If you’ve ever wished you could serve up something fresh, vibrant, and a little impressive without spending hours in the kitchen, Chicken Spring Rolls are the answer to your appetizer dreams. Bursting with perfectly seasoned shredded chicken, crisp veggies, soft vermicelli noodles, and a shower of fragrant herbs all wrapped in delicate rice paper, each bite is a gorgeous combination of crunch, chew, and juicy flavor. They make a stunning party platter, a light lunch, or a cozy snack, especially when paired with your favorite dipping sauce. Get ready to fall for these Chicken Spring Rolls—they’re as fun to make as they are to eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the Spring Rolls:
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or napa cabbage
- 1/2 cup cooked rice vermicelli noodles
- 1/2 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- Warm water for soaking
- Optional: hoisin-peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce for dipping
How to Make Chicken Spring Rolls
Step 1: Set Up Your Filling Station
Before you start rolling, prep all your ingredients and lay them out in an assembly line. Having your chicken, veggies, herbs, and noodles organized in bowls makes the process smooth and efficient—you’ll soon be rolling like a pro without a single ingredient forgotten.
Step 2: Soften the Rice Paper
Fill a large, shallow dish or pie plate with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for 10 to 15 seconds, just until it’s flexible but not overly soft (it will continue to soften as you work). Lay it carefully on a clean surface or a damp kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Fill and Fold
To the center of your rice paper, add a little cooked chicken, carrots, lettuce or cabbage, soft vermicelli noodles, cucumber sticks, a few mint leaves, and a sprig or two of cilantro. Fold the sides of the wrapper snugly over the mound, then roll tightly from the bottom up—think burrito style! This wraps all the goodies in a neat, sealed parcel.
Step 4: Repeat and Arrange
Continue filling and rolling with the rest of your ingredients and wrappers. As you finish, arrange each Chicken Spring Roll on a plate, leaving space between them so they don’t stick together. If you’re prepping ahead, cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them silky-soft and fresh.
Step 5: Serve with Dipping Sauce
Spring rolls shine brightest when dunked! Pour hoisin-peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce into little bowls for dipping and set those gorgeous rolls out for everyone to enjoy. Each dip adds another layer of flavor that makes these Chicken Spring Rolls impossible to resist.
How to Serve Chicken Spring Rolls
Garnishes
Give your Chicken Spring Rolls a finishing touch by scattering extra fresh cilantro or mint leaves on top, or adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds if you like a little nutty crunch. A wedge of lime on the side not only looks pretty but is perfect for a spritz of zesty brightness just before eating.
Side Dishes
Turn your spring rolls into a complete meal by partnering them with a bright Vietnamese noodle salad, some pickled veggies, or a tangy, chilled cucumber salad. They also pair beautifully with miso soup or a steaming bowl of pho for a truly satisfying lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gatherings, serve Chicken Spring Rolls sliced in half on a platter with colorful dipping sauces in mini bowls, or stand them upright in glasses lined with lettuce leaves. You can also wrap each roll in parchment for easy, mess-free snacking on the go. The more vibrant and inviting the presentation, the quicker they’ll disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Chicken Spring Rolls, arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container, separated by damp paper towels. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to keep them moist and store in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours. This keeps them soft and fresh, not dried out.
Freezing
Rice paper doesn’t freeze well; it tends to become gummy and loses its delicate texture after thawing. For this reason, it’s best to enjoy your Chicken Spring Rolls fresh or just lightly chilled. If you want to prep ahead, consider making only the fillings in advance and rolling fresh when ready to serve!
Reheating
Chicken Spring Rolls are designed to be eaten cold or at room temperature, which makes reheating unnecessary (and not recommended, as the rice paper can become tough). If the rolls have been chilled for a while, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for these spring rolls?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and saves time. Just shred it up and assemble as usual for delicious and convenient Chicken Spring Rolls.
What can I substitute for chicken in this recipe?
Feel free to use shrimp, tofu, or even more veggies if you want a vegetarian twist or just want to switch things up. The base method for assembling spring rolls stays exactly the same.
How do I keep the rice paper from tearing?
Be gentle when soaking and handling the wrappers—dip them briefly until just pliable and roll slowly to avoid any rips. A damp kitchen towel as your work surface also helps prevent sticking and tearing.
Do I need to cook any of the vegetables?
Nope! That’s part of the joy—the vegetables in Chicken Spring Rolls are all raw, which gives them their signature freshness and crunch. Just make sure they’re thinly sliced or shredded for easy rolling.
Can I make these in advance for a party?
You can, but for the very freshest rolls, assemble them a couple of hours ahead, cover with a damp towel and plastic wrap, and chill until serving. This helps keep the rice paper soft and the herbs bright.
Final Thoughts
Whether for a family appetizer or a colorful lunch with friends, Chicken Spring Rolls shine as a homemade treat that feels restaurant-worthy but couldn’t be simpler to make. Give them a try—once you see how fun and flavorful they are, you’ll want to share these gorgeous, fresh rolls at every opportunity!
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Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 spring rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the fresh flavors of Chicken Spring Rolls, a Vietnamese-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and fragrant herbs wrapped in delicate rice paper. These light and healthy rolls are perfect as appetizers, snacks, or even a main course. Customize them with your favorite dipping sauce for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Spring Rolls:
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or napa cabbage
- 1/2 cup cooked rice vermicelli noodles
- 1/2 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- Warm water for soaking
- Optional: hoisin-peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare Filling: Gather all filling ingredients and set up an assembly line.
- Soften Rice Paper: Dip a rice paper wrapper in warm water for 10-15 seconds until pliable.
- Fill and Roll: Place chicken, carrots, lettuce, noodles, cucumber, mint, and cilantro in the center of the wrapper. Fold sides over and roll tightly from the bottom up.
- Repeat: Continue filling and rolling remaining wrappers.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately with your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Best served fresh, but can be refrigerated for a few hours covered with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap.
- Variations: Add avocado, bell pepper, or swap chicken for shrimp or tofu.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
- Method: No-Cook (Assembly)
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 spring roll
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 2.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
