Craving crispy, cheesy Southwest Eggrolls from Chili’s without leaving your kitchen? You’re in luck! These golden bites are stuffed with smoky chicken, black beans, corn, peppers, and melted cheese, making every bite a fiesta. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal, this recipe lets you recreate a restaurant favorite at home.
Ingredients
For the Eggroll Wrappers:
- 12 eggroll wrappers
For the Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 medium red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1 (15-oz) can black beans, rinsed & drained
- 1 (15-oz) can corn, drained
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded (~2 small breasts)
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Southwest Ranch Dipping Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add red & green peppers, red onion, and jalapeño. Cook 5-7 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.
- Add Beans & Corn: Stir in black beans and corn. Cook 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Incorporate Chicken & Spices: Add shredded chicken, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes.
- Melt Cheese: Lower heat and stir in Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack until melted and gooey.
- Finish with Cilantro: Stir in fresh cilantro and allow the filling to cool slightly before rolling.
Tip: Cooling prevents soggy wrappers and tearing during assembly.
Step 2: Assemble the Eggrolls
- Prepare Your Workspace: Lay out wrappers, cooled filling, and a small bowl of water (for sealing).
- Position the Wrapper: Place a wrapper in a diamond shape with a point facing you.
- Add Filling: Spoon ~1/4 cup of filling in the center.
- Fold & Roll: Fold bottom corner over filling, tuck sides in, brush top corner with water, then roll tightly.
- Repeat: Continue with remaining wrappers and filling.
Tip: Don’t overfill or wrappers may burst during frying.
Step 3: Make Southwest Ranch Dipping Sauce
- Combine Base: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk.
- Add Flavor Boosters: Stir in cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic & onion powders, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
Step 4: Fry the Eggrolls
- Heat Oil: Pour 3 inches of oil into a pot, heat to 350–375°F (175–190°C).
- Fry in Batches: Place 3-4 eggrolls at a time. Fry 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain: Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack with paper towels.
- Serve Immediately: Pair with Southwest Ranch sauce.
Tip: Maintain proper oil temperature for perfectly crispy eggrolls.
Serving Ideas
- Party Platter: Serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
- Eggroll Bowls: Serve filling over rice or quinoa with toppings.
- Southwest Salad: Chop eggrolls over mixed greens with beans, corn, and avocado.
- Lunchbox Treat: Pack 1-2 eggrolls for a midday snack.
Recipe Notes
- Add extra jalapeño or cayenne for heat.
- Cooling the filling slightly prevents soggy wrappers.
- Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature.
- Dipping sauce can be prepared 3 days in advance.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make these vegetarian?
A: Yes! Omit chicken and add extra beans or sautéed vegetables.
Q2: Can I bake instead of fry?
A: Absolutely. Brush with oil and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q3: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Store fried eggrolls in an airtight container for 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Q4: Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
A: Yes, the filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
Q5: What other dipping sauces work well?
A: Guacamole, avocado ranch, or a simple sour cream are delicious alternatives.
Conclusion
These homemade Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls are more than a copycat recipe—they’re a flavor explosion! The combination of crispy shell, cheesy chicken, beans, corn, and bold Southwest spices makes every bite irresistible. Whether for parties, game days, or a fun weeknight snack, these eggrolls are sure to impress.
