If you’re searching for a light, flavor-packed bite that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Chicken Spring Rolls are about to become your new go-to. These vibrant rolls are bursting with juicy chicken, crisp veggies, fragrant herbs, and silky rice noodles, all neatly wrapped up in a delicate rice paper shell. They’re fresh, colorful, and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re prepping an easy appetizer, a healthy lunch, or a party platter that’s sure to impress. The best part? You can dip, dunk, and customize them any way you like!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Filling
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast (shredded or thinly sliced)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 small cucumber (cut into thin matchsticks)
- ½ cup cooked vermicelli rice noodles
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
Wrappers
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- Warm water (for softening wrappers)
Optional
- Dipping sauces (such as peanut sauce or hoisin sauce)
How to Make Chicken Spring Rolls
Step 1: Prep Your Filling
Begin by preparing all your ingredients: shred the cooked chicken, carrots, and purple cabbage; slice the cucumber into thin matchsticks; and cook the vermicelli rice noodles according to package instructions. Pick the freshest herbs you can find—mint, cilantro, and basil—and have them ready. Organize everything in small bowls so your rolling station is neat and inviting. This makes assembly a breeze!
Step 2: Set Up Your Rolling Station
Find a clean, damp surface to work on. A wooden cutting board or a clean kitchen towel works perfectly. Fill a shallow dish or pie plate with warm water; this will be used to soften your rice paper wrappers. Keep your bowls of fillings close by so you can reach everything easily.
Step 3: Soften the Rice Paper
Take one rice paper wrapper and dip it into the warm water for about 10 seconds. Be gentle and don’t over-soak—it should be soft but still a little firm, as it will keep absorbing water while you add the fillings.
Step 4: Fill and Roll
Lay the softened wrapper on your damp surface. In the center, arrange a few pieces of chicken, a small handful of carrots, cabbage, cucumber, some noodles, and a few fresh herbs. Fold the sides of the wrapper inward over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom up, just like a burrito. The wrapper will stick to itself and seal the roll. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and fillings.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange your Chicken Spring Rolls on a serving platter and present them with your favorite dipping sauce. They’re best enjoyed right away, while the wrappers are perfectly soft and the fillings are fresh and crisp.
How to Serve Chicken Spring Rolls
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few extra fresh herbs on top add visual appeal and a burst of flavor. If you want to make your platter really pop, thinly sliced chili or a squeeze of lime can bring an extra zing.
Side Dishes
Chicken Spring Rolls partner beautifully with a bowl of steamy miso soup, a crisp Asian slaw, or a quick cucumber salad. For a heartier meal, serve alongside fried rice, or even a light noodle dish. The versatility is endless!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, interactive dinner, set up a spring roll bar and let everyone build their own rolls with their favorite fillings and sauces. Arrange the Chicken Spring Rolls upright in a glass or on a platter lined with lettuce leaves for a stunning, party-worthy display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Chicken Spring Rolls, cover them with a damp paper towel and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the rice paper from drying out and preserves their lovely texture for a few hours.
Freezing
Chicken Spring Rolls aren’t ideal for freezing, as the rice paper can become tough and chewy after thawing. For the freshest results, enjoy them soon after assembling. If you must freeze, wrap each roll individually and thaw gently in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
These spring rolls are best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer them a bit warmer, let them sit out of the fridge for 10–15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the wrappers sticky and gummy.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Spring Rolls vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or extra veggies like bell pepper and avocado. The rolls are endlessly adaptable to your preferences.
What dipping sauce pairs best with Chicken Spring Rolls?
Classic peanut sauce is always a hit, but hoisin, sweet chili, or even a splash of soy sauce work beautifully. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!
How do I keep the rice paper from tearing?
Don’t over-soak the wrappers—just a quick dip until they’re soft but still manageable. Work gently and don’t overfill, and your Chicken Spring Rolls will roll up perfectly every time.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes! Assemble them a few hours in advance and cover with a damp paper towel in the fridge. For the freshest texture, wait to slice or serve until just before your guests arrive.
Are Chicken Spring Rolls gluten-free?
They are! Just double-check that your dipping sauces are gluten-free, and you’re good to go. These rolls are perfect for anyone looking for a light, gluten-free meal or snack.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Spring Rolls are a joyful celebration of fresh flavors and simple pleasures—perfect for sharing with friends or brightening up your everyday meals. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become a regular favorite in your kitchen!
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Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 spring rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and fresh Chicken Spring Rolls made with shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and rice paper wrappers. These healthy, no-cook Asian-inspired rolls are perfect as a light appetizer or main course and are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a refreshing and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast (shredded or thinly sliced)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 small cucumber (cut into thin matchsticks)
- ½ cup cooked vermicelli rice noodles
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
Wrappers
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- Warm water (for softening wrappers)
Optional
- Dipping sauces (such as peanut sauce or hoisin sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Shred or thinly slice the cooked chicken breast. Shred carrots and purple cabbage. Cut the cucumber into thin matchsticks. Cook rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions, then cool. Rinse and pat dry fresh mint, cilantro, and basil leaves.
- Set up Rolling Station: Arrange all filling ingredients within easy reach. Fill a shallow dish with warm water for dipping the rice paper wrappers. Place a clean, damp surface for rolling the spring rolls.
- Soften Rice Paper Wrapper: Dip one rice paper wrapper into the warm water for about 10 seconds until it’s soft but still slightly firm. Lay the softened wrapper flat on the damp surface.
- Add Filling: In the center of the wrapper, layer a few pieces of chicken, followed by a small amount of shredded carrots, purple cabbage, cucumber matchsticks, rice noodles, and fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, basil).
- Roll the Spring Roll: Fold the sides of the wrapper inward over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom up, similar to rolling a burrito, to encase all ingredients securely.
- Repeat: Repeat the softening and rolling process with the remaining wrappers and filling until all 8 spring rolls are assembled.
- Serve: Serve the chicken spring rolls immediately with your favorite dipping sauce such as peanut or hoisin sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for different protein options.
- Spring rolls are best served fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for a few hours.
- Place a damp paper towel over stored rolls to prevent them from drying out.
- For a spicier twist, add some sliced chili or a drizzle of sriracha to the filling or dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 spring roll
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
