The Best Chili's Southwest Eggrolls Recipe

If you're looking for a delicious appetizer that is easy to make and will fill you up - this is the recipe for you! Southwest Eggrolls are a popular appetizer at Chili's Grill & Bar and are a must-try.

These eggrolls are packed with chicken, melted cheese, sweet corn, black beans, and fresh spinach, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden-brown shell that adds a delightful crunch to every bite. 

Whether you're hosting a game day party or simply having a casual get-together with friends and family, these eggrolls are sure to impress your guests. They are not only easy to prepare but also packed with delicious tex-mex flavors. You can serve them with fresh avocado dipping sauce to get that perfect Chili's restaurant experience right at home.

Ingredients for this Chili's Southwest Eggrolls Recipe

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.

Southwest Egg Rolls

• Chicken Breast: shredded chicken breast adds both protein and flavor to your egg rolls. For quick shredded chicken, you can use a rotisserie chicken.
• Olive Oil: is used to sauté red peppers and keep veggies from sticking to the pan while prepping your filling. 
• Black Beans: add a rich, earthy flavor to your filling. They're also a staple in southwest cuisine, bringing a yummy texture to your egg rolls. 
• Corn: add a sweet flavor and add texture to your egg rolls. I like to use sweet corn kernels in this recipe. 
• Red Bell Pepper adds sweetness and a crunch to your recipe. It also gives your filling a pop of color. 
• Green Onion: add a fresh, oniony flavor and crisp texture to your egg roll filling. 
• Jalapeño Peppers: add a spicy kick to your egg rolls. You can adjust this ingredient based on your taste preferences. 
• Spinach adds a mild, earthy flavor and a bright green color. 
• Cilantro: provides a fresh citrusy and peppery flavor which compliments the other ingredients well.
• Ground Cumin: has a warm, earthy, and slightly nutty flavor that is authentic to southwest cuisine. 
• Chili Powder: helps give your eggrolls a bit of a kick without overpowering the other flavors in the dish. 
• Salt: helps with enhancing the flavors of your egg roll filling. 
• Cayenne Pepper: adds to the spice of your egg rolls; you're welcome to adjust the amount used. 
• Monterey Jack Cheese: has a creamy and smooth texture that melts perfectly with the other ingredients while these egg rolls are cooking. It also has a mild tangy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients. 
• Egg Roll Wrappers: are crispy and hold the filling together well when frying. If you can't find egg roll wrappers, you can substitute for a tortilla. 
• Oil: is used for frying. I recommend using vegetable or canola oil as they have a high smoke point, making them great options for frying. 

Avocado Ranch Dipping Sauce

• Ranch: is the base of this sauce and provides a tangy flavor and creamy texture. 
• Avocado: adds a bit of color, creamy texture, and buttery flavor to your sauce. 
• Buttermilk: has both a creamy texture and a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory egg rolls. 
• Cilantro: adds to both flavor and color of this dipping sauce. It has a fresh vibrant flavor with hints of citrus. 
• Lime: is bright, citrusy and adds a refreshing flavor to your sauce. 
• Salt: helps with enhancing the flavor of your avocado dipping sauce. 
• Garlic Powder: adds a pungent and savory flavor to your sauce. 
• Onion Powder: gives your ranch sauce a rich and savory flavor while adding a hint of sweetness. 

How to make this Chili's Southwest Eggrolls Recipe

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions.

Egg Rolls

1. In a large skillet, add the olive oil and saute the red bell peppers until tender. Add in the green onions, jalapeño peppers, corn, black beans, fresh spinach, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and cayenne pepper, and mix well. We want the veggies to get slightly softer than they already are. So cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
2. Transfer the veggies to a medium bowl then add in the shredded chicken breast and the cilantro and mix well. Add in the shredded cheese and mix again. 
3. Place the egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing towards you. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the filling onto the center of the wrapper.
4. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly. Use a dab of water to seal the top corner. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
5. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry the egg rolls in batches for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Dipping Sauce

1. For the dipping sauce, combine ranch dressing, avocado, buttermilk, cilantro, white vinegar, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a blender. Blend until smooth.
2. Serve the egg rolls hot with the avocado ranch dressing on the side. Enjoy your homemade Chili's Southwest Egg Rolls!

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?

Of course! I recommend making the filling and rolling the eggrolls but stopping just before frying them. If you plan to fry your eggrolls within the next few days, simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to cook them.

If you'd like to make a larger batch of Chili's Southwest Eggrolls to have on hand for later, you can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to fry them, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. 

Can I bake these egg rolls instead of frying them?

There are two ways to cook egg rolls - frying and baking.

Frying is the traditional method that gives the rolls a crispy outside while baking them can make them a bit lighter.

To bake egg rolls, preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush olive oil on the rolls for added flavor and to help them brown. Then, place egg rolls on the parchment paper and bake them for 15-20 minutes until they turn golden and crispy. Allow them to cool before serving.

What is the best dipping sauce for Chili's Southwest Eggrolls?

Egg rolls are a tasty appetizer that can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce. Avocado Ranch Dip is a great option to pair with egg rolls because of its creamy texture. However, you can also try regular ranch, chipotle ranch, salsa, or sour cream.

How do I roll the egg rolls?

Rolling egg rolls is not as difficult as it may sound. The most important thing to keep in mind is to wrap them tightly to prevent them from falling apart while frying. To roll, place a generous amount of filling in the center of the egg roll wrapper, fold the bottom up until the filling is snug, then tuck in the sides and roll. I recommend applying a small amount of water to the seal to make sure it stays closed.

Why are my egg rolls soggy?

There are a few reasons why your egg rolls might not have crisped up. The first reason could be that your oil did not reach the correct frying temperature before you put the egg rolls into the fryer. If you put them in before the oil is hot enough, they might become too greasy or soggy.

Another reason is that you might have overcrowded the egg rolls in the fryer. It's important to make sure that the egg rolls are not touching each other while cooking as they may not cook evenly or crisp up properly. I recommend frying your egg rolls in batches and then placing them on a paper towel to remove any excess oil before serving.

Can I make these egg rolls vegetarian? 

Yes, and it's super easy. You just need to remove the chicken from the filling and add a few more veggies. I recommend adding more bell peppers or mushrooms. They will add flavor to the dish without overpowering it completely.

How do I store leftover Chili's Southwest Eggrolls? 

In the fridge: If you have any leftover egg rolls, store them in an airtight container for up to four days. To reheat them, put them in the toaster or regular oven until they're crispy.

In the freezer: You can freeze your Southwest Eggrolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When you're ready to eat them, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the oven until crispy. 

The Best Chili's Southwest Eggrolls Recipe