Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with Chicken Spring Rolls: a fresh, vibrant appetizer that dances with color, crunch, and herby brightness in every bite. These rolls are as fun to make as they are to eat—tucking in crisp vegetables, juicy chicken, fragrant herbs, and silky vermicelli noodles, all hugged by translucent rice paper wrappers. Whether you’re dipping them in peanut sauce or sweet chili, Chicken Spring Rolls bring a taste of Vietnamese-inspired delight to your table, perfect for sharing or light snacking any time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Filling:
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast (shredded)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1 medium carrot (julienned)
- 1/2 cucumber (julienned)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup vermicelli rice noodles (cooked)
Other:
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- Warm water for soaking wrappers
How to Make Chicken Spring Rolls
Step 1: Prep All Fillings
Before you even think about rolling, get all your fillings ready and within arm’s reach. Shred the cooked chicken, julienne your carrot and cucumber, slice your lettuce or cabbage, and pluck plenty of cilantro and mint leaves. This makes the assembly process smooth, relaxed, and (dare I say) even a little therapeutic!
Step 2: Soften the Rice Paper
Fill a large, shallow dish or pie pan with warm water. Working with one rice paper wrapper at a time, dip it in the water for just 5 to 10 seconds. Don’t over-soak—the wrapper should be pliable but still slightly firm, as it will soften more while you add your fillings.
Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Spring Rolls
Lay your softened rice paper on a clean, flat surface. In the center, layer a small handful of shredded lettuce or cabbage, a little chicken, carrots, cucumber, a sprinkle each of cilantro and mint, and some vermicelli noodles. Don’t be tempted to overfill—this helps you roll more neatly and tightly.
Step 4: Roll It Up Tight
Fold the bottom edge of the wrapper tightly over the fillings, fold in both sides like you’re making a little envelope, then roll everything up snugly. The wrapper will naturally seal itself as it finishes softening. Repeat with the other rice papers and fillings, forming a satisfyingly plump batch of Chicken Spring Rolls.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Once you’ve rolled them all, serve your Chicken Spring Rolls right away so they stay fresh and tender. Pair with a creamy peanut dipping sauce or a zingy sweet chili sauce to bring out the layers of flavor in each bite.
How to Serve Chicken Spring Rolls
Garnishes
Presentation is part of the fun! A sprinkle of extra fresh herbs, a scattering of toasted sesame seeds, or even some thin slices of chili pepper stacked on top of each roll can turn your platter into an edible bouquet. You can also offer little lime wedges for guests to squeeze over the Chicken Spring Rolls for a zesty finish.
Side Dishes
Chicken Spring Rolls pair beautifully with other fresh, Asian-inspired appetizers like edamame, cucumber salad, or a crisp Asian slaw. For a more filling meal, serve alongside steamy jasmine rice or a bowl of pho and you’ve got an irresistible light lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the traditional platter: line up your Chicken Spring Rolls in a bamboo steamer for instant Vietnamese street-food vibes, or arrange them in a spiral on a round plate with dipping sauce bowls in the center. If you’re serving a crowd, pre-slice each roll in half at an angle and stand them up for a colorful, crowd-pleasing display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Chicken Spring Rolls, place them in a single layer on a plate, cover gently with a damp kitchen towel, and then cover with plastic wrap. This keeps the wrappers moist and prevents them from drying out in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Freezing
Unfortunately, Chicken Spring Rolls aren’t great candidates for the freezer. The fresh veggies and herbs lose their snappy texture, and the rice paper can turn soggy. It’s best to make and enjoy these the same day, but you can prep the fillings ahead for later rolling!
Reheating
These rolls are meant to be eaten cold or at room temperature, so skip reheating. For rolls that have been refrigerated, just let them sit on the counter for about 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a wonderful shortcut and brings even more flavor to your Chicken Spring Rolls—just be sure to remove the skin and bones before using.
How can I prevent the rice paper wrappers from tearing?
Don’t oversoak the wrappers; 5 to 10 seconds is usually plenty. Handle them gently, and don’t overstuff each roll. Work on a damp towel or nonstick surface for extra insurance against tearing.
What dipping sauces go best with Chicken Spring Rolls?
A classic creamy peanut sauce is always a hit, but don’t overlook sweet chili sauce, nuoc cham, or even a simple soy-lime dip. Offer a few options to keep everyone happy!
Can I make Chicken Spring Rolls vegetarian?
Definitely! Just swap the shredded chicken for extra veggies (like bell pepper or avocado) or try strips of baked tofu for a delicious plant-based twist.
What’s the best way to keep Chicken Spring Rolls fresh if making ahead for a party?
Cover the finished rolls with a damp kitchen towel and then plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a few hours. Wait until just before serving to slice and arrange—this helps them look and taste their best.
Final Thoughts
Give these Chicken Spring Rolls a try and let their fresh, lively flavors brighten up your next meal or gathering! Once you start rolling, you’ll want to whip up batch after batch for friends and family—they’re that irresistible. Enjoy every crunchy, herby bite!
Print
Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these fresh and flavorful Chicken Spring Rolls. Packed with colorful veggies, tender chicken, and fragrant herbs, these rolls make a light and satisfying appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast (shredded)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1 medium carrot (julienned)
- 1/2 cucumber (julienned)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup vermicelli rice noodles (cooked)
Other:
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- Warm water for soaking wrappers
Instructions
- Prepare Fillings: Have all fillings ready. Fill a large shallow dish with warm water.
- Soften Wrapper: Dip a rice paper wrapper in warm water until pliable.
- Assemble: Place fillings in the center, fold bottom over, then sides, and roll tightly.
- Serve: Enjoy with peanut or sweet chili sauce.
Notes
- Cover rolls with a damp towel to keep them fresh.
- Rotisserie chicken can be a time-saving alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: No-Cook, Rolling
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
