Copycat Chili's Southwestern Eggrolls Recipe

Copycat Chili's Southwestern Eggrolls Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Craving that classic Chili's app from home? Now there's an easy way to enjoy the restaurant favorite from your very own kitchen. These copycat snacks deliver all your favorite meaty, cheesy, and tangy flavors in one crispy tortilla package. "Addictive little appetizers that are so easy to make, youll never go back to Chilis!" raved Allrecipes recipe developer Amanda Stanfield. "The avocado ranch dip is the cherry on top and really punches up the eating experience."

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

  • 1 avocado, halved lengthwise
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup whole buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon ranch dressing mix
  • 1 1/2 cups finely chopped rotisserie chicken (about 8 ounces)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 1/2 cup drained and rinsed canned black beans
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh baby spinach
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped pickled jalapeo chile
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 8 (8 inch) flour tortillas
  • 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying, or as needed

Directions

Step 1: Gather all ingredients.

Step 2: Mash 1 avocado half with a fork in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Save the other half for later. Add mayonnaise, buttermilk, and ranch seasoning to the mashed avocado, whisking until smooth. Cover and refrigerate the avocado ranch dip until ready to serve.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine chopped chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, thawed corn, black beans, spinach, red bell pepper, scallions, pickled jalapeos, taco seasoning, and salt. Stir until the mixture is well combined.

Step 4: Lay a tortilla flat and spoon about 1/2 cup of the filling into the center. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling and tightly roll it up. Secure the seam with a toothpick. Transfer the eggroll to a plate. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and chicken mixture.

Step 5: In a 12-inch cast-iron skillet, heat vegetable oil to a depth of 1/2 inch over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to check that the oil reaches 350F (175C), about 8 minutes.

Step 6: Working in batches, add 3 to 4 eggrolls to the hot oil, seam side down. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy all over. Transfer the cooked eggrolls to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Repeat with the remaining eggrolls.

Step 7: Carefully remove the toothpicks and slice each eggroll at an angle. Serve with the chilled avocado ranch dip.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories 640
Total Fat 39g (51%)
Saturated Fat 9g (47%)
Cholesterol 72mg (24%)
Sodium 1277mg (56%)
Total Carbohydrate 49g (18%)
Dietary Fiber 6g (21%)
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 23g (47%)
Vitamin C 15mg (16%)
Calcium 207mg (16%)
Iron 4mg (20%)
Potassium 509mg (11%)

Copycat Chili's Southwestern Eggrolls Recipe

The Copycat Chili's Southwestern Eggrolls recipe takes inspiration from the popular appetizer found at Chili's, a casual dining restaurant known for its Tex-Mex cuisine. This dish features crispy eggrolls filled with a savory mix of chicken, cheese, beans, corn, spinach, and other fresh vegetables, all accompanied by a creamy avocado ranch dip. The combination of flavors makes this dish a fan favorite, offering a perfect balance of rich, crunchy, and fresh elements in every bite.

History and Origins

The origins of Southwestern Eggrolls trace back to the Tex-Mex cuisine of the Southwestern United States, a region that blends Mexican and American flavors. Chili's popularized this dish in the 1990s as a fun and flavorful appetizer, perfect for sharing. Over the years, it has become synonymous with Chili's menu, attracting fans who enjoy its crispy exterior and rich filling. The Copycat Chilis Southwestern Eggrolls recipe allows you to recreate this iconic dish at home, making it an easy and delicious treat for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Regional Features

Southwestern cuisine, from which the eggrolls take inspiration, is known for its bold flavors, including the use of chilies, cumin, and fresh vegetables. Ingredients like black beans, corn, and spinach are staples in many Southwestern dishes, offering a perfect mix of protein, fiber, and vitamins. What sets Southwestern Eggrolls apart is their deep-fried exterior, which provides a satisfying crunch, in contrast to traditional eggrolls filled primarily with meat and vegetables.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While Southwestern Eggrolls might appear similar to traditional Chinese eggrolls, the key difference lies in their fillings and seasoning. Traditional eggrolls often feature a combination of pork, cabbage, and carrots, all seasoned with soy sauce or other Asian-inspired flavors. On the other hand, Southwestern Eggrolls are filled with a Tex-Mex inspired blend of rotisserie chicken, black beans, cheese, corn, and various fresh vegetables, all seasoned with taco seasoning for a distinctly bold, savory flavor profile.

