There’s something incredibly satisfying about turning simple ingredients into something vibrant and fresh, especially when the summer heat beckons lighter fare. Imagine biting into a tender, slow-cooked Chicken Spring Roll, bursting with sweet and tangy flavors, accompanied by crisp vegetables and a satisfying crunch from crispy chow mein noodles.
This recipe is my go-to for quick, refreshing meals that impress at gatherings or serve as an easy weeknight dinner—no need for takeout when you can create these from the comfort of your own kitchen! With a slow cooker doing most of the heavy lifting, you’ll have more time to savor the delightful process of wrapping these delicious rolls.
Whether hosting friends or simply enjoying a light meal at home, these spring rolls bring an air of celebration to the table, making each bite a reminder of the joys of home-cooked food. Let’s dive into making these scrumptious, easy-to-prepare Slow-Cooker Chicken Spring Rolls, where versatility and flavor come together seamlessly!
Why are Chicken Spring Rolls perfect for you?
Ease of Preparation: With a slow cooker doing the majority of the work, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you crave something delicious but want minimal hands-on time.
Flavor Explosion: Enjoy the harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that makes these rolls stand out.
Customizable Goodness: Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu, and mix in a variety of fresh veggies for a personal touch.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfectly impressive for entertaining, these rolls will have your guests raving.
Healthy Choice: At around 195 calories each, they’re a guilt-free option for satisfying your appetite while staying light.
Enjoy these vibrant rolls as a fun appetizer or a light meal, and check out our expert tips for wrapping perfection!
Chicken Spring Rolls Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast – This is the main protein source that creates a tender filling; substitute with rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
• Reduced-Sodium Soy Sauce – Adds umami flavor and moisture; use tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Ketchup – Provides sweetness and flavor depth; can replace with hoisin sauce for a richer taste.
• Honey – Sweetens the sauce; maple syrup can serve as a vegan substitute.
• Minced Fresh Gingerroot – Enhances flavor with a hint of spice; ground ginger can be an alternative.
• Sesame Oil – Adds nuttiness and aroma; can be substituted with vegetable oil for a neutral taste.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce; arrowroot powder is a suitable gluten-free alternative.
• Cold Water – Used to activate cornstarch for a perfectly thick sauce.
For the Spring Rolls
• Round Rice Papers (8 inches) – These are essential for wrapping; find in Asian grocery stores for the best quality.
• Broccoli Coleslaw Mix – Delivers a crunchy and nutritious element; substitute with shredded carrots or cabbage if desired.
• Crispy Chow Mein Noodles – Adds delightful crunch; can be replaced with crispy fried onions or omitted for a gluten-free option.
These Chicken Spring Rolls are the perfect answer to your hunger, delivering freshness and flavor with every bite!
How to Make Chicken Spring Rolls
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Cook Chicken: Place your boneless skinless chicken breast in the slow cooker. Combine reduced-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, honey, minced ginger, and sesame oil, pouring the mixture over the chicken. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
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Shred Chicken: After cooking, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces for your filling, and let it cool before refrigerating.
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Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir this into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker and cook on high for 20-30 minutes until thickened, ensuring a perfect coating for your chicken.
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Wrap Spring Rolls: To assemble, dip a round rice paper in warm water for 10-15 seconds until pliable. Layer a spoonful of the broccoli coleslaw mix, shredded chicken, and crispy chow mein noodles onto the wrapper. Carefully fold and roll tightly, seam side down, for a secure wrap.
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Serve: Arrange your beautifully wrapped spring rolls on a plate and serve them alongside the reserved dipping sauce for an irresistible flavor boost.
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a burst of freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Chicken Spring Rolls
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Don’t Over-Soak: Avoid over-soaking the rice paper; about 10-15 seconds is sufficient, as it will continue to soften when rolling.
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Filling Space: Leave some space at the edges while filling the rolls. This prevents tearing and makes wrapping easier.
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Keep It Moist: To prevent your wrapped rolls from drying out, cover them with a damp towel until ready to serve.
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Double-Layer Trick: If you’re a beginner or the rice paper tears, double-layer the sheets for extra support while wrapping.
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Quick Prep with Rotisserie: If using store-bought rotisserie chicken, shred it before adding to the rolls for a quicker assembly, making your chicken spring rolls even easier!
How to Store and Freeze Chicken Spring Rolls
Fridge: Store any wrapped Chicken Spring Rolls in an airtight container with a damp towel for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
Freezer: If you want to freeze the rolls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: To reheat, place thawed rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy, or use a microwave for quick convenience.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and store them in the fridge. Assemble the spring rolls just before serving for optimal freshness and taste.
