Tex-Mex
Chili's Inspired Southwestern Eggrolls
Crisp flour-tortilla rolls filled with seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, spinach, peppers, and melted Monterey Jack, with a cool avocado-ranch dip.
Inspired by Chili's Grill & Bar
Prep
35 min + chill
Cook
12 min
Serves
6 servings
Difficulty
Medium
Method
Recipe notes
A dry, cooled filling and a short chill keep the tortillas sealed while the exterior crisps. Dice every filling component small so each slice holds together and contains a balanced bite.
Planning, storage, and serving
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate cooked eggrolls within 2 hours for up to 3 days. Reheat on a rack in a 375 F oven or air fryer until the center is steaming hot and the shell is crisp.
Make-ahead tips
Assemble and chill the rolls up to 1 day ahead. Keep them covered and cook directly from the refrigerator, adding a minute or two if needed.
What to serve with it
- - Avocado ranch
- - Fresh pico de gallo
- - Lime wedges
Equipment needed
- - Wide skillet
- - Air fryer or heavy frying pan
- - Blender or food processor
Difficulty explained
The filling is straightforward, but tight rolling, moisture control, and steady frying temperature require moderate attention for sealed crisp eggrolls.
Nutrition estimate
Calories
460
Protein
24g
Carbs
43g
Fat
22g
Sat. fat
7g
Fiber
7g
Sugar
4g
Sodium
890mg
Estimated nutrition per serving. Values are approximate and can change materially with brands, substitutions, optional toppings, portion size, and cooking method.
Alternatives
Apply a reviewed substitution to this temporary working copy. The published recipe stays unchanged.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs
Use an equal weight of boneless skinless thighs.
Pinto beans
Use the same measured amount of cooked, drained pinto beans.
Gluten-free flour-style tortillas
Use sturdy gluten-free flour-style tortillas in the same size.
Type the ingredient you're missing — we'll find what you can use instead.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Warm or watery filling steams the tortilla and encourages it to split during cooking.
- Overfilling prevents a tight seal and lets cheese escape into the fryer or air-fryer basket.
- Skipping the chill makes the rolled tortillas more likely to loosen before their exterior sets.
Nutrition Context
- Chicken, beans, and cheese provide protein, while tortillas and corn provide most of the carbohydrate.
- Air frying reduces added oil compared with shallow frying; the ranch-based dip contributes additional fat and sodium.
FAQ
Why chill the eggrolls before cooking?
Chilling firms the filling and helps the tortilla seam stay closed while the outside begins to crisp.
Can I air fry them?
Yes. Coat all sides with oil spray and turn once so the shell browns evenly.
Can I freeze assembled eggrolls?
Freeze them on a tray, transfer to a sealed container, and cook from frozen with extra time until hot throughout.
How do I prevent soggy filling?
Cook until vegetable moisture evaporates, drain the beans well, and cool the mixture before adding cheese.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Replace chicken with extra black beans and firm crumbled tofu, seasoning and cooking the mixture until dry.
What sides pair best with this dish?
Good pairings include Avocado ranch; Fresh pico de gallo; Lime wedges. Choose one or two based on how substantial you want the meal to be.