If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavors, the Chicken Spring Rolls with Hoisin Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. These spring rolls strike the perfect balance between tender shredded chicken and crisp vegetables, all wrapped in delicate rice paper. Paired with a luscious hoisin peanut dipping sauce, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible appetizer or light meal that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
From juicy chicken to crunchy veggies and fragrant herbs, each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in delivering the unique textures and flavors that make these spring rolls so addictive. The dipping sauce pulls everything together with its perfect sweet, salty, and nutty notes.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cooked and shredded, this provides the hearty protein base for the rolls.
- 8-10 rice paper wrappers: These delicate sheets hold the filling together while offering a light and chewy bite.
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (or cabbage): Adds a refreshing crunch and a touch of greenery.
- 1 cup julienned carrots: Brings sweet earthiness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 cucumber, julienned: Contributes coolness and a crisp texture.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves: Infuses a bright herbal note that lifts the flavors.
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (optional): Adds a fragrant freshness that complements the chicken wonderfully.
- 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional): Offers creamy richness to balance the crisp vegetables.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional): Enhances umami depth inside the rolls.
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Forms the sweet and savory base of the dipping sauce.
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (or almond butter): Brings creamy nuttiness essential to the sauce’s character.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds zesty brightness that cuts through the richness.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Delivers a toasty aroma and flavor to the dipping sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional): Gives a gentle spicy kick for those who love a little heat.
- 1 tablespoon warm water: Used to thin the dipping sauce to the perfect consistency.
How to Make Chicken Spring Rolls with Hoisin Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Shred the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a splash of soy sauce for added flavor. You can grill, bake, or pan-sear them until fully cooked, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once out of the heat, let the chicken cool just enough so you can handle it, then shred it finely with two forks. This shredded chicken will be the juicy, tender heart of your spring rolls.
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies and Herbs
While the chicken cools, grab those fresh veggies and herbs you’ve gathered. Julienning the carrots and cucumber ensures that each bite has a crisp texture, while roughly chopping the cilantro and mint releases their fragrant oils to elevate the rolls. If you’re reaching for avocado, slice it thinly to add a creamy element that blends beautifully with the fresh herbs.
Step 3: Soften the Rice Paper Wrappers
Fill a shallow bowl with warm water and dip one rice paper wrapper at a time for about 5 seconds until it becomes soft and flexible but not sticky. Lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean surface. This step is crucial to making sure your spring rolls roll up smoothly and hold their shape without tearing.
Step 4: Assemble the Spring Rolls
Now for the fun part! Place a small pile of shredded chicken in the center of the rice paper, followed by handfuls of lettuce, carrots, cucumber, cilantro, mint leaves, and avocado slices if using. Drizzle a splash of soy sauce over the filling if you want an extra depth of savory flavor. Fold in the sides of the wrapper and roll tightly but gently from bottom to top, encasing all the fresh goodness inside a neat, compact roll.
Step 5: Make the Hoisin Peanut Dipping Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, peanut butter, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce (if you want that spicy layer), and a splash of warm water to loosen the mixture until smooth and luscious. This sauce is a game-changer, turning every bite of the spring rolls into an irresistible dance of sweet, nutty, tangy, and spicy flavors.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange your gorgeous spring rolls on a plate, and serve with the freshly made hoisin peanut dipping sauce on the side. Each roll is a bite-sized bundle of fresh textures and bold flavors that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.
How to Serve Chicken Spring Rolls with Hoisin Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over your dipping sauce or directly on the rolls for a nice crunch and visual appeal. Fresh lime wedges add an optional citrus splash that brightens the whole dish. A scattering of extra chopped herbs like cilantro and mint elevates the freshness and aroma dramatically.
