Get ready to transform your kitchen into your favorite takeout spot with these incredibly delicious Chicken Egg Rolls. This recipe brings you crispy, golden wrappers bursting with a savory, perfectly seasoned filling.
Forget complicated steps; we’ll show you how to achieve that coveted restaurant-quality flavor and texture right at home. You can whip up these amazing Chicken Egg Rolls in under an hour, proving that homemade is always better.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll quickly fall in love with making these Chicken Egg Rolls for so many reasons.
- Achieve Perfect Crispiness Every Time: Our method guarantees golden, bubbly wrappers with an irresistible crunch.
- Flavorful, Savory Chicken and Veggie Filling: Enjoy a well-balanced mixture that’s both satisfying and utterly delicious.
- Easy, Customizable Weeknight Meal: This recipe is simple to adapt, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Impress Your Family and Friends: Serve up these beautiful, homemade treats and watch them disappear.
- Perfect Appetizer or Light Dinner: These versatile rolls work wonderfully as a starter or a delightful main course.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your own batch of delicious Chicken Egg Rolls:
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 2 tsp ginger (minced)
- 2 tsp garlic (minced)
- 2 1/2 cups cabbage and carrots (shredded coleslaw mix)
- 3 green onions (sliced)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp Chinese five spice powder
- 20 egg roll wrappers
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 quart vegetable oil (for frying)
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with the filling for these homemade egg rolls. You can easily use ground pork or ground turkey instead of chicken. A pre-shredded coleslaw mix is a fantastic shortcut for easy shredded veggies like cabbage and carrots.
Don’t skip the Chinese five spice powder; it’s absolutely crucial for that authentic, complex flavor in your egg roll filling. Lastly, a simple beaten egg wash ensures your wrappers seal tightly and prevent leaks during frying.
According to Simply Recipes, Chinese five spice powder has been a staple in Chinese culinary history for hundreds of years.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools for making these delicious egg rolls.
- A large wok or skillet is perfect for cooking the filling.
- You’ll need a deep fryer OR a heavy-bottomed pot for frying.
- A slotted spoon or tongs are essential for safely handling hot egg rolls.
- Always have a paper towel-lined plate ready for draining.
- A small bowl for the egg wash makes sealing a breeze.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your own perfect Chicken Egg Rolls. Making egg rolls is simpler than you think!
Prepare Chicken Filling: Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken along with the minced ginger and garlic. Cook the chicken, breaking it up thoroughly with a spoon, until it is no longer pink and completely crumbly. Drain any excess fat from the skillet completely. This step ensures your chicken egg rolls aren’t greasy.
Sauté Vegetables: Return the skillet to medium-high heat. Add the shredded cabbage and carrot mix, sliced green onions, salt, sugar, sesame oil, and Chinese five spice powder to the cooked chicken. Stir everything together well. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage and carrots become tender-crisp. Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool slightly. This prevents your wrappers from getting soggy when assembling your best egg rolls.
Assemble Egg Rolls: Lay one egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface with a corner pointing towards you, forming a diamond shape. Place about 2 tablespoons of the cooled chicken mixture slightly below the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner tightly over the filling, pulling it back towards you. Next, fold in both side corners tightly towards the center. Now, roll the entire assembly up tightly from the bottom towards the top corner, creating a compact cylinder. Brush the top remaining corner with your beaten egg wash. Press firmly to seal the roll completely. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling to finish assembling your easy egg roll recipe.
Cook Egg Rolls: Preheat your deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using a pot, fill it with about 2 inches of vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (use a thermometer for accuracy). Carefully place a few of the assembled Chicken Egg Rolls into the hot oil, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pot. Fry the egg rolls in batches for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy on all sides. Once cooked, carefully remove the egg rolls from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Drain them immediately on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil. Serve your crispy homemade egg rolls hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Mastering your crispy egg rolls is easy with a few tricks.
- Achieve Max Crispiness: Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 375°F (190°C). Too low, and they’ll be greasy; too high, and they’ll burn.
- Prevent Soggy Egg Rolls: Ensure your filling is not overly wet before assembling. Draining the chicken fat and cooling the veggies helps immensely.
- Flavor Boost: Adjust the Chinese five spice powder to your liking, or add a dash of soy sauce to the filling for extra umami.
- Perfect Sealing: Use egg wash sparingly on the wrapper edges for adhesion. Too much egg wash makes them slippery and hard to seal.
- Rolling Technique: Practice for tight, even rolls. A tight roll prevents oil from seeping in and keeps the filling secure.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
These amazing Chicken Egg Rolls are versatile for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these delectable Chicken Egg Rolls with a side of sweet Thai Chili Sauce for dipping.
- Pair them with a warm bowl of savory Egg Drop Soup for a complete meal.
- Enjoy alongside homemade Kung Pao Chicken or a vibrant Sweet and Sour Chicken.
- They make a fantastic appetizer before Instant Pot Asian Beef Short Ribs.
- A classic soy sauce or duck sauce also makes a great dipping option.
Storage & Reheating
- Store any leftover cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze cooked egg rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheat frozen or refrigerated egg rolls in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, to restore their crispiness.
- Microwave reheating is an option for speed, but they will be less crispy.
Recipe Variations
- Easily substitute the ground chicken with ground pork, ground turkey, or even finely minced shrimp for different easy egg roll recipe flavors.
- Make a delicious vegetarian version by omitting the meat and adding extra finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms, water chestnuts, or shredded tofu.
- Experiment with different Asian sauces in the filling, such as a touch of hoisin or oyster sauce, for unique flavor profiles.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick to your chicken egg rolls.
Nutrition
Enjoying homemade Chicken Egg Rolls can be part of a balanced meal. This nutrition estimate is for one serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 Egg Roll |
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fats | 9g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
These crispy egg rolls offer a good source of protein from the chicken, along with some dietary fiber and vitamins from the vegetables. While fried, the homemade preparation allows for control over ingredients, making them a delicious treat.
FAQ
You’ve got questions, we have answers about making the best egg rolls.
- Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the chicken egg rolls up to 24 hours in advance. Store them uncooked in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, covered loosely, in the refrigerator until ready to fry.
- What are alternative cooking methods besides deep frying?
For a healthier option, you can bake your chicken egg rolls at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Air frying at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes also yields great results, offering a crispy texture with less oil.
- What is Chinese Five Spice powder?
Chinese Five Spice powder is a traditional blend of five key spices: star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. It offers a unique balance of sweet, pungent, bitter, savory, and salty flavors, crucial for authentic Asian dishes like our chicken egg rolls.
- Where can I find egg roll wrappers and Chinese five spice?
You can typically find egg roll wrappers in the refrigerated produce section of most grocery stores, near the tofu or fresh pasta. Chinese five spice powder is usually in the spice aisle of any major supermarket.
- Why use an egg wash to seal the wrappers?
An egg wash, made from a beaten egg, acts as a culinary glue. It helps the wrapper edges adhere firmly together, preventing the filling from leaking out during frying and ensuring your chicken egg rolls maintain their shape and crispness.
Conclusion
There you have it – a straightforward, incredibly rewarding recipe for homemade Chicken Egg Rolls. You’ve seen just how simple it is to achieve that perfect crispy exterior and savory, aromatic filling, rivaling any takeout experience.
We encourage you to try this recipe tonight and experience the joy of making these delicious rolls yourself. Feel free to share your culinary creations and any delicious customizations you discover!

