Zesty Southwestern Egg Rolls

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

These Southwestern egg rolls combine shredded chicken, black beans, corn, bell pepper, jalapeno, cilantro, and melted pepper jack cheese for a flavorful filling. Wrapped in thin egg roll wrappers and fried until golden, they deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite. A creamy avocado ranch dipping sauce perfectly complements the bold Tex-Mex spices. Easy to prepare and versatile for frying, baking, or air frying, these egg rolls are ideal for parties, game days, or quick snacks. Make ahead and freeze for convenient meal prep.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Recipe Author Maria
Updated as of Sat, 21 Jun 2025 18:46:09 GMT
A plate of food with a southwestern egg roll. Bookmark
A plate of food with a southwestern egg roll. | foodbymary.com

I’m absolutely obsessed with these restaurant-worthy Southwestern egg rolls!

Packed with zesty chicken, colorful veggies, and melty cheese, each bite is a fiesta for your tastebuds.

They’re the perfect blend of Asian-inspired crunch and Tex-Mex flavors.

And don’t even get me started on the avocado ranch dipping sauce. It’s so creamy and tangy, I might just eat it by the spoonful!

Shredded chicken black beans corn bell pepper onion jalapeno cilantro pepper jack cheese chili powder cumin garlic powder smoked paprika salt and pepper mixed in a large glass mixing bowl.

Ingredients

  • Cooked Shredded Chicken: Juicy tender chicken adds a hearty and savory base to the egg rolls
  • Black Beans: For a creamy texture and earthy flavor
  • Corn Kernels: Sweet and crisp they add a burst of freshness to the filling
  • Veggies: Red bell pepper red onion and jalapeno pepper add crunch sweetness tanginess and a spicy kick
  • Fresh Cilantro: This bright herb enhances the overall flavor with a fresh aromatic touch
  • Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese: It melts beautifully and adds a creamy peppery twist
  • Seasonings: Chili powder ground cumin garlic powder smoked paprika salt and pepper create a well-rounded Tex-Mex flavor profile
  • Egg Roll Wrappers: Thin and crispy when fried these wrappers encase the filling perfectly providing a satisfying crunch
  • Frying Oil: Use oil with a high smoke point such as peanut avocado or canola oil
  • Avocado Ranch Dipping Sauce: A creamy blend of ripe avocado sour cream buttermilk ranch seasoning mix lime juice salt and pepper

How to Make Southwestern Egg Rolls

Make the filling:
In a large bowl mix the shredded chicken black beans corn bell pepper onion jalapeno cilantro Pepper Jack cheese chili powder cumin garlic powder smoked paprika salt and pepper
Prepare egg roll wrappers:
Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the filling mixture in the center of the wrapper
Fold and roll:
Fold up the bottom point and tuck it under the filling Fold in the sides Brush the top point with water and roll tightly Repeat
Fry:
In a deep skillet heat oil to 350°F Fry the egg rolls in batches for 2-3 minutes per side Drain on a paper towel-lined plate
Make the dipping sauce:
Combine all avocado ranch sauce ingredients in a blender Blend until smooth and creamy Season with salt and pepper to taste
Serve and enjoy:
Serve hot with the avocado ranch dipping sauce on the side
A plate of Southwestern Egg Rolls. Bookmark
A plate of Southwestern Egg Rolls. | foodbymary.com

Tips for the Best Southwestern Egg Rolls

Making egg rolls might sound tricky but fear not With these tips you’ll realize they’re super easy

  • Choose the best chicken Use store-bought rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience You can also cook the chicken for a more personalized flavor
  • Don’t overfill Don’t overstuff the egg rolls or they may burst open when frying About 2-3 tablespoons filling per roll is ideal
  • Take a temp check If the oil is too hot or cold your egg rolls won’t cook properly Use a cooking thermometer to ensure your oil is at the right temp
  • Trying to eat healthier Skip the frying You can make these egg rolls in the oven or air fryer instead See the recipe notes for details
  • Pick the perfect avocado Use ripe but firm avocados for the dipping sauce to maintain a smooth texture
  • Thicken up the sauce Adjust the buttermilk amount in the avocado ranch dip to achieve your desired consistency
Three Southwestern Egg Rolls on a plate. Bookmark
Three Southwestern Egg Rolls on a plate. | foodbymary.com

