If you’ve been hunting for the ultimate crispy delight, look no further—this Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe is a total game-changer. Filled with savory ground chicken and earthy shiitake mushrooms, wrapped in thin flour-based wrappers, these rolls hit that perfect balance of crunch and flavor every time.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made these crispy chicken spring rolls countless times and honestly, they never last long in my kitchen. Whether you fry them for that classic crunch or air fry for a lighter version, the filling stays juicy, vibrant, and absolutely crave-worthy.
- Perfectly Crispy Wrappers: Using flour-based lumpia wrappers keeps the rolls crunchy without the greasiness.
- Flavor-Packed Filling: Ground chicken paired with shiitake mushrooms and fresh veggies creates a mouthwatering combo.
- Sweet and Tangy Dipping Sauce: Honey and Gochujang bring a delicious kick that complements the rolls beautifully.
- Flexible Cooking Options: Fry for classic texture or air fry when you want a lighter snack without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before you get rolling, let’s talk ingredients. Grab fresh shiitake mushrooms and ground chicken for that authentic flavor punch. Make sure to use the right wrappers—flour-based square lumpia wrappers are key to get the crisp you crave without sogginess.
- Avocado oil: A neutral oil that fries without overpowering flavors and handles heat well.
- Toasted sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma that lifts the entire filling.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives that punch of savory depth.
- Shallot: Milder and sweeter than onions, perfect for balanced flavor.
- Green onions: Freshness and subtle onion flavor to brighten things up.
- Shiitake mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, they pair wonderfully with chicken.
- Cabbage: Provides crunch and balances moisture in the filling.
- Carrot: A little sweetness and color for visual appeal and texture.
- Cilantro: Herbaceous notes that add freshness and zing.
- Ground chicken: Lean protein that soaks up all the savory flavors.
- Oyster sauce: Brings umami and subtle sweetness to the filling and sauce.
- Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Thin rice noodles (vermicelli): Adds a delicate chew and light texture.
- Egg: Used as an egg wash to seal your spring rolls perfectly.
- Square flour-based spring roll wrappers: Crisp up beautifully and hold the filling tight.
- Basil or Thai basil leaves (optional): Adds an aromatic, herbal pop inside the rolls.
- Peanut oil (for frying, optional): Classic frying oil with a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Honey: Sweetens the dipping sauce naturally and balances the spice.
- Chinese mustard: Gives a bit of heat and tang to the dipping sauce.
- Gochujang: Korean chili paste—adds smoky, spicy depth to the sauce.
- Rice wine vinegar: Brings acidity to brighten and balance the dipping sauce.
Make It Your Way
The beauty of this Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe is how versatile it is—feel free to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you add a little extra crunch, swap out ingredients, or try a new cooking method, it’s all about making it your own delicious creation.
- Vegetarian Variation: Swap the ground chicken for finely chopped tofu or a medley of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and carrots. I tried this for a meatless dinner and loved the way the shiitake mushrooms and tofu soaked up the oyster sauce flavor—just as satisfying and crispy!
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat beyond the Gochujang in the dipping sauce, add finely chopped fresh chili or a pinch of chili flakes to the filling. It gives the rolls a lively zing that wakes up every bite.
- Seasonal Twist: Once, I tossed in some shredded roasted butternut squash during the fall, adding a subtly sweet note that balanced the savory filling beautifully. It’s a great way to play with textures and flavors depending on what’s fresh.
- Cooking Method: For a lighter option, air frying works well. Just remember, while air-fried rolls won’t be as golden and crispy as fried ones, they still deliver great crunch and flavor with less mess and oil.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Aromatics
Start by mincing the garlic and shallot, slicing the green onions thinly, finely chopping the shiitake mushrooms, shredding the cabbage, grating the carrot, and chopping the cilantro. Having everything prepped ahead saves time and makes the assembly flow smoothly. You’ll notice how fragrant the garlic and shallot are as you mince them—this is going to build the flavor base for your filling.
Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms and Ground Chicken to Flavorful Perfection
Heat 2 tablespoons avocado oil and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Toss in the garlic, shallot, green onions, and shiitake mushrooms, stirring often. Cook until the mushrooms have reduced in size and start to brown, about 8 minutes—you’ll smell this amazing umami aroma forming. Add the ground chicken, breaking it up finely with your spatula. Cook until it turns completely opaque with no pink spots. Stir in 2 tablespoons oyster sauce and 1 teaspoon sea salt, cook for 2 more minutes then remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Cooling helps keep your filling from wilting the rice paper wrappers when assembling.
