If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant dish that feels as light as a breeze yet packs a punch of flavor, this Chicken Spring Rolls with Hoisin Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. These spring rolls combine tender, shredded chicken and crisp, colorful veggies wrapped in delicate rice paper, paired with a rich and creamy hoisin peanut dipping sauce that’s both sweet and savory. It’s a delightful appetizer or light meal that’s perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying any time you want something delicious and wholesome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role. From the tender chicken to the fresh herbs and crunchy veggies, every component adds a unique texture, flavor, or freshness that brings these spring rolls to life.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, cooked and shredded for tender bites inside the rolls.
- 8-10 rice paper wrappers: These delicate sheets create the perfect soft yet chewy wrap holding everything together.
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (or cabbage): Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch and lightness to each roll.
- 1 cup julienned carrots: Bright orange and naturally sweet, they contribute color and texture.
- 1/2 cucumber, julienned: Cool and hydrating, balancing the savory flavors with crisp freshness.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves: Offers a burst of herbal brightness that elevates the whole roll.
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (optional): Adds an invigorating aroma and zingy freshness if you love herbs.
- 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional): For a creamy, buttery contrast that enriches the texture.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional): Enhances the umami and seasonings in the filling.
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce: The base for the dipping sauce, providing sweet and tangy depth.
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (or almond butter): Brings creamy richness with a nutty undertone to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds acidity to balance the richness in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses a toasty, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional): For those who like a subtle spicy kick to brighten the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon warm water: Used to thin the dipping sauce to your ideal 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 dash of soy sauce to add a subtle savory note. You can grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, let it cool just enough to handle, then shred the chicken using two forks. This method ensures tender, juicy chicken that’s easy to roll and melds beautifully with the fresh veggies.
Step 2: Prep the Fresh Vegetables and Herbs
While the chicken cools, chop up all your vegetables. Julienne the carrots and cucumber for thin, even strips that will add crunch and sweetness. Pick fresh leaves of cilantro and mint; these herbs brighten the rolls and add complexity you won’t want to miss. If you chose to include avocado, slice it thinly to add a creamy texture that complements the crisp veggies.
Step 3: Soften the Rice Paper Wrappers
Fill a shallow bowl with warm water, then gently dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 5 seconds until it becomes soft and pliable. Lay it flat on a clean surface, ready for filling. This step is crucial because too hard rice paper will tear, but soaking too long can make it sticky and difficult to roll.
Step 4: Assemble the Spring Rolls
Place a small mound of shredded chicken in the center of the softened rice paper. Top it with shredded lettuce, julienned carrots, cucumber, cilantro, mint, and avocado slices if using. Add a drizzle of soy sauce over the filling for an extra burst of flavor if desired. Fold the sides inward and then roll it up from the bottom tightly but gently so the filling stays secure without tearing the wrapper. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and fillings.
Step 5: Prepare the Hoisin Peanut Dipping Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, peanut butter, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce if you want a spicy note, and warm water to thin it out. The sauce should be smooth and slightly creamy, marrying sweet, tangy, nutty, and savory flavors that perfectly complement your spring rolls.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange your freshly made spring rolls on a serving plate and place the hoisin peanut dipping sauce in a small bowl on the side. This Chicken Spring Rolls with Hoisin Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe shines brightest when served fresh and dipped generously into that luscious sauce.
How to Serve Chicken Spring Rolls with Hoisin Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts over the dipping sauce or directly on the spring rolls for an added crunch and visual appeal. A few extra sprigs of cilantro or mint on the serving plate lift the fresh feeling and make a gorgeous presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair these spring rolls with steamed jasmine rice or a light Asian-style cucumber salad for a well-rounded meal. A bowl of hot miso soup or a vibrant mango salad also goes beautifully alongside, balancing textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, present your Chicken Spring Rolls with Hoisin Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe on a bamboo platter lined with banana leaves to evoke authentic vibes. Serve with small dipping bowls for each guest so everyone can enjoy that rich peanut-hoisin goodness to their heart’s content.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover spring rolls in an airtight container lined with damp paper towels to prevent the rice paper from drying out. Keep them refrigerated and enjoy within 1-2 days for the best texture and freshness.
Freezing
Spring rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but if you must freeze, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and note that the rice paper may become less tender after freezing.
Reheating
Since these spring rolls are served fresh and raw inside, reheating is not usually recommended. If you need to warm the chicken filling, do so separately in a microwave or stovetop and then assemble fresh rolls before serving.
FAQs
Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken makes this recipe even more convenient. Just shred it finely and proceed with assembly to save time without sacrificing flavor.
What can I substitute for rice paper wrappers if I can’t find them?
While rice paper wrappers are traditional, you can experiment with large lettuce leaves as a gluten-free alternative. They won’t have the same chewiness, but will provide a fresh and crisp vessel.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Replace the chicken with baked tofu or marinated tempeh, and use a soy-based or coconut cream peanut sauce instead of traditional hoisin that may contain honey. The fresh veggies remain the same for a delicious plant-based option.
How spicy is the hoisin peanut dipping sauce?
The spiciness depends on how much chili garlic sauce you add. You can omit it entirely for a mild sauce or increase the amount slightly if you prefer a little heat to balance the sweetness.
Can I prepare the dipping sauce in advance?
Yes, the hoisin peanut dipping sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before serving, and add a splash of warm water if it thickens up too much.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Spring Rolls with Hoisin Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe is a joyful explosion of fresh ingredients and comforting flavors wrapped up in a neat, bite-sized package. It’s perfect for impressing guests or savoring as a healthy, fun meal at home. I can’t wait for you to try these rolls and enjoy every delicious dip and delightful crunch!
Print
Chicken Spring Rolls with Hoisin Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Delightfully fresh and healthy Chicken Spring Rolls filled with shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, and fresh herbs, wrapped in tender rice paper. Served with a flavorful hoisin-peanut dipping sauce, these light and tasty rolls make a perfect appetizer or light meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Spring Rolls
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 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)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Dipping Sauce
- 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 sauce as needed)
For Cooking the Chicken
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- A dash of soy sauce for seasoning
Instructions
- Cook and Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a dash of soy sauce. Cook by grilling, baking, or pan-searing until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let cool slightly.
- Shred the Chicken: Use two forks to shred the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Prepare the Veggies and Herbs: While chicken cools, julienne carrots and cucumber. Chop cilantro and mint leaves. Slice avocado if using.
- Soften the Rice Paper Wrappers: Fill a shallow bowl with warm water. Dip one wrapper into water for about 5 seconds until soft and pliable. Remove and lay flat on a clean surface. Repeat for all wrappers.
- Assemble the Spring Rolls: Place shredded chicken in the center of the softened rice paper. Add shredded lettuce, carrots, cucumber, cilantro, mint, and avocado slices. Drizzle soy sauce over filling if desired. Fold sides inward, then roll tightly but gently from bottom to top to enclose the filling.
- 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 amount to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Arrange the assembled spring rolls on a plate with the dipping sauce on the side. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure rice paper wrappers don’t over-soak or they may tear while rolling.
- Season cooked chicken lightly to enhance flavor but avoid overpowering the fresh vegetables.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute shredded chicken with tofu or extra veggies.
- The dipping sauce can be adjusted for sweetness or spiciness by varying hoisin or chili garlic sauce amounts.
- Spring rolls are best eaten fresh but can be covered and refrigerated for up to a few hours before serving.
