Ever find yourself craving that irresistible appetizer from Chili’s, the one with the crispy shell and the amazingly flavorful, creamy filling? You know the one. It’s the dish you always end up fighting over with your friends because nobody wants to be the one to take the last bite. I’m right there with you. That’s why I knew I had to master a copycat Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls recipe right in my own kitchen. And let me tell you, this version is so good, it might just ruin takeout for you (in the best way possible).

These eggrolls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. They’re perfect for game day, a fun family dinner, or when you just need a little Tex-Mex inspired treat. The combination of spiced chicken, black beans, corn, and melted cheese, all wrapped up and fried to golden perfection, is simply magical. The best part? You can whip them up yourself and enjoy that restaurant-quality flavor without ever leaving your house.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Southwest Eggrolls Recipe

• Surprisingly Simple: While they look impressive, the process is straightforward and totally doable, even on a busy weeknight.
• Better Than Takeout: You control the ingredients, meaning you can make them as mild or as spicy as your heart desires.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze them for future cravings. They’re a lifesaver for unexpected guests!
• Totally Customizable: Swap the chicken for shrimp, add different cheeses, or throw in some extra veggies. It’s your kitchen, your rules!

Gathering Your Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:

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• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 skinless, boneless chicken breast half, diced
• 2 tablespoons minced red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons minced green onion
• 1/3 cup frozen corn
• 1/4 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 2 tablespoons diced jalapeño pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 5 (6 inch) flour tortillas
• 1 quart oil for frying, or as needed

How to Make Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls

Follow these simple steps for eggroll perfection. Don’t be intimidated—it’s easier than it looks!

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, red pepper, and green onion. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Combine the Filling: Transfer the chicken mixture to a large bowl. Add the corn, black beans, spinach, jalapeño, parsley, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Mix everything together thoroughly. Stir in the Monterey Jack cheese until it’s all nicely combined.
3. Wrap the Eggrolls: Place a heaping 1/4 cup of the filling onto the center of a tortilla. Fold the bottom edge up over the filling, then fold the sides inward. Roll the tortilla up tightly, and use a dab of water to seal the final edge. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
4. Fry to Golden Brown: Heat your frying oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Carefully place the eggrolls into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until they are golden brown and crispy, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove them and let any excess oil drain on a plate lined with paper towels.

Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe! A good skillet, a large mixing bowl, and a heavy-bottomed pot or a deep fryer are all you need to get the job done. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, an air fryer works wonderfully too!

Tips & Tricks for the Best Eggrolls

A few little secrets I’ve picked up along the way to make sure your eggrolls are a smash hit every single time.

• Drain, Drain, Drain: Make sure your spinach is thoroughly drained and patted dry. Any extra moisture can make your filling soggy and cause the eggrolls to split while frying.
• Seal the Deal: That little dab of water is crucial for sealing the tortilla edge shut. You don’t want any of that delicious filling escaping into the oil!
• Oil Temperature is Key: Use a thermometer to monitor your oil. If it’s not hot enough, the eggrolls will be greasy. If it’s too hot, they’ll brown too quickly on the outside while the inside stays cold.
• Make Them Your Own: Feel free to get creative! This recipe is a fantastic base. Try adding cooked shrimp, swapping the Monterey Jack for pepper jack for more heat, or stirring in some cream cheese for an extra creamy filling.

What to Serve With Your Southwest Eggrolls

These eggrolls are fantastic on their own with a dipping sauce, but they also pair beautifully with other Tex-Mex favorites. I love serving them with a side of cilantro lime rice and a simple black bean salad for a complete meal. For dipping, you can’t go wrong with the classic avocado crema from Chili’s, or try a simple blend of sour cream and salsa.

A Few Common Questions

Can I bake these eggrolls instead of frying them?

Absolutely! For a lighter version, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the sealed eggrolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush them lightly with oil, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

How should I store leftovers?

Let any leftover eggrolls cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully in an air fryer or toaster oven to bring back that crispy texture.

Can I freeze these before cooking?

Yes, this is a fantastic make-ahead option! After assembling the eggrolls, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and flash freeze for about an hour. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Fry (or bake) them straight from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

What’s the best dipping sauce for these?

The classic pairing is a cool, creamy avocado ranch or cilantro-lime dipping sauce. But honestly, they’re also delicious with a spicy chipotle mayo, a simple salsa, or even just a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

The Final Roll

There you have it—your ticket to making incredible Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls at home. This recipe is all about bringing that fun, restaurant-style experience right to your dinner table. It’s a dish that’s guaranteed to get everyone talking and asking for seconds. So next time that craving hits, you know exactly what to do. Happy cooking!