Step 3: Soften and Prep the Rice Vermicelli Noodles
Place 2 ounces of thin rice noodles in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them soak for exactly 3 minutes—this softens them just enough without becoming mushy. Drain and roughly cut the noodles in half to make mixing easier and to prevent clumps in your filling.
Step 4: Combine All Filling Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the cooked chicken and mushroom mixture, shredded cabbage, grated carrot, chopped cilantro, and the softened vermicelli noodles. Mix everything thoroughly, making sure the noodles separate and distribute evenly throughout the mixture. This step ensures every bite of your spring roll has a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Step 5: Prepare Your Egg Wash and Wrappers
Crack 1 large egg into a small bowl and whisk it well to create your egg wash—this will act as the glue holding your spring rolls tightly sealed. Meanwhile, keep your spring roll wrappers covered with damp paper towels to prevent them from drying out and becoming brittle. Working with soft, pliable wrappers makes rolling much easier and more enjoyable.
Step 6: Assemble Your Spring Rolls
Lay one wrapper on your work surface with a corner pointing toward you, like a diamond. Optional: Add 1 or 2 basil or Thai basil leaves at the bottom third of the wrapper for an herby pop of freshness. Spoon a modest mound of filling over the basil or directly on the wrapper. Lightly brush all four edges of the wrapper with egg wash to help seal it. Fold the bottom corner over the filling snugly, then fold the left and right sides inward, wrapping like an envelope. Roll the wrapper upwards firmly, sealing the top corner with more egg wash to keep everything secure.
Step 7: Keep Assembled Rolls Covered and Repeat
Place finished spring rolls on a plate or baking sheet and cover with damp paper towels to keep wrappers soft while you roll the rest. This prevents cracking or tearing and keeps them fresh until it’s time to cook.
Step 8: Fry Your Spring Rolls to Crispy Perfection
Heat 4 cups of peanut oil in a deep pot to exactly 350°F (177°C). Carefully add 2 to 4 spring rolls at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry them for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and crisp—keep an eye on the color as they can darken slightly as they cool. Remove with a slotted spoon and let drain on a wire rack to maintain crispiness. Repeat until all rolls are cooked.
Step 9: Air Frying Option for a Lighter Version
If you prefer not to fry, preheat your air fryer to 390°F (198°C). Lightly spray each spring roll with cooking spray and place in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the wrappers are crisp and golden, turning halfway through cooking for even crispness. This method yields a wonderful crunch without the extra oil.
Step 10: Whip Up the Perfect Dipping Sauce
Mix 6 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon Chinese mustard, 1 teaspoon Gochujang, and 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar in a small bowl. Stir well until combined to create a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that complements your spring rolls perfectly. Serve this alongside your crispy rolls for dipping heaven.
Top Tip
Mastering the Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe is all about attention to detail, especially when it comes to prepping your ingredients and handling the wrappers. These tips will help you create spring rolls with that perfect crispy texture and a flavorful filling every time.
- Keep Wrappers Moist: Always keep your spring roll wrappers covered with a damp paper towel while working to prevent them from drying out and tearing. It’s a simple step that makes rolling so much easier.
- Even Filling Distribution: When mixing in the vermicelli noodles with your veggie and chicken filling, take a moment to separate the noodles so they don’t clump together. This ensures every bite has that perfect balance of textures.
- Seal with Confidence: Brush the edges and the final fold with egg wash to seal the rolls snugly. If a wrapper tears, simply cover it with a bit of another wrapper — no need to start over!
- Oil Temperature Matters: When frying, keep your peanut oil heated steadily at 350°F (177°C). This guarantees golden, crispy spring rolls without soaking up extra oil or becoming soggy.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like Thai basil or cilantro are perfect garnishes for these spring rolls, adding a burst of brightness and an herbal note that complements the savory filling. Sprinkle some thinly sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds on your serving plate to make the presentation pop.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp Asian slaw or a simple cucumber salad tossed in rice vinegar and a hint of sugar for a refreshing balance. Fried or steamed dumplings, steamed jasmine rice, or hot and sour soup also pair beautifully with these crispy delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover spring rolls should be cooled completely and then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 2 days, which makes them a great make-ahead appetizer or snack for the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your spring rolls, first let them cool completely after cooking. Freeze them individually on a parchment-lined tray until firm (about 1 to 2 hours), then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat frozen spring rolls in a preheated 375°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or in an air fryer at 375°F for 6 to 12 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid reheating in the microwave to keep that irresistible crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions:
For the crispiest results, use flour-based square spring roll wrappers (also known as lumpia wrappers). Avoid round rice paper wrappers since they won’t crisp up the same, though egg roll wrappers can work but are thicker and less delicate.
