Chicken Egg Rolls Recipe (Crispy and Flavorful)

I love crispy chicken egg rolls! They are so crunchy on the outside and yummy inside. Every time I make them, my whole family gets excited!

The best part? You can make them at home, and it’s super easy. I was surprised how fun it is to roll them up and fry them.

If you love takeout egg rolls, you’ll love these even more. They taste fresh and homemade. And guess what? You can fill them with all your favorite things!

So, let me show you how I make my favorite chicken egg rolls. Grab your stuff, and let’s get rolling! Ready? Let’s go!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy & Juicy: Each bite delivers a perfect crunch followed by a flavorful, juicy filling.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy ingredients — just everyday kitchen staples for a restaurant-quality dish.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance and freeze for later — fry fresh when ready to serve.
• Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to suit dietary needs or preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great as a starter, snack, or part of an Asian-inspired meal.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings:
This recipe makes about 20 egg rolls, serving 6-8 people depending on portion size.

Difficulty:
Suitable for beginners, but enjoyable for experienced cooks who want to master homemade egg rolls.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you begin, gather these essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable:

• Large Skillet or Wok: For cooking the filling evenly.
• Mixing Bowls: Medium and large bowls for combining ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To stir and mix the filling.
• Baking Sheet: To lay out and organize filled egg rolls before frying.
• Small Bowl: To hold beaten egg for sealing the wrappers.
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon: For frying and removing egg rolls safely from oil.
• Paper Towels & Plate: To drain excess oil after frying.

Ingredients for Chicken Egg Rolls

These chicken egg rolls are packed with flavor thanks to a blend of seasoned chicken and fresh veggies. Here’s what you’ll need to bring it all together (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Ground Chicken: Lean and tender, serves as the base of the filling.
• Garlic: Freshly minced to add bold aroma and flavor.
• Fresh Ginger (or Paste): Adds a warm, zesty kick to balance the savory chicken.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the natural flavors.
• Ground Black Pepper: A subtle hint of spice.
• Chinese Five-Spice Powder: A fragrant blend of star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds for depth and complexity.
• Coleslaw Mix: Shredded cabbage and sometimes red cabbage for color and crunch.
• Carrots: Shredded for sweetness and color contrast.
• Green Onions: Thinly sliced for a mild onion flavor and freshness.
• Sesame Oil: Infuses a nutty, toasty aroma and taste — key for Asian-inspired dishes.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying the egg rolls to golden perfection.
• Egg Roll Wrappers: Thin sheets that hold the filling and crisp up beautifully when fried.
• Egg (beaten): Acts as a natural glue to seal the wrappers securely.

Variations for Chicken Egg Rolls

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are a few easy ways to switch things up:

• Add Heat: Mix in a dash of sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chopped chilies for a spicier kick.
• Swap Proteins: Use ground turkey, pork, or even tofu for a different take.
• Make it Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or bean sprouts.
• Baked Version: For a lighter option, bake the egg rolls at 400°F (200°C) until golden and crisp, about 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Air Fryer Option: Spray lightly with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, turning once, for a crispier, healthier version.

How to Make Chicken Egg Rolls (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Cook the Chicken and Aromatics

• Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add a drizzle of vegetable oil.
• Once hot, add ground chicken, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
• Add minced garlic and grated ginger as the chicken starts to brown. Stir until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
• Season with salt, black pepper, and Chinese five-spice powder, stirring to combine. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes total.

How to Make Chicken Egg Rolls (Continued)

2. Add Vegetables and Finish the Filling

• Once the chicken is fully cooked and seasoned, add the shredded coleslaw mix and carrots to the skillet.
• Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp — you want them tender-crisp, not soggy.
• Stir in the sliced green onions and drizzle in sesame oil, mixing everything well to combine the flavors.
• Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool for about 10 minutes before assembling the egg rolls. Cooling prevents the wrappers from becoming too soft or tearing when filling.

3. Assemble the Egg Rolls

• Prepare a clean surface or cutting board and lay out a few egg roll wrappers at a time, keeping the rest covered with a damp towel to avoid drying out.
• Place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each wrapper, positioned diagonally like a diamond shape.
• Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tucking it snugly under.
• Fold in the left and right corners, like an envelope, to seal the sides.
• Roll the wrapper tightly toward the top corner.
• Brush the top corner lightly with beaten egg to seal the roll.
• Place assembled egg rolls seam side down on a baking sheet. Repeat until all filling is used.

4. Fry the Egg Rolls to Crispy Perfection

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep pan to about 350°F (175°C) — you can test this with a thermometer or drop a small piece of wrapper to see if it sizzles and floats.
• Carefully add a few egg rolls at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, turning with tongs until golden brown and crisp.
• Once done, transfer egg rolls to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
• Repeat until all egg rolls are fried.

How to Serve Chicken Egg Rolls

These egg rolls are perfect served fresh and hot, but here are some creative ways to enjoy them:

• Appetizer Platter: Serve with small bowls of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or spicy mustard.
• Main Course: Pair with a simple fried rice, Asian slaw, or noodle salad for a complete meal.
• Party Snack: Cut them in half on a diagonal for a great finger food at gatherings.

Storing Chicken Egg Rolls

If you have leftovers or want to make them ahead of time, here’s how to store them properly:

• Refrigerator:
  Place cooled egg rolls in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crisp.
• Freezer (Make-Ahead Option):
  To freeze uncooked egg rolls, assemble them and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
  To cook from frozen, fry as directed but add an extra minute or two to ensure the filling is heated through.
• Freezer (Cooked Egg Rolls):
  You can also freeze cooked egg rolls. Cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Cool Filling Before Wrapping: Always let the filling cool slightly before wrapping to avoid soggy wrappers.
• Seal Well: Use beaten egg to seal the edges securely to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.
• Don’t Overfill: Stick to about 2 tablespoons of filling per wrapper to make rolling easier and prevent tearing.
• Control Oil Temperature: Keep oil at a steady 350°F (175°C). Too hot and the outside will brown too quickly; too cool and the egg rolls will absorb too much oil.
• Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower oil temperature and lead to greasy egg rolls.

Nutrition (Per Egg Roll)

Nutrient	Amount (Approximate)
Calories	140
Protein	9g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	1.5g
Cholesterol	25mg
Sodium	190mg
Fiber	1g
Sugar	1g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used.

Chicken Egg Rolls FAQs

Can I bake these egg rolls instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 18-20 minutes. Lightly brush or spray them with oil before baking to help crisp up the wrappers. Flip halfway for even browning.

Can I freeze chicken egg rolls?

Absolutely. You can freeze them uncooked or cooked. To freeze uncooked, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag. Fry or bake directly from frozen. For cooked, reheat in the oven to keep them crispy.

What dipping sauces go best with chicken egg rolls?

Sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and spicy mustard are all great options. You can also mix a bit of sriracha with soy sauce for a spicy dip.

Can I substitute ground chicken with other meats?

Yes, ground turkey, pork, or even finely chopped shrimp work well. You can also make a vegetarian version by adding mushrooms and tofu.

Conclusion

These homemade Chicken Egg Rolls are a perfect blend of crispy texture and savory filling — simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet special enough for guests. With the option to fry, bake, or air-fry, they fit into any kitchen routine. Plus, they’re great to make ahead and freeze for busy days. Once you try them, they’ll likely become a regular favorite in your kitchen.