These Southwest-inspired egg rolls combine shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and cheese with bold spices for a flavorful filling. Wrapped tightly in crisp egg roll skins and fried until golden brown, they offer a crunchy bite perfect for game day or gatherings. Accompanied by a smooth avocado ranch dip, the creamy blend of avocado, sour cream, and fresh lime juice complements the spicy, savory filling. Ideal as a party snack or appetizer, these rolls balance zest and richness for a satisfying treat.
The house was packed for the Super Bowl party and I was scrambling to put out something everyone would actually eat. I had leftover rotisserie chicken, a random can of black beans, and egg roll wrappers hiding in the back of the freezer. These southwest egg rolls happened completely by accident and disappeared faster than anything else on the table.
My brother-in-law took one bite, looked me dead in the eye, and asked if I was secretly a chef. The best part was watching my normally picky nephew reach for a second one without even realizing he was eating beans and peppers. Now every game day, these are the first thing people ask about.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here and saves you so much time
- 1 cup canned black beans: Rinse them well to keep the filling from getting too dark or watery
- 1 cup canned corn kernels: Sweet pops of corn balance out the spices beautifully
- 1 red bell pepper: Dice it small so you get little crunches throughout every bite
- 2 green onions: Both the white and green parts add a nice mild onion flavor
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack: This melts perfectly and holds everything together
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro: Brightens up the whole filling and makes it taste fresh
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: This is what gives it that distinct southwest flavor profile
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds warmth without too much heat for sensitive palates
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: The smoky flavor makes these taste restaurant-quality
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Evenly distributes garlic flavor without any raw bite
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just enough subtle warmth in the background
- 12 egg roll wrappers: Keep them covered with a damp towel while you work so they do not dry out
- 1 ripe avocado: Makes the dip incredibly creamy without being too heavy
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Tangy base that balances the rich avocado
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Gives the dip body and helps it coat the egg rolls nicely
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk: Thins the dip to the perfect drizzling consistency
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice: Brightens and cuts through all the rich ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro: Fresh herb flavor makes the dip taste homemade
- 1 small garlic clove: Just a tiny kick to wake up the dip
- 3 cups vegetable oil: You need enough depth so the egg rolls float and cook evenly
Instructions
- Mix the filling:
- Throw everything into a big bowl and really get your hands in there to mix it well
- Roll them up:
- Keep your wrapper corners pointing at you like a diamond, pile the filling on the bottom third, fold that corner up tight, tuck in the sides like you are making a burrito, then roll to the top and seal with water
- Get the oil ready:
- Heat it to 350 degrees and do not skip this part because cold oil makes soggy greasy egg rolls
- Fry them golden:
- Cook three or four at a time so you do not crowd the pan, turn them occasionally so they brown evenly, and pull them out when they look like perfect golden crispy tubes
- Blend the dip:
- Throw everything in the blender and let it run until it is completely smooth and creamy
- Serve them hot:
- Let them drain for just a minute on paper towels then get them to the table while they are still screaming hot
These have become such a staple at our house that my daughter actually requested them for her birthday instead of cake. Something about eating with your hands and dipping makes everything taste better.
Make Ahead Magic
You can assemble all the egg rolls up to a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Fry them right before people arrive and your house will smell amazing.
The Baking Shortcut
Brush the assembled egg rolls with oil and bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. They are not quite as crispy as fried but still totally delicious.
Party Perfect Tips
Set up a little station with extra lime wedges and maybe some hot sauce for the brave souls. Cut them in half diagonally before serving to stretch them further.
- Keep the dip chilled until the last minute
- Line your serving platter with parchment for easy cleanup
- Double the recipe because they will go faster than you think
Watch how fast these disappear and then promise yourself you will double the batch next time.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients create the Southwest filling?
-
The filling includes shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, green onions, shredded cheese, and a mix of cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder for bold flavor.
- → How can I achieve crispy egg rolls when frying?
-
Heat vegetable oil to approximately 350°F (175°C) and fry egg rolls in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden and crisp, turning occasionally.
- → Is there a way to prepare these without frying?
-
Yes, brush the assembled egg rolls lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, turning once until golden and crisp.
- → What ingredients make the creamy avocado ranch dip?
-
The dip blends ripe avocado, sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, fresh lime juice, cilantro, garlic, salt, and black pepper for a smooth, tangy complement.
- → Can this dish be adapted for vegetarians?
-
Omit the chicken and add extra black beans or chopped mushrooms to maintain a hearty filling without meat.