Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls: Crispy, Smoky Chicken and Bean Appetizer Recipe
Introduction
Craving Chili’s famous Southwest Eggrolls but want to enjoy them at home? These crispy eggrolls are filled with smoky chicken, black beans, corn, and melted cheeses, wrapped in a golden shell. They’re perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal to impress family and friends.

Ingredients
- 12 eggroll wrappers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 medium red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 2 small breasts)
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Ingredients for Southwest Ranch Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño if using. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5–7 minutes.
- Step 2: Stir in rinsed black beans and drained corn. Cook for 2–3 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Step 3: Add shredded cooked chicken, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low. Add shredded Monterey Jack and pepper jack cheeses and stir until melted and gooey, binding the filling together.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro. Let the filling cool slightly to avoid soggy wrappers when rolling.
- Step 6: To assemble, place an eggroll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing towards you. Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the corner closest to you. Fold that corner over the filling, tuck in the sides, then roll tightly towards the opposite corner. Seal the edge with a little water.
- Step 7: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry eggrolls in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes.
- Step 8: Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Step 9: For the dipping sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Step 10: Serve eggrolls warm with the Southwest Ranch dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
- To add more heat, include the jalapeño and cayenne pepper or serve with hot sauce.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut on shredded chicken.
- For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and add extra beans and corn or diced avocado after cooking.
- Fresh cilantro brightens the flavor—don’t skip it unless you dislike cilantro’s taste.
- You can bake the eggrolls at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes as a healthier alternative, flipping halfway through.
Storage
Store leftover cooked eggrolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven or an air fryer for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the wrappers soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze these eggrolls?
Yes, assemble the eggrolls but do not fry them. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry or bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for the cheeses?
Monterey Jack and pepper jack give a creamy texture and gentle spice. You can use cheddar and mozzarella as alternatives, though the flavor will differ slightly.
PrintChili’s Southwest Eggrolls: Crispy, Smoky Chicken and Bean Appetizer Recipe
Recreate Chili’s iconic Southwest Eggrolls at home with this easy and flavorful recipe. Crispy golden eggroll wrappers encase a smoky, cheesy filling of sautéed bell peppers, red onion, black beans, corn, shredded chicken, and a blend of Monterey Jack and pepper jack cheeses. Served with a tangy Southwest Ranch dipping sauce, these eggrolls offer a perfect balance of textures and bold Southwestern flavors, ideal as a party appetizer or satisfying snack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 eggrolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American Southwestern
Ingredients
Eggroll Wrappers
- 12 eggroll wrappers
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 medium red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 2 small chicken breasts)
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Southwest Ranch Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño pepper if using. Sauté until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Beans and Corn: Stir in rinsed black beans and drained corn. Cook another 2-3 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
- Incorporate Chicken and Spices: Add shredded cooked chicken, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper if desired, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Melt the Cheese: Lower heat to low and add shredded Monterey Jack and pepper jack cheeses. Stir continuously until cheese is fully melted and mixture is gooey.
- Add Fresh Cilantro and Cool: Remove skillet from heat and fold in chopped cilantro. Let filling cool slightly to prevent eggroll wrappers from becoming soggy during assembly.
- Assemble Eggrolls: Place an eggroll wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of filling near one corner, fold in sides, then roll tightly. Seal edges with a little water. Repeat with all wrappers.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to about 2 inches deep. Heat to 350°F (175°C) over medium-high heat.
- Fry Eggrolls: Fry eggrolls in batches for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Make Southwest Ranch Dipping Sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve: Plate the hot eggrolls with the Southwest Ranch dipping sauce. Enjoy as an appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For extra heat, keep the jalapeño seeds or increase cayenne pepper in the filling and sauce.
- To ensure crispy wrappers, be sure fillings are cooled before rolling the eggrolls.
- You can bake the eggrolls at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes instead of frying for a lighter version.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Keywords: Southwest Eggrolls, Chili’s copycat recipe, chicken eggrolls, appetizer, Southwestern cuisine, crispy eggrolls, spicy dipping sauce

