restaurant-quality flavor to your table.

This recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat, making it a great addition to game nights, gatherings, or even a simple weeknight treat. The combination of crispy shells and savory filling will have everyone reaching for more.

I’d love to see how your Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!