Cheesy Chicken Spring Rolls are crispy, golden, and packed with tender chicken and gooey melted cheese inside. The crunchy outside combined with the soft, cheesy filling makes every bite a little celebration. It’s a fun twist on classic spring rolls that adds a cheesy surprise you’ll want to keep coming back to.
I love making these when I want a snack that feels special but is still super easy to whip up. It’s really satisfying to see the cheese melt perfectly and stretch a bit with every bite — it’s like the spring rolls have a delicious little secret hiding inside. Plus, chicken and cheese is a combo that almost everyone enjoys, so these are always a crowd-pleaser at parties or family dinners.
My favorite way to serve them is with a side of sweet chili sauce or a simple dipping sauce made with soy and a touch of lime. It adds just the right amount of tang and spice to balance the richness of the cheese. These spring rolls are perfect for munching anytime — whether after work, during a movie night, or whenever you’re craving something tasty and crunchy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken breast gives a tender, lean filling. You can swap with cooked turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option. Using leftover rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
Cheese: I like cheddar or mozzarella for their meltiness and mild taste. For a sharper flavor, try pepper jack or gouda. Use vegan cheese if dairy-free.
Spring Roll Wrappers: These create the crispy outside. If you can’t find them, egg roll wrappers work too, but they’re thicker and yield a different texture.
Bell Peppers & Onions: They bring color and sweetness. You can add finely chopped carrots or cabbage for extra crunch and nutrition.
How Do You Wrap Spring Rolls Without Them Falling Apart?
Wrapping spring rolls tightly is key to preventing the filling from spilling out during frying. Here’s how to do it simply:
- Place the wrapper with one corner pointing toward you like a diamond.
- Put 2-3 tablespoons of filling near the corner closest to you.
- Fold that corner over the filling, then fold in both the left and right sides snugly.
- Roll firmly but gently away from you until almost closed.
- Seal the edge with water or a paste made of flour and water to keep it stuck.
- Make sure there are no gaps or loose edges before frying.
I like to practice with one first just to get the feel. A good seal means less oil soaking in and a perfect crunchy shell.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Wok or large skillet – I suggest this because it heats evenly and helps cook the vegetables and chicken quickly.
- Mixing bowls – useful for combining ingredients and assembling the rolls.
- Spoon or small scoop – makes filling each spring roll neat and quick.
- Frying pan or deep-fryer – for crispy, golden spring rolls. I prefer a deep-fryer for even results.
- Paper towels or rack – to drain excess oil after frying, keeping the rolls crispy.
- Cooking brush or finger – for sealing the edges with water or paste.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked shrimp or crab instead of chicken for seafood lovers—adds a whole new flavor.
- Add chopped cilantro or basil in the filling for fresh herbs—I like this to brighten the flavor profile.
- Mix in a teaspoon of curry powder or five-spice powder to give the filling a warm, aromatic twist.
- Replace cheese with cream cheese for a richer, cheesy texture that melts beautifully inside.
Cheesy Chicken Spring Roll
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika or chili powder (optional, for spice)
- 10-12 spring roll wrappers
- Water or flour paste (for sealing the wrappers)
- Oil for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare the filling and roll the spring rolls, plus 10 minutes to fry them until crispy and golden brown. Overall, you can have delicious cheesy chicken spring rolls ready in under 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Filling:
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onions, and sauté until the onions become translucent. Next, add the chopped bell peppers, salt, black pepper, and paprika or chili powder if you like a bit of spice. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the peppers soften.
Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and mix well. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors combine. Remove the pan from heat and let the filling cool down slightly.
2. Add Cheese to the Filling:
Once the filling has cooled enough to handle, mix in the shredded cheese well. You can save a little cheese for sprinkling on top later if you like.
3. Roll the Spring Rolls:
Place one spring roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you (like a diamond). Scoop about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling near the corner closest to you. Fold that corner over the filling, then fold in the left and right sides snugly. Roll tightly away from you to form a neat cylinder. Seal the edge with a little water or flour paste to hold it together.
Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
4. Fry the Spring Rolls:
Heat enough oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat for frying. When hot, add the spring rolls in batches, frying each for about 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use tongs to turn them gently.
Remove the fried rolls and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Optionally, sprinkle some extra cheese and chopped herbs on top for added flavor. Serve your cheesy chicken spring rolls hot with your favorite dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce or spicy mayo for a tasty treat.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding and using it. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in cold water wrapped in a sealed bag. Pat dry to avoid extra moisture.
Can I Bake the Spring Rolls Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the spring rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush them lightly with oil, and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy. Flip halfway through for even baking.
How Do I Store Leftover Spring Rolls?
Store leftover spring rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake or air fry them to regain their crispiness instead of microwaving, which can make them soggy.
Can I Customize the Filling?
Definitely! Feel free to add veggies like shredded carrots or cabbage. You can swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even make it all-cheese for a vegetarian version. Just be sure to keep the filling firm so it rolls well.