If you’ve ever ordered the famous Chilis Southwest Eggrolls recipe at your favorite restaurant and wished you could recreate that crispy, cheesy, flavor-packed appetizer at home — you’re in the right place. These golden-fried eggrolls are loaded with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, peppers, melty cheese, and bold Southwest spices, all served with a creamy, zesty Southwest ranch dipping sauce.
This copycat version delivers the same crave-worthy crunch and spicy-smooth filling you love — but made fresh in your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning game-day snacks, or just craving a restaurant-style appetizer, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible Southwest eggrolls step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Chilis Southwest Eggrolls Recipe
These homemade Southwest eggrolls are:
- Crispy on the outside
- Creamy and cheesy on the inside
- Packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors
- Perfect for appetizers, parties, and game nights
- Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
Plus, you control the spice level and ingredient quality.
Ingredients for Chilis Southwest Eggrolls
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this restaurant-style copycat recipe.
For the Eggroll Wrappers
- 12 eggroll wrappers
For the Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 medium red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Southwest Ranch Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How to Make Chilis Southwest Eggrolls Recipe
Follow this beginner-friendly step-by-step guide for perfect results.
Step 1: Prepare the Southwest Filling
Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño.
- Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened but not mushy.
Add the Remaining Filling Ingredients
Stir in:
- Black beans
- Corn
- Shredded chicken
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Garlic powder
- Cayenne (if using)
- Salt and black pepper
Cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Add Cheese and Cilantro
Once slightly cooled, stir in:
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Pepper Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro
The cheese will begin to melt slightly, helping bind the filling together.
Step 2: Assemble the Eggrolls
- Lay an eggroll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape.
- Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the center.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling.
- Fold in the sides tightly.
- Roll upward and seal the top corner with a little water.
Repeat until all 12 eggrolls are assembled.
Pro Tip: Keep wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
Step 3: Fry Until Golden and Crispy
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry eggrolls in batches (do not overcrowd).
- Cook for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown.
- Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
They should be crispy and deeply golden on the outside.
Step 4: Make the Southwest Ranch Dipping Sauce
While the eggrolls cool slightly, prepare the dipping sauce.
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Buttermilk
- Lime juice
- Cilantro
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne (optional)
- Salt and black pepper
Chill for at least 20 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Expert Tips for Perfect Southwest Eggrolls
1. Don’t Overfill
Too much filling can cause the wrapper to burst while frying.
2. Seal Tightly
Use water to secure the edges firmly.
3. Maintain Oil Temperature
Keep oil around 350°F. Too low = greasy eggrolls. Too high = burnt outside, cold inside.
4. Cool the Filling Slightly
Hot filling can make wrappers soggy.
5. Fry in Small Batches
Overcrowding drops oil temperature and prevents crispiness.
Can You Bake or Air Fry Southwest Eggrolls?
Yes! For a lighter version:
Baking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush eggrolls lightly with oil.
- Bake 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Air fry 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
They won’t be as deeply golden as fried, but still delicious and crispy.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions
To Freeze Before Cooking
- Assemble eggrolls.
- Place on a baking sheet.
- Freeze until solid.
- Transfer to freezer bags.
Fry directly from frozen — just add 1–2 extra minutes cooking time.
To Store Leftovers
- Refrigerate in airtight container up to 3 days.
- Reheat in oven or air fryer for best crispiness.
What Makes This Chilis Southwest Eggrolls Recipe So Good?
The magic is in the balance of flavors:
- Creamy cheese
- Smoky chili powder
- Sweet corn
- Hearty black beans
- Fresh cilantro
- Mild heat from jalapeño
And that creamy Southwest ranch sauce ties everything together beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do you make Chilis Southwest Eggrolls crispy at home?
Fry at 350°F and avoid overcrowding the pan. Proper oil temperature is key to achieving crispy eggroll wrappers.
2. Can I make Chilis Southwest Eggrolls recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them and freeze before frying. You can fry them straight from frozen when ready to serve.
3. What dipping sauce goes with Southwest eggrolls?
A creamy Southwest ranch dipping sauce made with mayo, sour cream, lime juice, and spices pairs perfectly.
4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply omit the chicken and add extra black beans or sautéed mushrooms for texture.
5. What’s the best cheese for Southwest eggrolls?
Monterey Jack and pepper jack provide creaminess and mild spice, just like the restaurant version.
6. How do I prevent eggrolls from getting soggy?
- Drain fried eggrolls on paper towels.
- Serve immediately.
- Avoid stacking while hot.
Serving Ideas
These eggrolls are perfect for:
- Game day snacks
- Cinco de Mayo parties
- Potlucks
- Appetizer platters
- Family movie nights
- Casual dinners with friends
Serve sliced diagonally for a professional presentation.
Final Thoughts on This Chilis Southwest Eggrolls Recipe
This Chilis Southwest Eggrolls recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right into your kitchen. Crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold Southwest spices, these eggrolls are always a crowd-pleaser. The creamy homemade Southwest ranch dipping sauce takes them to the next level.
Whether you fry, bake, or air fry them, you’ll love how simple and satisfying this recipe is.
Now it’s your turn!
Grab your ingredients, heat that oil, and make a batch tonight. Once you taste these homemade Southwest eggrolls, you may never need to order them out again.
-If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to save it, share it, and make it part of your go-to appetizer collection!
