Save Experience the vibrant flavors of East Asia with these Light Chicken and Veggie Spring Rolls. Crisp, colorful vegetables and tender shredded chicken are wrapped in delicate rice paper, creating a refreshing bite that is both healthy and satisfying. Paired with a rich and tangy peanut dipping sauce, this dish works beautifully as a light lunch or an impressive party appetizer.
Save The beauty of these spring rolls lies in the balance of textures. From the snap of the julienned carrots and cucumbers to the aromatic burst of fresh mint and cilantro, every roll is a garden-fresh delight. The savory chicken adds lean protein, making it a complete meal that feels light yet fuels your day.
Ingredients
- For the Spring Rolls:
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup lettuce leaves, torn
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
- For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp Sriracha or chili sauce (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep
- Prepare all vegetables and herbs as directed. Arrange on a platter for easy assembly.
- Step 2: Hydrate Wrappers
- Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. Submerge one rice paper wrapper for 10–15 seconds until just soft and pliable. Lay flat on a clean, damp kitchen towel.
- Step 3: Layer Filling
- Place a small amount of lettuce, chicken, carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, mint, cilantro, and green onion along the bottom third of the wrapper.
- Step 4: Roll
- Fold the bottom edge over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up tightly like a burrito. Repeat with remaining wrappers and fillings.
- Step 5: Mix Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, warm water, garlic, ginger, and Sriracha (if using) until smooth. Adjust water for desired consistency.
- Step 6: Serve
- Serve spring rolls whole or sliced in half, with peanut sauce for dipping.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
When working with rice paper, ensure the water is warm but not hot to prevent the wrappers from becoming too sticky. Using a damp kitchen towel as your workspace prevents the rolls from sticking to the surface while you assemble them. Work quickly and keep the finished rolls covered with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out before serving.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian or vegan version, simply omit the chicken or substitute it with pan-seared tofu strips. If you prefer a heartier roll, you can add a small handful of cooked vermicelli rice noodles inside. For those sensitive to spice, omit the Sriracha in the sauce entirely.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these rolls immediately to enjoy the best texture. They pair wonderfully with a crisp Riesling or a glass of chilled green tea. If serving for a party, slice them diagonally to show off the colorful interior and arrange them around the bowl of peanut sauce.
Save These Light Chicken and Veggie Spring Rolls are proof that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious. With their vibrant colors and bold peanut sauce, they are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen rotation. Enjoy the crunch!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these spring rolls ahead of time?
Spring rolls are best enjoyed immediately after assembly. If you need to prepare ahead, keep all ingredients prepped and separate, then roll them just before serving to prevent the rice paper from becoming tough or dry.
- → What's the best way to soften rice paper wrappers?
Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. Submerge each wrapper for 10–15 seconds until just pliable. Over-soaking makes them tear easily, while under-soaking leaves them stiff and difficult to roll.
- → Can I make these vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely. Simply omit the chicken or replace it with baked tofu, extra vegetables, or cooked vermicelli noodles for the sauce, use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your peanut butter doesn't contain added sugar.
- → How do I store leftover peanut sauce?
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It may thicken when cold—simply whisk in a small amount of warm water to reach the desired consistency again.
- → What other dipping sauces work well?
Besides peanut sauce, try sweet chili sauce, hoisin with crushed peanuts, or a simple mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a dash of sesame oil. Each offers a different flavor profile to complement the fresh vegetables.
- → How can I add more protein?
Increase the chicken portion, add cooked shrimp or tofu, or include vermicelli rice noodles for extra substance while keeping the dish light and fresh.