Light Chicken Veggie Spring Rolls

There's something magical about the perfect spring roll - that delicate balance of crisp vegetables, tender protein, and fresh herbs all wrapped in translucent rice paper. These Light Chicken and Veggie Spring Rolls capture the essence of fresh, vibrant cooking with every bite. The combination of colorful vegetables and lean protein makes them as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat, while the peanut dipping sauce adds a rich, complex flavor that transforms this dish from simple to sublime.

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I first discovered these spring rolls during a cooking class in Thailand, where the instructor emphasized the importance of texture and balance. The key is in the preparation - taking time to julienne the vegetables uniformly ensures not only beautiful presentation but also the perfect bite. The peanut sauce, with its blend of creamy, sweet, tangy, and savory notes, is worth making extra to have on hand for other dishes throughout the week.

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)

Soft, absorbent towels keep counters dry while cooking, wiping spills, and handling dishes during everyday recipe prep.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare ingredients

Prepare all vegetables and herbs as directed. Arrange on a platter for easy assembly.

Step 2: Prepare rice paper

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: Add fillings

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 up spring 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: Make peanut 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

The secret to working with rice paper wrappers is to not over-soak them. They should be pliable but still slightly firm when you remove them from the water, as they will continue to soften as you add fillings. Keep a damp cloth nearby to wipe your work surface between rolls, as this prevents sticking. If you're making these for a party, consider setting up a rolling station where guests can customize their own rolls - it's interactive and removes the pressure of having to roll everything perfectly yourself!

Varianten und Anpassungen

These spring rolls are incredibly versatile. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken or substitute it with thin slices of firm tofu or tempeh. If you're looking for more protein, add thinly sliced cooked shrimp. For a heartier roll, incorporate some cooked vermicelli rice noodles. If peanut allergies are a concern, substitute sunflower seed butter in the sauce and add a touch more lime juice to balance the flavor. You can also adjust the heat level of the sauce by varying the amount of Sriracha or omitting it altogether.

Serviervorschläge

These spring rolls make a beautiful presentation when sliced diagonally and arranged standing up in a shallow bowl of the peanut sauce. For a complete meal, serve alongside a simple soup like miso or a tangy Asian-inspired slaw. They pair beautifully with cold beverages like iced green tea, a crisp Riesling, or a light lager. For dessert, continue the fresh theme with sliced mango or a simple fruit sorbet to cleanse the palate.

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Whether you're serving these Light Chicken and Veggie Spring Rolls as an impressive starter for guests or enjoying them as a nutritious lunch, they represent the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. The combination of fresh, crisp vegetables with tender chicken and aromatic herbs creates a sensory experience that's both satisfying and refreshing. And while they may look complicated, once you've mastered the simple rolling technique, you'll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again for a taste of something truly special.

Chop vegetables, slice meats, and prep ingredients easily for everyday cooking and homemade recipes.

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Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ Can I make these spring rolls ahead of time?

It's best to assemble spring rolls just before serving. Rice paper wrappers can become tough or rubbery when refrigerated for extended periods. Prepare all vegetables and the peanut sauce up to 24 hours in advance, then roll shortly before eating.

→ How do I prevent rice paper from tearing?

Soak wrappers in warm water for only 10-15 seconds—they should still feel slightly firm. Handle gently on a damp towel. If they're too soft, they'll stick and tear. Practice makes perfect with rice paper technique.

→ What can I substitute for peanut butter?

For allergies, try almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Each provides creamy texture and rich flavor. Adjust sweetness as needed since substitutes vary in natural sweetness compared to peanut butter.

→ How do I make these vegetarian?

Simply omit the chicken or replace it with baked tofu, tempeh, or cooked vermicelli noodles. Add extra vegetables like shredded cabbage or bean sprouts for bulk. The rolls remain satisfying without meat.

→ Can I fry these spring rolls instead?

These are fresh spring rolls designed to be served uncooked. For fried versions, use wheat-based spring roll pastry wrappers. Frying creates a completely different dish—crispy and golden—whereas these stay light and refreshing.

→ How long does the peanut sauce keep?

Store peanut sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It may thicken when cold—simply whisk in a teaspoon of warm water to reach desired consistency again. Let it come to room temperature before serving.