These tasty chicken spring rolls are crispy and packed with delicious flavors! Filled with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and herbs, they’re a perfect crunchy bite.
They’re super fun to make, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good spring roll? I love serving them with a sweet sauce for dipping—it makes everything better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great here! It’s tender and full of flavor. For a lighter option, consider using shredded turkey or even cooked tofu for a vegetarian take.
Cabbage: I prefer Napa cabbage for its mild flavor and tender texture, but you can also use green cabbage or even coleslaw mix if that’s what you have on hand.
Carrots: Freshly grated or pre-cut julienned carrots are perfect. In a pinch, you could use frozen mixed vegetables or try using zucchini for a twist.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a lot of flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can work in a pinch—just use a little less than a fresh clove.
Spring Roll Wrappers: Rice paper wraps can substitute for traditional wrappers if you prefer a gluten-free option. Just be careful not to soak them too long, or they’ll tear!
How Do I Roll Perfect Spring Rolls?
Getting the spring roll shape just right can be a little tricky, but it gets easier with practice. Start with your spring roll wrapper placed in a diamond shape. Here’s a quick guide:
- Place about 2 tablespoons of filling near the bottom corner.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tucking it tightly.
- Next, fold in the sides, making sure they cover the filling well.
- Finally, roll the wrapper away from you, keeping it tight, and seal the edge with water.
Remember, don’t overfill! This keeps your spring rolls from bursting open while frying. Have fun trying it out!
How to Make Best Chicken Spring Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cabbage, finely shredded
- ½ cup carrots, julienned
- ½ cup bean sprouts
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Wrappers:
- 12 spring roll wrappers
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For Serving:
- Sweet chili sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook. You’ll have delicious chicken spring rolls ready in about half an hour—perfect for a quick appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, start by combining the shredded chicken, finely shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, bean sprouts, chopped green onions, and minced garlic. This mix brings all the wonderful flavors together!
2. Season the Mixture:
Now, drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the filling. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Mix everything together well until it’s evenly coated and flavorful.
3. Assemble the Spring Rolls:
Set up a clean work surface and take one spring roll wrapper. Place it on the surface with one corner pointing towards you. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of your filling mixture and place it near that corner. Fold the corner over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll it up tightly away from you. Use a little water on the edges to seal the roll, so it stays together.
4. Repeat the Wrapping:
Keep going with the rest of your spring roll wrappers and filling until everything is wrapped up. Don’t worry if your first few rolls aren’t perfect; practice makes it easier!
5. Fry the Spring Rolls:
Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the spring rolls in batches, frying them for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Make sure to keep an eye on them!
6. Drain and Serve:
Once golden, remove the spring rolls from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve them hot with sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious, homemade chicken spring rolls!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor to your spring rolls. Just shred it and use it in place of the cooked chicken in the recipe. It’ll keep your prep quick and easy!
What If I Don’t Have Spring Roll Wrappers?
No problem! You can use rice paper wrappers instead; just soak them in warm water for a few seconds until pliable. Alternatively, thin tortillas or phyllo dough can also work as a substitute, adjusting the folding method accordingly.
How to Store Leftover Spring Rolls?
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can be stored for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as they can become soggy.
Can I Make These Spring Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and even assemble the spring rolls a few hours in advance. Just cover them and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry them. This makes meal prep a breeze!
