Name: Baked Southwestern Chicken Egg Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 pound ground chicken; 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion; 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 4 ounce can chopped green chilies; 1 cup chopped fresh baby spinach; 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels; 1/2 cup chopped cilantro; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 teaspoons lime zest; 1-1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese; 10 medium-sized flour tortillas; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for brushing)

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Are you ready to dive into a delightful fusion of flavors with the perfect crunch? Baked Southwestern Chicken Egg Rolls are the ultimate finger food, combining the savory goodness of chicken with a medley of vibrant vegetables and spices, all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish, these egg rolls are sure to please a crowd. With a simple preparation method and wholesome ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. Let’s get started!

What Sets This Recipe Apart

These Baked Southwestern Chicken Egg Rolls stand out not only for their irresistible taste but also for their health-conscious preparation. Unlike traditional deep-fried egg rolls, this recipe uses a baking method that allows you to enjoy all the crunch without the excess oil. Each bite is packed with protein from the ground chicken, fiber from the black beans and corn, and a burst of flavor from the spices and fresh vegetables. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces or enjoying solo!

Your Shopping Guide

Before you get started, make sure to gather these ingredients to create your Baked Southwestern Chicken Egg Rolls:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 pound ground chicken
1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies
1 cup chopped fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons lime zest
1-1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
10 medium-sized flour tortillas
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for brushing)

Equipment & Tools

To make your cooking experience smoother, gather the following tools:

Large Skillet – For sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
Mixing Bowl – To combine all the filling ingredients.
Baking Sheet – For baking the egg rolls until crisp.
Pastry Brush – To brush olive oil on the tortillas.
Sharp Knife – For chopping vegetables.

Make Baked Southwestern Chicken Egg Rolls: A Simple Method

Creating your Baked Southwestern Chicken Egg Rolls is a straightforward process. Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Spices

Stir in the yellow onion, red bell pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Mix in the Remaining Ingredients

Remove the skillet from heat and add the black beans, chopped green chilies, baby spinach, frozen corn, chopped cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, and shredded pepper jack cheese to the chicken mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 4: Prepare the Tortillas

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a clean surface, lay out one flour tortilla. Place about 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center of the tortilla. Fold in the sides and roll it up tightly, similar to a burrito. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 5: Bake the Egg Rolls

Place the rolled egg rolls seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops lightly with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the egg rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, like salsa, guacamole, or a creamy ranch dressing.

Substitutions by Diet

If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, here are some substitutions you can make:

Ground Chicken: Substitute with ground turkey or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.
Flour Tortillas: Use whole wheat tortillas or gluten-free tortillas based on your dietary needs.
Pepper Jack Cheese: Swap with cheddar or a dairy-free cheese alternative for a lactose-free version.
Black Beans: Substitute with pinto beans or chickpeas for a different flavor profile.

Errors to Dodge

To ensure your Baked Southwestern Chicken Egg Rolls come out perfectly, keep the following tips in mind:

Don’t overfill the tortillas; this can lead to messy rolls that won’t seal properly.
Make sure to brush the tops with olive oil for the best crispiness; skipping this step can result in a softer texture.
Be cautious not to undercook the chicken in the skillet; it should be fully browned before adding the other ingredients.
Allow the egg rolls to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth and to let the flavors settle.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

Want to enjoy your Baked Southwestern Chicken Egg Rolls throughout the week? Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Storing Leftovers: Place any leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze uncooked egg rolls before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating: For best results, reheat baked egg rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they are heated through and crispy again.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the egg rolls when you’re ready to bake. They can also be frozen before baking and cooked from frozen later.

What dipping sauces pair well with these egg rolls?

These egg rolls are fantastic with a variety of dipping sauces. Try them with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a spicy ranch dressing for an extra kick!

Can I bake them without oil?

While you can bake them without oil, brushing the egg rolls with olive oil helps achieve a crispy texture. If you’re avoiding oil, consider using an oil spray or a non-stick baking sheet to reduce sticking.

How do I know when they are done baking?

Your egg rolls are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. A good rule of thumb is to bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.

Ready to Cook?

Now that you have all the tools, ingredients, and tips to make your Baked Southwestern Chicken Egg Rolls, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! This recipe is not only delicious but also a fun way to get the whole family involved in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a game day snack, or simply craving something satisfying, these egg rolls are sure to be a hit. Happy cooking!