Cheesy Chicken Spring Rolls are a delicious blend of crispy golden wrappers filled with tender chicken and gooey melted cheese. They offer a satisfying crunch on the outside, while the cheesy, savory chicken filling brings a comforting warmth and rich flavor inside. These rolls are perfect for snack time or as a tasty appetizer that always gets people excited.
I love making these spring rolls when I want something easy but special. The mix of chicken and cheese feels like the ultimate comfort food combo, and it’s fun to wrap everything up and fry them until they’re perfectly crispy. A little tip from me: be sure not to overfill the rolls so they don’t burst while cooking—keeping things tidy means a great crunch every time!
My favorite way to serve these cheesy chicken spring rolls is alongside a simple dipping sauce—something tangy or spicy really brightens up the rich flavors. They’re great to share at gatherings or just enjoy as a cozy treat on a quiet evening. Once you try them, you’ll see why they’re such a crowd-pleaser in my house!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked chicken breast keeps the filling tender and flavorful. You can use leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience. For a lighter option, shredded turkey works well too.
Cheese: Cheddar melts nicely and adds a rich flavor. If you prefer, mozzarella or a cheese blend like Monterey Jack gives a milder, creamier taste. For a dairy-free choice, look for vegan cheese alternatives that melt well.
Spring Roll Wrappers: These are essential for the crispy texture. If you can’t find them, filo pastry sheets can work but will give a flakier crust instead of a traditional crunch.
Bell Pepper & Onion: They add a bit of sweetness and crunch to the filling. You can substitute with finely chopped carrots or celery if you like a different texture or flavor.
How Can I Wrap Spring Rolls Without Them Breaking or Leaking?
Wrapping spring rolls tightly and sealing well prevents filling from spilling during frying. Here’s how I do it:
- Place the wrapper diamond-side up on a clean surface.
- Spoon filling near the corner closest to you, leaving some space at edges.
- Fold the corner over the filling, then fold both sides in to enclose it.
- Roll tightly toward the opposite corner and seal the edge with beaten egg or water.
- Avoid overfilling; too much makes rolling difficult and can cause leaks.
Frying at the right oil temperature (around 350°F/175°C) keeps them crispy and prevents them from bursting open.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed skillet – I recommend a deep fryer if you have one for even frying and safety, but a sturdy skillet works too.
- Cooking thermometer – helps check the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) for crispy spring rolls.
- Mixing bowls – for preparing and combining the filling ingredients.
- Cooking spoon or spatula – for stirring and turning the spring rolls while frying.
- Wire rack or paper towels – for draining excess oil after frying.
- Pastry brush or finger – for sealing wrappers with beaten egg or water.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein options: Swap chicken for cooked shrimp, tofu, or turkey for different flavors and textures.
- Cheese choices: Use mozzarella for gooeyness or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Veggie mix-ins: Add shredded zucchini, mushrooms, or chopped scallions to boost flavor and veggies.
- Spice it up: Mix in some chopped green chilies or hot sauce for extra heat.
Cheesy Chicken Spring Roll
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend of your choice)
- ¼ cup finely chopped bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 10-12 spring roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing the wrappers)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- Optional garnish: fresh herbs (thyme or parsley)
- Optional: dipping sauces such as ketchup, mustard, or spicy chili sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare the filling and roll the spring rolls, plus 10 minutes to fry them. Overall, you can expect to spend around 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and tasty snack or appetizer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, shredded cheese, chopped bell pepper, onion, minced garlic, dried oregano or thyme, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
2. Assemble the Spring Rolls:
Lay one spring roll wrapper flat on a clean surface with a corner pointing towards you (like a diamond shape). Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling near the corner closest to you. Fold that corner over the filling, then fold the two side corners inward. Roll tightly toward the opposite corner, sealing the edge with a little beaten egg to keep it closed.
3. Heat the Oil:
Pour enough oil into a deep skillet or frying pan to cover 1-2 inches. Heat it over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking (about 350°F or 175°C).
4. Fry the Spring Rolls:
Carefully place a few spring rolls into the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
5. Drain and Serve:
Use a slotted spoon to remove the spring rolls from the oil and drain them on paper towels to get rid of excess oil. Repeat frying with any remaining spring rolls.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Optional: sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or parsley on top for a fresh touch. Serve your cheesy chicken spring rolls warm with dipping sauces you like, such as ketchup, mustard, or spicy chili sauce. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for the Filling?
Yes, you can! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed and cooked before shredding or dicing it for the filling. Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge or use the quick-thaw method by sealing it in a bag and submerging in cold water.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Spring Rolls?
Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the rolls on a lined baking sheet, brush them lightly with oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy and golden, flipping halfway through.
How Should I Store Leftover Spring Rolls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to keep them crispy rather than using a microwave, which can make them soggy.
What’s a Good Substitute for Spring Roll Wrappers?
If you can’t find spring roll wrappers, filo (phyllo) pastry can work as a substitute, but expect a slightly different texture—more flaky and less chewy. Just handle filo sheets carefully to avoid tearing.