Where to Serve Southwestern Eggrolls

Southwestern Eggrolls are typically served as appetizers in casual dining restaurants like Chili's, where they are enjoyed as a starter or shared dish. However, they also make an excellent addition to any meal, whether served as part of a family dinner, a finger food for parties, or a fun dish for game-day gatherings. Their versatility makes them perfect for various occasions, and their delicious flavors are sure to please crowds of all ages.

Fun Facts

  • Southwestern Eggrolls are so popular that many people refer to them as Chilis signature appetizer.
  • Despite being a deep-fried dish, these eggrolls can be made healthier by baking instead of frying them, making them a flexible option for health-conscious eaters.
  • The avocado ranch dip served with the eggrolls adds a creamy, tangy kick, elevating the dish to new heights.
  • Chili's Southwestern Eggrolls are so beloved that many home cooks have developed their own "copycat" recipes to recreate the dish in their kitchens, just like the one presented here.

Conclusion

Whether you're craving a restaurant-quality appetizer or looking to add a new dish to your home cooking repertoire, Copycat Chili's Southwestern Eggrolls are a fantastic option. With a savory filling wrapped in a crispy tortilla shell and complemented by a creamy avocado ranch dip, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors offers an unforgettable dining experienceright in your own home.

FAQ about Copycat Chili's Southwestern Eggrolls Recipe

Leftover eggrolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Yes, you can freeze the un-fried eggrolls. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for about 2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. To cook, fry from frozen for about 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Yes, you can make the avocado ranch dip ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as it may thicken slightly.

You can substitute the rotisserie chicken with cooked ground chicken, shredded turkey, or even a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.

If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it by mixing 1/4 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Yes, you can bake the eggrolls instead of frying. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), arrange the eggrolls on a baking sheet, and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

To check if the oil is hot enough, use a thermometer to measure the temperature. It should be around 350°F (175°C). If you don't have a thermometer, drop a small piece of tortilla into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

Yes, you can substitute Monterey Jack with other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend of your favorite cheeses.

Yes, to make the filling vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or more beans and corn.

To roll the eggrolls tightly, place the filling in the center of the tortilla, fold in the sides, and then roll from the bottom up, ensuring the filling is tightly packed. Use a toothpick to secure the seam, and make sure the roll is snug to avoid any filling spilling out during frying.

Comments

Valentine

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Chili's southwest egg rolls are one of the 2 or 3 ways I can get my pickup husband to eat spinach and peppers and things like that. This recipe is true to the Chili's version. One assembly tip i discovered along the way of making many MANY batches of these is creating a sorta slurry paste with some flour and water that you can use to secure the rolled edges better. Pop them in the fridge for 30 mins and the stay together every time.

Diane Rodriguez

11/03/2024 02:54:57 AM

My family devoured it in minutes.

BrightUdo3508

10/07/2024 02:09:43 AM

My husband's favorite appetizer! This was so good and the dip was way better than Chili's. Definitely recommend.

Donna Carter

10/07/2024 12:47:25 AM

I’m in LOVE with this 😍

GlitzyMash6088

08/31/2024 10:26:55 AM

I made this last night and it was almost the same as Chilís southwestern egg rolls. My daughter and wife loved it and I will be making this again.

SandyAcai9296

07/04/2024 12:44:23 AM

Great taste easy to make

Diane Martinez

07/04/2024 12:18:12 AM

Made it for dinner guests — everyone was impressed.