How to Store

Planning a party Great news you can make these Southwestern egg rolls in advance

They also freeze well And you know what that means right They’re the ideal meal prep snack and party app

To Store Place cooked egg rolls in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days Uncooked egg rolls can be prepared in advance stored in a single layer on a baking sheet and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking

To Freeze Arrange uncooked egg rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet freeze until firm then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months Cooked egg rolls can be frozen in an air-tight container for up to 1 month

To Reheat For best results reheat egg rolls in an air fryer at 350°F for 1-3 minutes or in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes until crispy Avoid using the microwave as it will make the egg rolls soggy

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What can I use instead of chicken?

You can substitute shredded cooked turkey or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option to keep a similar texture and flavor.

→ How can I make these egg rolls healthier?

Try baking or air frying instead of deep frying to reduce oil content while keeping them crispy.

→ Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes, the filling can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before assembling the egg rolls.

→ What oil is best for frying egg rolls?

Use oils with a high smoke point like peanut, avocado, or canola oil to ensure proper frying without burning.

→ How do I store leftover egg rolls?

Store cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to one month.

Southwestern Egg Rolls

Crispy egg rolls bursting with Tex-Mex flavors, served with a creamy avocado ranch dip.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
15 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Recipe Author: Maria

Dish Category: Main Dishes

Recipe Difficulty: Medium Effort

Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Serves: 6 Serving Size (12 egg rolls)

Dietary Options: ~

What You’ll Need to Cook

→ Filling

Ingredient 01 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
Ingredient 02 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
Ingredient 03 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
Ingredient 04 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
Ingredient 05 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
Ingredient 06 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
Ingredient 07 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Ingredient 08 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
Ingredient 09 1 teaspoon chili powder
Ingredient 10 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Ingredient 11 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Ingredient 12 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Ingredient 13 1/2 teaspoon salt
Ingredient 14 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Assembly

Ingredient 15 12 egg roll wrappers
Ingredient 16 Vegetable oil for frying (peanut, avocado, or canola recommended)

→ Avocado Ranch Dipping Sauce

Ingredient 17 1 ripe avocado
Ingredient 18 1/2 cup sour cream
Ingredient 19 1/4 cup buttermilk
Ingredient 20 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
Ingredient 21 1 tablespoon lime juice
Ingredient 22 1/4 teaspoon salt
Ingredient 23 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Steps to Prepare

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, pepper jack cheese, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Step 02

Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of filling in the center. Fold up the bottom corner, tuck it under the filling, fold in the sides, brush the top corner with water, and roll tightly. Repeat for all wrappers.

Step 03

In a deep skillet, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to submerge egg rolls partially.

Step 04

Fry egg rolls in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Step 05

In a blender, combine avocado, sour cream, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 06

Serve egg rolls hot with avocado ranch dipping sauce on the side.

Extra Cooking Tips

  1. Use store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken for convenience and flavor.
  2. Avoid overfilling the egg rolls to prevent bursting during frying; 2-3 tablespoons per roll is ideal.
  3. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even frying; use a thermometer to monitor.
  4. For a lighter option, bake or air fry egg rolls instead of frying.
  5. Choose ripe but firm avocados to achieve smooth, creamy dipping sauce.

Must-Have Tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Deep skillet or frying pan
  • Cooking thermometer
  • Blender

Allergen Information

Always check ingredient labels for allergens and seek expert advice if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy from cheese and sour cream.
  • Contains gluten from egg roll wrappers.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are for guidance and aren’t a replacement for professional advice.
  • Calories Count: 320
  • Fats: 18 grams
  • Carbs: 22 grams
  • Proteins: 18 grams