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Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls: Crispy, Smoky Chicken and Bean Appetizer Recipe

4.5 from 150 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. Add Beans and Corn: Stir in rinsed black beans and drained corn. Cook another 2-3 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Fry Eggrolls: Fry eggrolls in batches for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  9. 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.
  10. 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