Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the beloved Chili’s southwest egg rolls! They’re crispy, savory, and filled with all those amazing flavors that just make you smile. The first time I tried them, I was at a friend’s birthday party, and I couldn’t believe how delicious they were! I knew right then that I had to recreate them at home. And guess what? You can make your very own copycat Chili’s southwest egg rolls that taste just as good, if not better! They’re perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked just like I was!
Ingredients for Copycat Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making these scrumptious egg rolls! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (leftover rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced (for that sweet crunch)
- 1/4 cup green onion, sliced (adds a fresh zing)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (for a warm, earthy flavor)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (a little kick never hurt anyone!)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (adds depth to your filling)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack—your choice!)
- 8 large flour tortillas (you want them big enough to hold all that goodness)
- Oil for frying (enough to cover the bottom of your pan)
Make sure everything is prepped and ready to go, because once you start, you won’t want to stop until you have these golden, crispy delights in your hands!
How to Prepare Copycat Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the fun part—making those delicious copycat Chili’s southwest egg rolls! Trust me, the aroma that fills your kitchen while you cook is simply irresistible.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, in a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, sliced green onion, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded cheese. Mix everything together until it’s well combined—this filling is going to be packed with flavor!
- Next, take a large flour tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the filling right in the center. Don’t be shy, but be careful not to overfill it! You want to be able to fold it without any spillage.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to the top. Make sure it’s snug so the filling doesn’t escape while frying. You can use a little water to seal the edges if needed.
- Now, heat about an inch of oil in a deep pan over medium heat. You’ll want it hot but not smoking—about 350°F (175°C) is perfect. A simple test is to drop a small piece of tortilla in; it should sizzle right away!
- Carefully place a few egg rolls into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. It’s like a crunchy hug for your taste buds!
- Once they’re done frying, use a slotted spoon to remove the egg rolls and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step is key for keeping them crispy!
And just like that, you’ve got yourself a batch of homemade goodness! Serve them hot and enjoy every crunchy, cheesy bite.
Tips for Success
To make sure your copycat Chili’s southwest egg rolls turn out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, using leftover rotisserie chicken is a total game changer—it saves time and adds incredible flavor. Also, when you’re frying, make sure the oil is hot enough; if it’s not, the egg rolls can absorb too much oil and become soggy. Keep an eye on them while they fry, turning them carefully to ensure even crispiness on all sides.
If you’re making a big batch and want to keep them crispy before serving, place them on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This way, air circulates around them, preventing any moisture from settling. Trust me, these little tricks will elevate your egg rolls to a whole new level!
Variations on Copycat Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls
One of the best things about these copycat Chili’s southwest egg rolls is how versatile they are! You can totally switch up the filling to suit your taste. For a vegetarian option, try adding sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for that extra texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some jalapeños for a spicy kick or throw in some diced avocado for creaminess.
Another fun idea is to mix in some different cheeses—pepper jack adds a nice heat, while queso fresco gives a delightful crumbly contrast. You can also experiment with spices; a dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne can bring a whole new flavor profile to your egg rolls. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Serving Suggestions
These copycat Chili’s southwest egg rolls are amazing on their own, but they really shine when paired with some delicious dips and sides! I highly recommend serving them with fresh salsa or a creamy avocado dip—both add a wonderful contrast to the crispy egg rolls. If you’re looking to elevate your meal, consider serving them alongside a zesty cilantro-lime rice or a crisp garden salad to balance out the flavors. You can even add some refried beans for a heartier side. Trust me, these pairings will make your egg roll experience even more delightful!
Nutritional Information for Copycat Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls
When you indulge in these tasty copycat Chili’s southwest egg rolls, you might be curious about the nutritional breakdown. Each egg roll is estimated to contain about 250 calories, 12g of fat, 10g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the ingredients you choose, especially if you opt for different types of cheese or tortillas. But no worries—enjoying these delicious treats in moderation is key!
FAQ About Copycat Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls
Got questions about making these delightful copycat Chili’s southwest egg rolls? No problem, I’ve got you covered!
Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and roll them up a few hours in advance. Just cover them tightly and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry. This way, you can enjoy fresh, hot egg rolls with minimal fuss!
What if I don’t have black beans? No worries! You can easily substitute with pinto beans or even refried beans for a creamier texture. Just make sure to drain and rinse any canned beans to keep the filling from getting too wet.
Can I bake these instead of frying? Yes! For a healthier twist, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Just brush them lightly with oil before baking to get that crispy texture.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them in the oven to regain some of that crunch.
Can I freeze them? Yes! Just freeze them before frying. When you’re ready to enjoy, fry them straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the frying time.
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try making these copycat Chili’s southwest egg rolls! I promise they’ll be a hit at your next gathering or just for a cozy night in. Once you’ve made them, I’d love to hear how it went! Please share your experiences in the comments, and if you enjoyed the recipe, give it a rating. Happy cooking!
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Copycat Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls: 5 Flavorful Secrets
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 egg rolls 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These are copycat versions of Chili’s famous southwest egg rolls, filled with chicken, black beans, corn, and spices.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup green onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 8 large flour tortillas
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix chicken, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, green onion, spices, and cheese.
- Place a generous amount of the filling in the center of each tortilla.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling and roll tightly.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Fry the egg rolls until golden brown on all sides.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
- Try using leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Serve with salsa or avocado dip for added flavor.
- You can bake the egg rolls at 400°F for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: copycat chilis southwest egg rolls
