Southwestern Eggrolls from Chili's feature a flavorful blend of spicy chicken, black beans, corn, jalapenos, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a crispy golden wonton shell and served with a tangy avocado-ranch dipping sauce.
Equipments
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Mixing bowls
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet or tray
- Tongs
- Deep fryer or large pot (for frying)
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Food processor or blender (for sauce)
- Small bowl (for sauce)
- Whisk (for sauce)
- Plate or platter (for serving)
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup canned black beans
- 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced green onions
- 2 tablespoons diced jalapenos
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large flour tortillas or egg roll wrappers
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
When preparing Southwestern Eggrolls, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a tender texture and ensure the spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika are measured accurately to achieve the authentic Southwestern flavor. Black beans and frozen corn add essential texture and sweetness, while jalapenos provide the signature spicy kick; adjust the jalapeno quantity to match your preferred heat level. For the wrapper, large flour tortillas or specialty egg roll wrappers each yield different textures, with flour tortillas offering a softer bite and egg roll wrappers delivering extra crispiness. Vegetable oil should be heated to the proper frying temperature to avoid soggy or greasy eggrolls, and draining them on paper towels helps maintain their crispness. Your homemade Southwestern Eggrolls from Chili's copycat menu will capture the perfect balance of spicy, cheesy, and tangy flavors for an irresistible appetizer.
Instructions
- Dice chicken breasts on cutting board.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper; cook until done.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, green onions, jalapenos, Monterey Jack cheese, and cheddar cheese; mix well.
- Lay out flour tortillas or egg roll wrappers on a flat surface.
- spoon filling onto each wrapper, roll tightly, tuck in sides, and seal edge with a bit of water.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry eggrolls in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove with slotted spoon; drain on paper towels.
- Prepare avocado-ranch sauce: In food processor or blender, combine avocados, ranch dressing, mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt; blend until smooth.
- Transfer sauce to small bowl; whisk if needed.
- Arrange eggrolls on plate or platter.
- Serve warm with avocado-ranch dipping sauce.
Substitution
Southwestern Eggrolls from Chili's copycat menu combine spicy chicken, black beans, corn, jalapenos, and cheese wrapped in a crispy shell with a creamy avocado-ranch dip. You can substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian option without sacrificing flavor. If wonton wrappers are unavailable, large flour tortillas can be used, although the texture will be less crispy. Baking the rolls instead of frying offers a healthier alternative, but frying ensures the signature crunch. Adjust the jalapeno quantity or use mild peppers to control the heat level based on your preference.
Tips
Ensure the chicken is diced into uniform pieces before cooking to allow even seasoning absorption from the chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Use a proper deep-frying thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350degF (175degC), which prevents greasy or undercooked eggrolls. When rolling the eggrolls, tuck in all sides tightly and seal the edges with water to avoid filling leakage during frying. Your avocado-ranch dipping sauce benefits from blending until completely smooth for the best creamy texture and consistent flavor.
Nutritions
Southwestern Eggrolls from Chili's offer a rich source of protein from the boneless chicken breasts and a good amount of dietary fiber thanks to black beans and corn. The blend of cheeses provides calcium and adds to the overall fat content, while the jalapenos contribute vitamins A and C with a spicy kick. Your serving includes healthy fats from avocados found in the avocado-ranch dipping sauce, which also delivers essential nutrients like potassium. This dish balances flavors and nutrition, making it both satisfying and nutrient-rich when consumed in moderation.
Storage
Store Southwestern Eggrolls in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth. Reheat eggrolls in an oven or air fryer at 350degF (175degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore their golden crisp texture without sogginess. Keep the avocado-ranch dipping sauce separate in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 2 days to preserve its freshness and flavor for your next meal.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap chicken breasts for shredded rotisserie chicken to save prep time while maintaining flavor intensity. Use whole wheat or spinach tortillas as a healthier, nutrient-packed alternative to traditional egg roll wrappers. Oven-bake the eggrolls at 400degF for 15-20 minutes instead of frying to reduce oil content and achieve a crispy texture. Enhance your avocado-ranch sauce by adding a small jalapeno or a dash of smoked paprika for an extra smoky kick.
Allergies
Southwestern Eggrolls from Chili's contain common allergens such as dairy from shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, and gluten from the flour tortillas or egg roll wrappers. The dipping sauce includes mayonnaise and sour cream, which may pose issues for those with egg or dairy allergies. If you have food sensitivities, be cautious of potential cross-contamination during frying with vegetable oil.
Why this recipe?
Southwestern Eggrolls from Chili's restaurant are popular due to their flavorful blend of smoked chicken, black beans, corn, jalapenos, and melted cheese wrapped in a crispy flour tortilla. The combination offers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors that appeal to a wide range of taste preferences. Making a copycat version allows you to customize the ingredients and spice levels to suit your personal taste while enjoying a restaurant-quality appetizer at home. Your homemade Southwestern Eggrolls can become a crowd-pleasing dish that's both delicious and fun to prepare.