Crispy Chicken Egg Rolls

If you love takeout-style appetizers, this Crispy Chicken Egg Rolls recipe is about to become your new favorite. Filled with savory ground chicken, aromatic spices, and a crunchy coleslaw mix, these egg rolls are fried to golden perfection. They’re crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside—perfect for parties, dinners, or a fun night of homemade Asian-inspired cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chicken egg rolls are everything you want in a homemade snack: crispy, flavorful, and satisfying. The filling is loaded with lean ground chicken, fresh vegetables, and traditional Asian seasonings, making every bite bursting with flavor. They’re easy to make in bulk, can be prepared in advance, and are always a hit with guests or family. Whether served as an appetizer, side, or main dish, these egg rolls are guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb ground chicken

• 2 teaspoons ginger, minced

• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced

• 2½ cups cabbage and carrots (shredded coleslaw mix)

• 3 green onions, sliced

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons sugar

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• ¼ teaspoon Chinese five spice powder

• 20 egg roll wrappers

• 1 large egg, beaten (for sealing wrappers)

• Vegetable oil (for frying, about 1 quart)

Directions

1. In a large wok or skillet, cook ground chicken over medium-high heat with minced ginger and garlic. Stir until fully cooked and crumbly. Drain excess fat and return to the heat.

2. Add cabbage and carrot mix, green onions, salt, sugar, sesame oil, and five spice powder. Stir well and cook until the vegetables are tender. Let the filling cool slightly.

3. Lay out an egg roll wrapper. Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling onto the center. Brush the edges with beaten egg.

4. Roll tightly, folding in the sides as you go to seal the filling inside. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.

5. Preheat your fryer to 375°F or heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to the same temperature.

6. Fry egg rolls in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.

7. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 20 egg rolls.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Baked Option: Brush egg rolls lightly with oil and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, turning once.

• Air Fryer Version: Cook at 375°F in a single layer for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through.

• Spicy Chicken: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the filling for extra heat.

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with tofu or extra coleslaw mix and mushrooms.

• Cheesy Twist: Add shredded cheese to the filling for a fusion-style egg roll.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in an oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until crispy, or air fry for 5–6 minutes.
Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crispy texture.
You can also freeze uncooked or cooked egg rolls for up to 2 months. Freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag.

FAQs

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze egg rolls before frying?

Absolutely. Assemble and freeze them on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cook time.

What dipping sauce goes best with these?

Soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or spicy mustard are all great options.

Are these egg rolls spicy?

No, the base recipe is mild. Add spice to taste if desired.

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works just as well and keeps the same flavor profile.

Can I bake the egg rolls instead of frying?

Yes, brush them with oil and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until crisp.

How do I stop the egg rolls from unrolling while frying?

Be sure to seal the edges tightly with the beaten egg and place them seam-side down when frying.

Can I use fresh cabbage and carrots instead of coleslaw mix?

Yes, shred your own veggies if preferred.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough?

Use a thermometer to reach 375°F, or test with a small piece of wrapper—it should sizzle immediately.

What if I don’t have Chinese five spice?

You can skip it or substitute with a pinch of cinnamon and cloves for a similar effect.

Conclusion

These Crispy Chicken Egg Rolls are a homemade takeout favorite that never fails to deliver on crunch and flavor. With their savory filling and golden wrapper, they’re perfect for sharing or serving as a fun main dish. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, these egg rolls bring restaurant-quality goodness to your kitchen—easy to make, fun to eat, and sure to become a go-to recipe.