Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe
Chicken Spring Rolls are the kind of snack that makes you feel like you’re hosting a colorful party with every bite. Bursting with fresh herbs, crunchy veggies, tender shredded chicken, and wrapped up in delicate rice paper, these rolls are as fun to assemble as they are delicious. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a healthy lunch, or to impress your friends at a weekend get-together, you’ll love how light and satisfying they are. Plus, all the bright flavors and textures of Vietnamese cuisine Appetizer
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Ingredients:
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast shredded
- 1 cup cooked rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup carrot matchsticks
- 1/2 cup cucumber matchsticks
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- warm water for softening wrappers
How to Make Chicken Spring Rolls
Step 1: Prepare Your Fillings
Begin by prepping all your ingredients and lining them up in separate bowls. Shred the cooked chicken, slice the lettuce and matchstick the carrots and cucumbers. Picking the herb leaves from their stems beforehand makes assembly a breeze. A neat, organized setup helps the rolling process go smoothly and keeps everything nice and fresh.
Step 2: Soften the Rice Paper Wrappers
Find a large, shallow dish or plate and fill it with warm (not hot) water. Take one rice paper wrapper and gently submerge it in the water for about 5 to 10 seconds. The goal is for the wrapper to soften, but still be slightly firm; it will continue to absorb moisture as you add the filling. Carefully lay it flat on your clean work surface.
Step 3: Add the Fillings
Arrange a little of each filling—some shredded chicken, noodles, lettuce, carrots, cucumber, cilantro, mint, and basil—in the lower third of the wrapper. Resist the urge to overstuff, as this makes delicate rolling so much easier. The vibrant stripes of veggies and herbs not only taste fresh, but also look gorgeous through the translucent wrapper.
Step 4: Roll Your Chicken Spring Rolls
Fold the bottom of the rice paper up over the fillings, then fold in the sides to help hold everything in place. Now, roll it up tightly from the bottom, similar to rolling a burrito, keeping a firm grip but moving gently so the rice paper doesn’t tear. Set each roll seam side down on a plate and repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and fillings.
Step 5: Serve and Dip
Serve your freshly made Chicken Spring Rolls immediately for the best flavor and texture. They pair perfectly with a classic hoisin-peanut sauce or a tangy Vietnamese nuoc cham. The Rolls are beautifully cool and crisp, while the chicken keeps them filling and satisfying.
How to Serve Chicken Spring Rolls
Garnishes
For a touch of elegance, garnish your platter of Chicken Spring Rolls with extra sprigs of fresh herbs—cilantro, mint, and basil—scattered around the plate. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few wedges of lime on the side brightens the look and lets everyone add extra zip to their roll if they please.
Side Dishes
If you’re building a meal around these Chicken Spring Rolls, think light and vibrant sides: maybe a small green papaya salad, a bowl of Vietnamese pickled vegetables, or a chilled bowl of mango or melon slices. These combinations play up the refreshing, clean flavors and won’t weigh you down.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Chicken Spring Rolls neatly on a wooden board or tray, nestling them close for a playful look. For parties, consider cutting each roll in half on the bias to show off the beautiful cross-section of fillings, and serve with individual dipping sauce cups. Skewering mini rolls with toothpicks for easy grabbing is another fun idea!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Chicken Spring Rolls, store them in a single layer on a plate or in a shallow container. Lay a damp, clean kitchen towel over the top to prevent the rice paper from drying out, then cover with plastic wrap or a lid. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two days, but are best enjoyed within 24 hours.
Freezing
Freezing Chicken Spring Rolls isn’t the best option because the rice paper tends to become brittle and the fresh vegetables lose their crisp texture once thawed. For optimal flavor and appearance, always enjoy them freshly rolled. If you must freeze, consider freezing just the fillings and assembling the rolls fresh later.
Reheating
These spring rolls are a cold dish and don’t require reheating. If straight from the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before serving so that the flavors can fully shine and the wrappers don’t feel rubbery.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Spring Rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare them up to 2 hours ahead, cover them with a damp towel, and keep them chilled in the fridge. For best texture, avoid making them much further in advance, as the rice paper can start to dry out or stick.
What is the best dipping sauce to serve with Chicken Spring Rolls?
Classic hoisin-peanut sauce is a crowd-pleaser, but you can also serve them with nuoc cham (a sweet, tangy Vietnamese dipping sauce) or even a simple soy sauce with a splash of lime and chili for extra zing.
Can I substitute other proteins or make a vegetarian version?
Absolutely! Chicken Spring Rolls are incredibly versatile. You can swap the chicken for tofu, shrimp, or even just load up on extra veggies to keep them vegetarian and just as tasty.
Why do my rice papers tear when rolling?
The most common reason is over-soaking the wrappers or over-stuffing the rolls. Dip the rice paper just until softened, not mushy, and be gentle when rolling. Practice makes perfect, and they’ll taste great even if they look a little rustic!
What type of noodles work best in Chicken Spring Rolls?
Thin rice vermicelli noodles work beautifully as they’re light, neutral in flavor, and help hold the filling together. Avoid thicker noodles, which can overwhelm the delicate rice paper and throw off the balance.
Final Thoughts
There’s something unmistakably joyful about sharing Chicken Spring Rolls—each roll is packed with fresh flavor and fun to customize. Once you master the simple steps, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Give it a try and don’t be surprised if these become a new go-to favorite in your kitchen!
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Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the fresh flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with these Chicken Spring Rolls. Packed with shredded chicken, vermicelli noodles, and crisp vegetables, these rolls are perfect as a light and healthy appetizer.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast shredded
- 1 cup cooked rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup carrot matchsticks
- 1/2 cup cucumber matchsticks
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- warm water for softening wrappers
Instructions
- Prepare Fillings: Get all fillings ready and place them in separate bowls for easy assembly.
- Soften Wrappers: Submerge a rice paper wrapper in warm water for 5-10 seconds until pliable.
- Assemble: Lay the wrapper flat, add chicken, noodles, lettuce, carrot, cucumber, herbs. Fold bottom over filling, then sides, and roll tightly to seal.
- Repeat: Continue with remaining wrappers and fillings.
- Serve: Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Do not over-soak rice papers to prevent tearing.
- For a vegetarian option, use tofu or extra veggies.
- Best served fresh or store in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours covered with a damp towel.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
