Discover how to make easy chicken & veggie rice paper rolls packed with fresh flavor. A quick, healthy meal perfect for any occasion. Try it today!
Easy Chicken & Veggie Rice Paper Rolls Packed with Fresh Flavor
If you’re in search of a quick and healthy meal, easy chicken & veggie rice paper rolls packed with fresh flavor offer everything you need. These vibrant rolls combine tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and fresh herbs all wrapped in delicate rice paper. Perfect as a light lunch, appetizer, or snack, they come together in under 30 minutes and impress with their clean, refreshing taste.
Unlike fried or heavy meals, rice paper rolls are low in calories but high in satisfaction. Plus, they’re so customizable — whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to Asian-inspired dishes, you can easily swap ingredients to match your preferences. This recipe focuses on fresh chicken and crisp vegetables for a balanced, nutritious bite.
Ready to roll? Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions that make this recipe a staple for easy weeknight dinners and casual entertaining.
Why You’ll Love It
- Fast and simple to prepare with minimal cooking required
- Bright flavors from fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables
- Versatile – great for meals, snacks, or party platters
- Light yet satisfying with lean protein and veggies
- Perfect for meal prep and suitable for various dietary needs
Ingredients
- 12 rice paper sheets – can be found in Asian grocery stores or well-stocked supermarkets
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded – substitute with cooked tofu or shrimp for variations
- 1 cup julienned carrots – swap for parsnips or zucchini ribbons if desired
- 1 cup cucumber sticks – peeled or unpeeled based on preference
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves – fresh basil is a fun alternative
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro – optional, omit if you dislike the flavor
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper – adds a nice crunch and color
- 100g rice vermicelli noodles, cooked – substitute with glass noodles or omit
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce – for dipping, can substitute with soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter – creamy style works best
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce – add more or less to taste in dipping sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by soaking the rice vermicelli noodles in hot water for 5 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
- Fill a large, shallow dish with warm water to soften the rice paper sheets one at a time.
- Dip a rice paper sheet into the warm water for about 10 seconds until it becomes pliable and translucent.
- Lay the softened sheet flat on a clean surface or cutting board.
- Place a small amount of shredded chicken, noodles, and veggies on the lower third of the rice paper.
- Fold in both sides of the rice paper gently over the filling, then roll tightly from bottom to top, sealing the roll.
- Repeat the process with the remaining rice paper sheets and filling ingredients.
- To prepare the dipping sauce, whisk together hoisin sauce, peanut butter, and soy sauce until smooth.
- Serve the rolls with dipping sauce immediately, or cover them with a damp cloth and refrigerate until ready to eat.
Looking for more easy main dishes? Check out Easy Weeknight Dinners or explore refreshing options at Food Network Healthy Recipes.
Expert Tips
- Prevent sticking: Keep the rolls covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out and sticking together.
- Doneness cues: The rice paper should be soft and pliable but not overly soggy for easy rolling.
- Make ahead: Prepare the filling in advance. Assemble rolls just before serving for best texture.
- Scaling up: Easily double or triple the recipe for parties or meal prep.
Storage
Store rice paper rolls in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. In the fridge, they stay fresh for up to 2 days but are best eaten the same day for texture. Do not freeze, as rice paper turns brittle and soggy after thawing.
Variations
- Vegan: Swap chicken for marinated tofu or tempeh and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure soy sauce is gluten-free or use coconut aminos.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe contains no dairy, safe as is.
- Refined Sugar-Free: Use a natural sweetener like maple syrup if sweetening dipping sauce is desired.
FAQ
- Can I make easy chicken & veggie rice paper rolls ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the filling a day early but assemble the rolls shortly before serving to keep them fresh and prevent the rice paper from drying out.
- What can I serve with chicken rice paper rolls?
- They go well with fresh salads, light soups like miso, or as part of an appetizer spread.
- How do I keep the rice paper from tearing?
- Soak the sheet just until soft, usually 10 seconds in warm water; too long soaking causes tearing and stickiness.
- Are these rolls good for weight loss?
- Yes, these rolls are low in calories and rich in lean protein and vegetables, making them a healthy choice.
- What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
- You can substitute with a mix of soy sauce, a touch of honey, and garlic for a similar dipping sauce flavor.
Call to Action
Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think! Share your tips, variations, or questions in the comments below. Don’t forget to rate and save this easy chicken & veggie rice paper rolls packed with fresh flavor recipe for your next delicious meal.
For more simple and tasty meals, visit our Chicken Mains collection or explore creative rolled dishes on Serious Eats.
