Craving a delicious and satisfying meal that's both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this copycat Chili's Southwestern Egg Roll recipe! These crispy, flavorful egg rolls are packed with a Southwestern-inspired filling of seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, and cheese, all wrapped in a perfectly golden-brown wrapper. Get ready for a taste sensation that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for game day. This recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes you can easily make at home.
Ingredients: You'll Need These to Create Magic
This recipe makes approximately 12 egg rolls. Adjust quantities as needed.
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For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For Assembly:
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let's Get Cooking!
1. Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Veggies: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Combine the Ingredients: Stir in the black beans, corn, cheddar cheese, taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Egg Rolls: Lay an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface with a corner pointing towards you. Place about 1/4 cup of the filling in the center of the wrapper.
5. Fold and Roll: Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the side corners. Roll tightly towards the top corner, sealing the edge with a little beaten egg.
6. Fry to Perfection: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Carefully place the egg rolls in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain and Serve: Remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sour cream, salsa, or guacamole. These are fantastic quick dinner ideas for a busy weeknight.
Cooking Tips for Egg Roll Success
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the egg rolls in batches to ensure even cooking and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
- Cool the Filling: Allowing the filling to cool slightly before assembling the egg rolls prevents the wrappers from becoming soggy.
- Use a Little Egg Wash: The beaten egg acts as an adhesive, helping to seal the egg roll wrappers and prevent them from opening during frying.
Variations: Customize Your Southwestern Delight
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the filling for an extra spicy twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground chicken with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled firm tofu for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend.
Nutritional Information (Per Egg Roll - Approximate)
These values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and the explosion of Southwestern flavors in every bite! It’s a testament to the power of homemade cooking and easily ranks among the best recipes out there.