Yes! Air frying is a great alternative. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (198°C) and air fry them for 10 to 15 minutes after lightly spraying with cooking spray. Baking isn’t recommended since it won’t give the same even crispiness.
You can prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh and flavorful until you're ready to assemble your spring rolls.
Keep the wrappers covered with a damp paper towel while you work. Work slowly and gently when peeling one wrapper at a time from the stack. If a wrapper does tear, simply patch it by overlapping a small piece of another wrapper during rolling.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about biting into these golden, crispy Chicken Spring Rolls paired with a sweet and tangy sauce. Whether you’re frying or air frying, making these spring rolls from scratch turns any snacking moment into a little celebration. Take your time with the prep, enjoy the process, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself eating more than one—because these are just that irresistible!
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Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
These crispy spring rolls feature a flavorful ground chicken and shiitake mushroom filling wrapped in thin, crispy flour-based wrappers. Perfectly fried or air fried, they come with a delicious sweet and tangy dipping sauce for a snack or appetizer that’s hard to eat just one of!
Ingredients
Spring Rolls
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium shallot, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
- 6 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and finely chopped (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup finely shredded cabbage
- ½ cup grated carrot
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 ounces thin rice noodles (vermicelli noodles)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 (12 oz) package square spring roll wrappers (flour-based lumpia wrappers)
- Basil or Thai basil leaves (optional)
- 4 cups peanut oil (for frying, optional)
Spring Roll Sauce
- 6 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon Chinese mustard
- 1 teaspoon Gochujang (Korean fermented chili paste)
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Mince garlic, shallot, slice green onions, chop mushrooms, shred cabbage, grate carrot, and chop cilantro ahead of time so they’re ready to use.
- Cook Mushrooms and Chicken: Heat avocado and sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, shallot, green onion, and chopped shiitake mushrooms. Cook, stirring often, until mushrooms reduce and brown, about 8 minutes. Add ground chicken, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no longer pink. Stir in oyster sauce and sea salt and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
- Prepare Noodles: Place vermicelli noodles in a large bowl, cover with boiling water and let stand for 3 minutes. Drain and roughly cut noodles in half to separate them.
- Make Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, grated carrot, chopped cilantro, prepared noodles, and cooled chicken and mushroom mixture. Mix well to spread noodles evenly.
- Make Egg Wash: Crack egg into a small bowl and whisk until well blended. Set aside.
- Prepare Wrappers: Keep spring roll wrappers covered with damp paper towels to prevent drying out.
- Assemble Spring Rolls: Place one wrapper with a corner pointing toward you on a work surface. Optionally place 1-2 basil leaves near bottom third. Spoon filling onto basil or wrapper forming a small mound. Lightly brush all four edges with egg wash. Fold bottom corner over filling snugly, then fold left and right sides inward. Roll upward tightly and seal top corner with egg wash.
- Repeat Assembly: Place rolled spring rolls covered with damp towels to prevent drying while rolling the rest.
- Fry Spring Rolls: Heat peanut oil in a deep pot to 350°F (177°C). Fry 2-4 rolls at a time until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
- Air Fry Option: Preheat air fryer to 390°F (198°C). Lightly spray spring rolls with cooking spray and air fry for 10 to 15 minutes until crispy.
- Make Dipping Sauce: Stir together honey, oyster sauce, Chinese mustard, Gochujang, and rice wine vinegar in a small bowl. Serve alongside spring rolls.
Notes
- Use flour-based square spring roll wrappers (lumpia wrappers) for crispiness; avoid round rice paper wrappers.
- Rice vermicelli noodles work best; soak in boiling water before cutting roughly to loosen.
- Make filling up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container.
- To freeze, cool cooked spring rolls completely, freeze individually, then store in bags up to 3 months. Reheat in oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 6-12 minutes.
- For frying, use a deep pot or fryer with oil heated to 350°F to ensure crispiness and prevent sogginess.
- Keep wrappers covered with damp towels during prep to prevent drying and tearing.
- If wrappers tear, overlap with another wrapper layer to seal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 spring roll
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg

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