Cheesy Chicken Spring Rolls are a delicious and fun twist on the classic spring roll. They’re packed with tender chicken, gooey melted cheese, and a mix of fresh veggies wrapped up in crispy, golden wrappers. Every bite gives you a nice crunch followed by warm, melty cheese and savory chicken inside.
I love making these for a casual snack or a party appetizer because they’re easy to share and always disappear quickly! One trick I’ve learned is to make sure the filling is well-seasoned and not too wet, so the rolls crisp up perfectly without getting soggy. Plus, you can sneak in your favorite veggies for a little extra color and crunch.
When I serve these, I like having a simple dipping sauce on the side—something a little tangy or sweet really balances the cheesy richness. These rolls are perfect for when friends drop by or for a cozy movie night at home. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and have become one of my go-to comfort finger foods!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Using cooked chicken breast is great for tender texture and mild flavor. You can substitute with shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience or use cooked ground chicken if you prefer a different texture.
Cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully and adds sharpness. Mozzarella or Monterey Jack are milder options if you want gooey cheese without a strong taste. For a dairy-free version, try a vegan melting cheese.
Vegetables: Carrots and corn add sweetness and crunch. Feel free to swap these for finely chopped bell peppers, peas, or cabbage depending on what you have on hand.
Spring Roll Wrappers: Wrappers give the rolls their crisp outside. If unavailable, you can use phyllo dough or even thin tortillas, though the texture will differ.
How Do You Wrap Spring Rolls Without Them Falling Apart?
Wrapping spring rolls can be tricky if the filling is too loose or the wrapper isn’t sealed well. Here’s how to keep your rolls tight and neat:
- Place filling closer to one corner of the wrapper — about 2 tablespoons works well.
- Fold that corner over the filling, then fold the left and right corners inward to create an envelope.
- Roll tightly toward the opposite corner, pressing gently to remove air pockets.
- Use a little water or beaten egg on the final edge to seal the roll securely.
- Don’t overfill — too much filling can make wrapping hard and cause breakage.
- Let the filling cool slightly before wrapping to prevent wrappers from tearing.
These steps help keep your spring rolls crisp and intact when frying, giving you a great crunchy bite every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep frying pan or wok – I recommend using a deep pan to get enough oil for crispy rolls without splashing.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – makes it easy to handle and turn the spring rolls while frying.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the filling ingredients and melting cheese.
- Cutting board and knife – handy for dicing vegetables and chicken pieces.
- Plate lined with paper towels – to drain excess oil after frying the rolls.
- Small bowl of water or beaten egg – for sealing the wrappers securely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked shrimp or diced tofu instead of chicken for different flavors and textures.
- Add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes to spice things up.
- Mix in finely chopped herbs like cilantro or basil for fresh greens.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for extra gooeyness and spice.
Cheesy Chicken Spring Roll
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred melting cheese)
- 1/2 cup finely diced carrots
- 1/2 cup finely diced corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust as needed)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking filling)
For Wrapping & Cooking:
- 10-12 spring roll wrappers
- Oil for deep frying or pan frying
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Sweet chili sauce or your favorite dipping sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes for preparation and cooking of the filling, plus 15-20 minutes for rolling and frying the spring rolls. Altogether under 40 minutes for a hot, crispy snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add diced carrots and corn to the pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly.
Stir in the cooked chicken, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, then remove the pan from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.
2. Mix in Cheese and Green Onions:
While the filling is still warm—but not hot—stir in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions. This will help the cheese melt smoothly as you fry the spring rolls.
3. Wrap the Spring Rolls:
Lay a spring roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface with one corner pointing toward you, forming a diamond shape. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling near the corner closest to you.
Fold that corner over the filling, then fold the left and right corners inward to create an envelope around the filling. Roll tightly towards the opposite corner and seal the edge by dabbing it with water.
4. Cook the Spring Rolls:
Heat enough oil in a deep frying pan or wok to submerge the rolls, warming it to 350°F (175°C). Fry the spring rolls in batches for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy, turning as necessary to cook evenly.
Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the rolls and drain them on paper towels.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Optionally sprinkle warm spring rolls with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. Serve hot alongside sweet chili sauce or your preferred dipping sauce. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, savory Cheesy Chicken Spring Rolls!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for the Filling?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before shredding or chopping. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost function on your microwave for quicker thawing.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Spring Rolls?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the wrapped rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush lightly with oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy, turning once halfway through.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Spring Rolls?
Allow the spring rolls to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Cheese to the Filling?
Yes! Feel free to customize the filling with finely chopped bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms. You can also swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or your favorite melting cheese to change the flavor profile.