Side Dishes
These spring rolls pair wonderfully with a light Asian slaw or a chilled noodle salad for a refreshing meal. Steamed edamame or miso soup make great accompaniments if you want to fill out the meal while keeping the flavors harmonious.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family dinners, present your Chicken Spring Rolls with Hoisin Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe on a wooden platter lined with banana leaves or crisp lettuce leaves. Serve the sauce in ramekins or small bowls for easy dipping. You can also cut the rolls in half diagonally to show off their colorful interiors, making them as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover spring rolls, place them in an airtight container lined with damp paper towels to keep the rice paper from drying out. Store them in the fridge and try to eat them within 24 hours for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
These spring rolls are best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended as the rice paper tends to become tough and chewy after thawing. It’s better to freeze cooked, shredded chicken separately if you want to prep ahead and assemble rolls fresh later.
Reheating
Because spring rolls are traditionally served fresh and cold, reheating is not advisable as it compromises their crispness and freshness. If you do want warm filling, gently reheat the chicken before assembling the rolls, then assemble with fresh produce and rice paper just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that works really well. Just shred it finely and skip the cooking step to save time while still getting delicious results.
What if I can’t find rice paper wrappers locally?
Rice paper wrappers are often found in the Asian aisle of most grocery stores or at Asian markets. If you don’t have access to them, you might try spring roll wrappers made from wheat, but keep in mind the texture and taste will be different—rice paper is key for the authentic feel.
Is the dipping sauce gluten-free?
Hoisin sauce and soy sauce usually contain gluten, but you can easily swap hoisin for a gluten-free version and use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the dipping sauce gluten-free without losing any flavor.
Can I make these spring rolls vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or a medley of sautéed mushrooms for a tasty vegetarian twist. The vibrant veggies and herbs will still shine alongside the rich dipping sauce.
How long do the spring rolls stay fresh once assembled?
They’re best enjoyed within the same day. If stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator, they can last up to 24 hours, but the rice paper will start drying out and losing its pleasant chewiness after that.
Final Thoughts
Making Chicken Spring Rolls with Hoisin Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe is such an enjoyable and rewarding experience. It’s fresh, flavorful, and colorful—perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without too much fuss. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes to share with family and friends. Enjoy every delicious bite!
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Chicken Spring Rolls with Hoisin Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Chicken Spring Rolls are light, fresh, and packed with vibrant flavors and textures. Combining tender shredded chicken with crisp vegetables and fragrant herbs, wrapped in delicate rice paper, they make a perfect appetizer or light meal. Served with a creamy, tangy hoisin peanut dipping sauce, these rolls offer an easy, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy Asian-inspired cuisine in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
Wrapping and Vegetables
- 8–10 rice paper wrappers
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (or cabbage)
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1/2 cucumber, julienned
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (optional)
- 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for chicken seasoning and drizzling)
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon warm water (to thin the sauce)
Instructions
- Cook and Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a dash of soy sauce. Cook the chicken by grilling, baking, or pan-searing until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Then allow the cooked chicken to cool slightly.
- Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the cooled chicken into fine pieces and set aside for assembling.
- Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs: While the chicken cools, julienne the carrots and cucumber. Chop the cilantro and mint leaves. Slice the avocado into thin strips if using.
- Soften the Rice Paper Wrappers: Fill a shallow bowl with warm water. Dip each rice paper wrapper into the water for about 5 seconds until soft and pliable. Lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean surface like a cutting board.
- Assemble the Spring Rolls: Place a small amount of shredded chicken in the center of the rice paper. Add shredded lettuce, julienned carrots, cucumber, cilantro, mint, and avocado slices. Optionally drizzle a little soy sauce over the filling for extra flavor.
- Roll the Spring Rolls: Fold the sides of the rice paper toward the center, then carefully roll from bottom to top, enclosing the filling tightly but gently to avoid tearing.
- Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, peanut butter, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce if using, and warm water until smooth. Adjust water quantity for desired sauce consistency.
- Serve: Arrange the spring rolls on a plate and serve with the prepared dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy immediately for best freshness and taste.
Notes
- Rice paper wrappers soften quickly; do not soak for too long to avoid tearing.
- Feel free to substitute shredded lettuce with cabbage for extra crunch.
- Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce in the dipping sauce to control spiciness.
- Use fresh herbs for authentic flavor; mint is optional but recommended.
- Spring rolls are best served fresh but can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to a few hours before serving.
