Are you craving a light, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal? Look no further than these delicious chicken spring rolls! Perfect as a healthy lunch, a quick dinner, or even a vibrant appetizer, these homemade spring rolls are surprisingly easy to make and bursting with fresh, spring flavors. This recipe is a fantastic option for those seeking quick dinner ideas or simply delicious dishes that are both satisfying and healthy. Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals with this simple yet impressive recipe!
Ingredients:
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For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded (you can grill, bake, or boil it)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
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For the Spring Rolls:
- 1 package (12-14 count) spring roll wrappers (rice paper wrappers)
- Warm water for soaking wrappers
- Optional dipping sauce: peanut sauce, sweet chili sauce, or hoisin sauce
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken Filling:
- If you haven't already, cook the chicken breast until fully cooked through. Let it cool slightly before shredding it with two forks.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, carrots, red cabbage, bean sprouts, cilantro, mint, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed and the flavors combine.
Assembling the Spring Rolls:
- Prepare a shallow dish with warm water. Dip each rice paper wrapper in the warm water for a few seconds until softened. Lay it flat on a clean surface.
- Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken filling in the center of the wrapper, leaving about an inch of space from the edge.
- Fold the bottom edge of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides, and tightly roll it up like a burrito.
- Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Serving your Spring Rolls:
- Serve the spring rolls immediately with your choice of dipping sauce. Peanut sauce, sweet chili sauce, or hoisin sauce all pair beautifully with these fresh rolls.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Spring Rolls:
- Don't over-soak the wrappers: Soak them just long enough to soften; otherwise, they'll become too fragile to roll.
- Use a damp cloth: Keep a damp cloth handy to cover the wrappers you're not using to prevent them from drying out.
- Don't overfill: Overfilling the rolls makes them difficult to roll and can lead to messy spills.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Spring Rolls: Omit the chicken and add other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or mushrooms. Tofu can also be a delicious addition.
- Shrimp Spring Rolls: Substitute cooked shrimp for the chicken.
- Spicy Spring Rolls: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the chicken filling for an extra kick.
Nutritional Information (per spring roll, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fat: 5-8g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
These chicken spring rolls are a testament to the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients. They're a healthy meal, packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!