Make Ahead Options
These delicious Chicken Spring Rolls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the chicken filling and sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cook and shred the chicken, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce can also be made ahead and refrigerated; just remember to reheat it before combining with the chicken. For the spring rolls, you can set aside the rice papers and veggies, then assemble them right before serving to maintain their freshness and crunch. This way, you’ll have mouthwatering Chicken Spring Rolls ready to enjoy with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Slow-Cooker Chicken Spring Rolls?
Brighten your meal with delightful pairings that enhance the fresh, vibrant flavors of your spring rolls.
- Crispy Asian Salad: A refreshing mix of greens and sesame dressing complements the savory chicken, adding a nice crunch.
- Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce: Elevate the flavor with a sweet and tangy sauce that beautifully balances the savory chicken.
- Miso Soup: Warm and comforting, this classic soup brings a mild umami taste and is an excellent contrast to the fresh rolls.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Soft, fluffy rice provides a neutral base that makes every bite of the spring rolls shine even brighter.
- Veggie Spring Rolls: For a delightful variation, serve alongside vegetarian spring rolls bursting with colorful veggies for added texture and flavor.
- Cucumber Salad: A cool, crisp salad dressed in rice vinegar is a refreshing way to cleanse the palate between rolls.
- Green Tea: This aromatic brew enhances the meal, offering a soothing finish with its light, earthy notes.
- Mango Sorbet: End on a sweet note with this light dessert that echoes the fresh ingredients used in your spring rolls.
Chicken Spring Rolls Variations
Feel free to explore these fun twists to elevate your homemade spring rolls into something uniquely yours!
- Shrimp Swap: Replace chicken with sautéed shrimp for a delicate, seafood twist that adds both flavor and a touch of luxury.
- Tofu Option: Use firm tofu instead of chicken for a satisfying, plant-based protein that’s perfect for vegan diets; just marinate and sauté for great flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Add shredded cucumbers or bell peppers for a fresh crunch. Your rolls deserve that colorful kick!
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a dash of sriracha or chopped jalapeños with the filling for those who enjoy a little heat in their meal.
- Herb Infusion: Sprinkle in fresh herbs like cilantro or mint within the rolls for a burst of aromatic flavor with each bite. The freshness is simply irresistible!
- Nutty Flavor: Drizzle in some peanut sauce inside the rolls for a rich, nutty contrast that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Serve these rolls with sweet chili sauce instead of the usual soy sauce for a delightful sweetness that complements the savory filling.
- Whole Wheat Rice Papers: Opt for whole wheat rice papers for a healthy version that adds a nutty dimension while still maintaining that delightful chewiness.
Dive into these variations, and let your creativity shine in every delicious roll!
Slow-Cooker Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe FAQs
What kind of chicken should I use for my Chicken Spring Rolls?
Absolutely! I recommend using boneless skinless chicken breast for a tender filling, but rotisserie chicken works beautifully for a time-saving shortcut. Just shred the rotisserie chicken before putting it into the rolls for quick assembly.
How should I store leftover Chicken Spring Rolls?
To keep them fresh, store wrapped chicken spring rolls in an airtight container with a damp towel for up to 2 days in the fridge. This will help prevent them from drying out and losing their delightful texture.
Can I freeze Chicken Spring Rolls?
Yes, you can! For freezing, wrap the spring rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
What if the rice paper tears while wrapping?
Very! If you encounter tearing, don’t worry! You can double-layer the rice paper for extra support when rolling. Also, make sure not to over-soak the rice paper; about 10-15 seconds in warm water is just right.
Are Chicken Spring Rolls suitable for gluten-free diets?
Certainly! To cater to gluten-free needs, use tamari instead of soy sauce, and you can easily substitute the chow mein noodles with crispy fried onions or simply omit them. Enjoy a scrumptious and safe meal that suits various dietary preferences!
How do I make sure my spring rolls don’t dry out?
To keep your spring rolls moist, cover the wrapped rolls with a damp towel once they’re prepared. This simple step will help maintain their freshness until you’re ready to serve!
Savory Chicken Spring Rolls: Your Easy Fresh Meal Upgrade
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place your boneless skinless chicken breast in the slow cooker. Combine reduced-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, honey, minced ginger, and sesame oil, pouring the mixture over the chicken. Cook on low for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- After cooking, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces and let it cool before refrigerating.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir this into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker and cook on high for 20-30 minutes until thickened.
- To assemble, dip a round rice paper in warm water for 10-15 seconds until pliable. Layer a spoonful of the broccoli coleslaw mix, shredded chicken, and crispy chow mein noodles onto the wrapper. Carefully fold and roll tightly, seam side down.
- Arrange your wrapped spring rolls on a plate and serve them alongside the reserved dipping sauce.