Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls with Avocado Ranch Dipping Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Southwest Egg Rolls bring a flavorful twist to a classic appetizer with a delicious filling of chicken, veggies, and melted cheese wrapped in crispy tortillas. Perfect for a party snack or a satisfying meal, these egg rolls pair wonderfully with a creamy avocado ranch dipping sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ cup diced white onion
• ¼ cup diced red bell peppers
• 2 cups rotisserie chicken (diced or shredded)
• ½ cup black beans
• ½ cup canned corn
• ¼ cup frozen spinach (thawed, drained, and chopped)
• 4 oz can green chiles
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese
• 1 ½ teaspoon taco seasoning
• 6-8 (6 inch) flour tortillas
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped)
• ½ cup mashed avocado
• ½ cup ranch dressing

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the dipping sauce by mixing the mashed avocado with ranch dressing in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Step 3: Add diced onions and red bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions are softened and translucent.
4. Step 4: Stir in the diced chicken, black beans, spinach, corn, green chiles, and taco seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese over the mixture and stir until melted.
6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in chopped cilantro to combine.
7. Step 7: Divide the filling evenly among the flour tortillas.
8. Step 8: Roll each tortilla tightly and fold in the ends to form egg roll shapes.
9. Step 9: In a large frying pot, heat several inches of vegetable oil until hot enough for frying (about 350°F or 175°C).
10. Step 10: Carefully place the rolled tortillas into the hot oil in batches. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
11. Step 11: Remove the cooked egg rolls and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
12. Step 12: Slice the egg rolls in half and serve warm with the chilled avocado ranch dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, freeze the assembled egg rolls for 15 minutes before frying.
• Substitute rotisserie chicken with cooked ground turkey or beef for a different protein option.
• Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free alternative, but handle carefully as they can be more fragile.
• Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling for a spicier kick.
• To bake instead of fry, brush the rolls lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess. The dipping sauce can be kept chilled separately for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these egg rolls in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the egg rolls and refrigerate them for a few hours before frying. Just be sure to fry them fresh to maintain a crispy texture.

What can I use if I don’t have taco seasoning?

You can make a simple seasoning blend with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt as a substitute for taco seasoning.