If you are craving a fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious appetizer or light meal, this Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe is perfect for you. Not only are these spring rolls incredibly easy to put together, but they also pack a delightful combination of crisp vegetables, tender shredded chicken, fragrant basil, and silky rice noodles, all wrapped in delicate rice paper skins. This dish captures the essence of fresh Asian flavors with a hint of sweetness and zing from the dipping sauce, making every bite a joyous experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredients simple yet essential brings out the authentic flavors and pleasing textures in this Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe. Each component—from the crunchy cucumber to the creamy avocado and aromatic basil—not only adds taste but also contributes a distinct layer of freshness and color to the rolls.
- 8 spring roll skins: These delicate rice paper wraps soften perfectly in water and hold all the filling together.
- ½ cup cooked, shredded chicken: Provides a protein punch and serves as the hearty base of the filling.
- 1 large basil leaf per roll: Adds a fragrant herbaceous note that brightens the overall flavor.
- ½ cup shredded carrots: Offers a satisfying crunch and a slightly sweet earthiness.
- ½ cup sliced cucumber: Brings refreshing crispness and a cool contrast to the warm chicken.
- ½ avocado, sliced: Adds a creamy texture balancing the crisp veggies beautifully.
- 4 ounces rice noodles, cooked: Light and slippery noodles provide a lovely chewiness that complements the other ingredients.
- ¼ cup rice wine vinegar: The acidic base that brightens the dipping sauce and adds tanginess.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Gives a savory, umami depth to the dipping sauce and noodles.
- 1 tbsp sesame seed oil: Infuses a toasty, nutty aroma boosting the overall flavor profile.
- 1 tbsp sugar: Balances the tangy and salty elements in the sauce with gentle sweetness.
- 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce: Lends a mild heat and sweet tang that makes the dipping sauce irresistible.
How to Make Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dipping Sauce
Start by whisking together rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame seed oil, sugar, and sweet chili sauce in a small bowl. This harmonious blend forms a dipping sauce bursting with tangy, salty, sweet, and mildly spicy notes that elevate every bite of your spring rolls.
Step 2: Season the Rice Noodles
Toss your freshly cooked rice noodles with about 2 tablespoons of the dipping sauce you just made. This step ensures the noodles absorb those vibrant flavors and prevents them from sticking, making every mouthful flavorful and delightful.
Step 3: Soften the Spring Roll Skins
Fill a shallow plate with warm water and briefly dip each spring roll skin until it becomes soft and pliable. Lay the softened sheet flat on your work surface, ready to be filled. This gentle soaking makes the rice paper tender enough to roll without tearing while retaining a pleasant chew.
Step 4: Assemble the Filling
Start layering the ingredients by placing a fresh basil leaf on the center of the softened skin, followed by a small handful of the seasoned noodles, shredded carrots, crisp cucumber slices, tender shredded chicken, and a slice of creamy avocado. This thoughtful arrangement balances freshness, texture, and flavor in each roll.
Step 5: Roll Them Up
Carefully fold in the sides of the spring roll skin to contain the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom up, like wrapping a small gift. A snug roll ensures the ingredients hold together beautifully, making these spring rolls neat, manageable, and ready to impress.
Step 6: Repeat for Remaining Rolls
Continue this assembly process with the rest of your ingredients until you have a batch of 8 fresh, colorful spring rolls. The process becomes quicker and easier with practice, and each roll is a little handheld package bursting with flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Place your Chicken Spring Rolls onto a serving platter and offer them alongside the reserved dipping sauce. This step is where your creation truly shines, as the cool crisp wraps meet the lively tangy sauce for that perfect bite.
How to Serve Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for an herbal boost, or scatter toasted sesame seeds over the rolls to add a nutty crunch. These simple touches enhance the appearance and introduce extra layers of flavor that complement the rolls beautifully.
Side Dishes
Enjoy these spring rolls with a light Asian-inspired salad or a bowl of hot miso soup to create a complete, balanced meal. The clean, fresh flavors of the rolls pair excellently with side dishes that bring warmth and heartiness to the table without overwhelming the delicate fillings.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe with colorful dipping bowls, and include a trio of sauces such as peanut sauce, hoisin, or extra sweet chili for variety. Arrange them on a bamboo mat or a rustic wooden platter for a festive look that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover leftover spring rolls tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Eating them within 24 hours is best because the rice paper tends to harden and the vegetables lose crunch over longer storage.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for these fresh spring rolls, as the rice paper can become tough and rubbery upon thawing, and crisp vegetables lose their appealing texture. For the best experience, enjoy them fresh.
Reheating
Since these rolls are served fresh and uncooked after assembly, there is no reheating involved. If desired, you can slightly warm the dipping sauce before serving to enhance its flavor but keep the rolls cool to preserve their crispness.
FAQs
Can I use other proteins besides chicken?
Absolutely! This Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe is flexible. You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
How do I prevent the rice paper from tearing?
Dipping the rice paper skins briefly in warm water until just softened is key. Avoid soaking too long as they can become too fragile and tear during rolling. Practice makes perfect!
What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?
You can mix some honey or sugar with chili flakes or use a sweet and spicy jam as a substitute. The goal is to add a little sweetness with a mild kick to the dipping sauce.
Are these spring rolls gluten-free?
Yes, when using gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles, this Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for most gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I prepare these spring rolls for a party?
Definitely! These rolls make excellent finger food for gatherings. Just assemble them shortly before serving to keep them fresh and avoid sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe is one of those dishes that brings a sense of joy and freshness to any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or entertaining guests, these rolls deliver a wonderful mix of flavors and textures that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Give this recipe a try and treat yourself to a light, flavorful bite that always hits the spot.
Print
Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 spring rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These fresh and vibrant Chicken Spring Rolls combine tender shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, fragrant basil, and seasoned rice noodles wrapped in delicate spring roll skins. Served with a tangy, sweet, and savory dipping sauce, they make a perfect light meal or appetizer that’s healthy, flavorful, and easy to prepare without any cooking required.
Ingredients
Spring Rolls
- 8 spring roll skins
- ½ cup cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 large fresh basil leaf per roll (8 leaves)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup sliced cucumber
- ½ avocado, sliced
- 4 ounces rice noodles, cooked
Dipping Sauce and Seasoning
- ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame seed oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame seed oil, sugar, and sweet chili sauce until the sugar completely dissolves and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the rice noodles: Toss the cooked rice noodles with 2 tablespoons of the prepared dipping sauce to infuse them with flavor, then set aside.
- Soften the spring roll skins: Fill a shallow plate with warm water and briefly dip one spring roll skin into it until it becomes pliable but not too soft, then carefully lay it flat on a clean surface.
- Add fillings: Place one large basil leaf in the center of the softened skin, then layer the seasoned rice noodles, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, shredded chicken, and finally a slice of avocado on top.
- Roll the spring roll: Fold in the sides of the spring roll skin over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom upwards to enclose all the ingredients securely.
- Repeat the process: Repeat steps 3-5 for the remaining spring roll skins and fillings until all 8 spring rolls are assembled.
- Serve: Serve the spring rolls immediately with the remaining dipping sauce on the side as a fresh and light appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Use warm water to soften the spring roll skins quickly without making them too delicate or sticky.
- Ensure rice noodles are well-drained before tossing with the sauce to prevent soggy rolls.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or tofu slices.
- Serve immediately after assembling to prevent the rice paper from drying out or becoming tough.
- Store any leftover dipping sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- These spring rolls are not cooked; they rely on fresh ingredients and the dipping sauce for flavor.
