If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant appetizer that bursts with flavor and texture, the Chicken Spring Rolls with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe is your go-to dish. These rolls are light yet satisfying, combining tender shredded chicken, crisp veggies, and fragrant basil—all wrapped in delicate spring roll skins. Paired with a tangy, sweet, and spicy dipping sauce, this recipe elevates the humble spring roll into a delightful culinary experience. Perfect for a quick snack, party platter, or light meal, these rolls bring a refreshing Asian-inspired flair right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though this recipe features simple ingredients, each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the fresh crunch of cucumber to the umami-packed soy sauce in the dipping sauce, every element complements one another beautifully.
- Spring roll skins: Serve as the delicate, flexible wrapper that holds all the fresh ingredients together perfectly.
- Rice noodles (vermicelli-style): Provide a tender, slightly chewy texture, absorbing the flavors of the dipping sauce for extra taste.
- Fresh basil leaves: Add a fragrant, herbal brightness that livens up each bite.
- Shredded carrots: Bring a sweet crunch and vibrant color to the rolls.
- English cucumber, julienne cut: Offers a cool, crisp contrast that refreshes the palate.
- Cooked chicken, shredded: Provides a hearty, protein-packed center for the rolls.
- Avocado, thinly sliced: Delivers creamy richness that balances the crisp vegetables.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds tang and brightness to the spicy dipping sauce.
- Soy sauce: Infuses a savory depth into the dipping sauce.
- Sesame oil: Lends a subtle nutty aroma to the sauce.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the acidity and spice with a touch of sweetness.
- Sweet chili sauce: Brings a vibrant kick and gentle heat to the dipping sauce.
How to Make Chicken Spring Rolls with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dipping Sauce
Start by combining apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, granulated sugar, and sweet chili sauce in a small bowl. Stir everything together until the sugar completely dissolves. This tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce is the perfect partner to the fresh flavors of the spring rolls.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice Noodles
Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, drain them thoroughly and place them in a mixing bowl. Toss the noodles with 2 tablespoons of the dipping sauce to infuse them with flavor. Set aside while you get the other ingredients ready.
Step 3: Soften the Spring Roll Skins
Fill a pie plate or shallow dish with hot water. One at a time, dip each spring roll skin into the water for about 5 to 10 seconds until it softens but is still pliable. Lay each softened skin flat on a clean surface, ready for filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Spring Rolls
Begin by placing a fresh basil leaf in the center of the spring roll skin. On top of the basil, layer the noodles, shredded carrots, julienned cucumber, and shredded chicken. Finally, add thin slices of avocado. Use approximately one-eighth of each ingredient per roll for balanced fillings.
Step 5: Roll the Spring Rolls
Fold the bottom edge of the spring roll wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides toward the center. Roll it up tightly to seal everything inside. The slightly sticky nature of the wrapper helps it hold together without any extra adhesives. Repeat this process with the remaining skins and ingredients.
Step 6: Serve
Serve these delightful rolls immediately with the prepared spicy dipping sauce on the side. Freshness is key here, so enjoy them right after assembling for that perfect bite of crisp, tender, savory, and spicy goodness.
How to Serve Chicken Spring Rolls with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and add extra flavor, consider garnishing the rolls with chopped peanuts or toasted sesame seeds. A few extra fresh basil or mint leaves sprinkled alongside the plate add a pop of color and aroma that invites eager hands to dive in.
Side Dishes
These spring rolls pair wonderfully with light Asian-inspired sides such as a crunchy Asian slaw, steamed edamame pods sprinkled with sea salt, or a simple miso soup. These sides balance the freshness and add complementary textures to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive party presentation, serve your Chicken Spring Rolls with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe on a large platter lined with banana leaves or vibrant lettuce leaves. Use small individual dipping bowls for each guest and garnish with colorful edible flowers for an eye-catching effect that doubles as conversation starters.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the spring rolls in an airtight container lined with a damp paper towel to keep the wrappers from drying out. Keep the dipping sauce in a separate container in the fridge. Consume within 1 to 2 days for best freshness.
Freezing
Spring rolls made with fresh vegetables and avocado do not freeze well as the texture deteriorates. It’s best to prepare and enjoy this dish fresh to experience all the delicious textures and flavors at their peak.
Reheating
Because these spring rolls are meant to be served fresh and cold, reheating is not recommended. The wrapper may become soggy, and the crispness of the vegetables will be lost. If needed, you can gently warm the dipping sauce for a comforting touch.
FAQs
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking method as needed and shred or slice the protein into bite-sized pieces before assembling the rolls.
How long do the rolls stay fresh once made?
The rolls are best eaten within a few hours after making to enjoy their crisp textures and vibrant flavors, but if necessary, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day with proper airtight wrapping.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra colorful vegetables like bell peppers, avocado, and maybe even some fried tofu to maintain a hearty and flavorful filling.
Can I prepare the dipping sauce in advance?
Definitely. The spicy dipping sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This actually helps the flavors mellow and develop, making it even tastier when served.
What’s the best way to soften the spring roll skins without tearing them?
Dip them briefly in hot water for just 5 to 10 seconds. Over-soaking causes them to become too soft and fragile, increasing the chance of tearing. Handle gently when placing on your work surface.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Spring Rolls with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe is truly a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors wrapped into bite-sized joy. It’s a recipe I love sharing with friends and family because it’s so easy to make and endlessly delicious. I encourage you to try it out—you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create something so beautifully satisfying!
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Chicken Spring Rolls with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These fresh and flavorful Chicken Spring Rolls are a quick and healthy appetizer or light meal, featuring tender shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, and fragrant basil wrapped in delicate spring roll skins. Paired with a tangy and slightly sweet dipping sauce, they provide a delicious balance of textures and tastes perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Spring Rolls
- 8 spring roll skins
- 4 ounces rice noodles (vermicelli-style)
- 8 large fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup English cucumber, julienne cut
- ½ cup cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ avocado, thinly sliced
Dipping Sauce
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
Instructions
- Make the Dipping Sauce: Combine the apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and sweet chili sauce in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Set the sauce aside for serving.
- Prepare the Rice Noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, usually boiling for a few minutes until tender. Drain the noodles and transfer them to a mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of the prepared dipping sauce and toss to coat the noodles evenly. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Soften the Spring Roll Skins: Fill a pie plate or shallow dish with hot water. Dip one spring roll skin into the water and allow it to soak for 5–10 seconds until it begins to soften but remains pliable. Lay the softened skin flat on a clean surface, ready for filling.
- Assemble the Spring Rolls: Place one large basil leaf at the center of the softened spring roll skin. Layer on about 1/8 of the rice noodles, shredded carrots, julienned cucumber, shredded chicken, and top with avocado slices, arranging the ingredients neatly for easy rolling.
- Roll the Spring Rolls: Fold the bottom edge of the spring roll skin up over the filling. Fold in both sides toward the center so they cover the filling. Roll tightly from the bottom to the top, sealing the edge by pressing lightly to ensure it sticks. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients until all rolls are assembled.
- Serve: Serve the fresh chicken spring rolls immediately alongside the dipping sauce. Enjoy the crisp, fresh textures and tangy flavors of this light and satisfying dish.
Notes
- Use warm water to soften the spring roll skins gently to prevent tearing.
- Rice noodles can be substituted with glass noodles or omitted for a low-carb option.
- For added crunch, include fresh mint or cilantro along with basil.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 4 hours.
- Gluten-free soy sauce or tamari can be used to make the recipe gluten free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
