Cheesy Chicken Spring Rolls are a tasty twist on a classic favorite, combining crispy golden spring roll wrappers with juicy chicken and gooey melted cheese inside. They’re the perfect snack or appetizer when you want something crunchy and cheesy at the same time.
I love making these when I have some leftover chicken because they come together so quickly and everyone always asks for seconds. The melted cheese inside adds a fun surprise that makes these spring rolls extra delicious and satisfying. Plus, they’re so easy to dip in your favorite sauce, from sweet chili to tangy barbecue.
My favorite way to enjoy these is fresh and hot right out of the fryer or oven, with a little side of crisp veggies or a simple salad. They’re a great crowd-pleaser for parties or casual dinners and always bring smiles around the table. If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself making these cheesy chicken spring rolls again and again because they’re just that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is best for a tender, lean filling. Leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken works great too and saves time.
Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives that stretchy texture I love. You can mix in cheddar for extra flavor or use a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
Veggies: Carrots and onions add crunch and sweetness. Bell peppers and mushrooms are optional but bring nice added texture and flavor if you have them.
Spring roll wrappers: Traditional wrappers give a crispy finish. If unavailable, filo pastry can be a decent substitute but cooks a bit differently.
How Do You Wrap Spring Rolls So They Stay Crispy and Don’t Burst?
Wrapping spring rolls tightly is key to keeping them intact when frying:
- Lay the wrapper in a diamond shape, so one corner points at you.
- Place the filling near the bottom corner and fold it over snugly.
- Fold the two side corners inward over the filling, creating a neat package.
- Roll up firmly but gently, so you don’t tear the wrapper.
- Seal the top corner with beaten egg like glue to keep it shut during frying.
This method helps keep the filling inside and your spring rolls crispy and neat after frying.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep frying pan or pot – I recommend this for even heat and crispy results when frying the spring rolls.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – makes handling hot spring rolls easy and safe.
- Mixing bowls – for combining your filling ingredients and cheese.
- Beat eggs – for sealing the spring rolls so they don’t open during frying.
- Plate lined with paper towels – helps drain excess oil after frying, keeping them crispy.
- Optional: Baking sheet if you prefer baking instead of frying for a healthier twist.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked shrimp or turkey for different proteins that bring new flavors.
- Cheese mix ideas: add cream cheese or feta for a richer, tangy flavor.
- Veggie twist: include cooked spinach or corn for more color and nutrients.
- Spice it up: add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling for some heat.
Cheesy Chicken Spring Roll
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped mushrooms (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp chili flakes or hot sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp dried mixed herbs or Italian seasoning
Wrapping and Frying:
- 10-12 spring roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
- Oil for deep frying
Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh parsley or coriander for garnish (optional)
- Sweet chili sauce or your favorite dipping sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the filling and assemble the spring rolls, plus about 10-15 minutes for frying them until golden and crispy. In total, plan for around 30 minutes to make these delicious cheesy chicken spring rolls.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the filling:
Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until you can smell their aroma.
Add the chopped onions, carrots, bell pepper, and mushrooms (if using). Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften but still have a bit of crunch.
Add the shredded chicken, soy sauce, salt, black pepper, chili flakes (if using), and dried herbs. Mix everything well and cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors combine. Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Once the filling has cooled a bit, stir in the shredded cheese so it blends evenly.
2. Assemble the spring rolls:
Place a spring roll wrapper flat on your work surface with one corner pointing toward you, making a diamond shape.
Put about 2 tablespoons of the filling near the bottom corner closest to you.
Fold that corner up and over the filling, then fold both side corners in toward the center, wrapping around the filling.
Roll the wrapper tightly toward the far corner. Before sealing, brush the edge with a beaten egg to help the roll stick together securely.
Repeat this process for all the wrappers and filling.
3. Cook the spring rolls:
Heat oil in a deep frying pan or pot to around 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the spring rolls in the hot oil, frying in batches so they don’t crowd the pan.
Fry each batch for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are crispy all over.
Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the cooked rolls and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
4. Serve and enjoy:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or coriander if you like. Serve your cheesy chicken spring rolls hot with sweet chili sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious treat.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for the Filling?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking and shredding. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave for quicker thawing.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Spring Rolls?
Absolutely! For a healthier option, brush the assembled spring rolls lightly with oil and bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through until crispy and golden.
How Do I Store Leftover Spring Rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a hot oven to help keep them crispy rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Spring Roll Wrappers?
You can try using filo pastry sheets or even large tortillas as a substitute, but keep in mind the texture and cooking time may differ slightly. Filo works best baked, while tortillas may crisp up differently.
