These Cheesecake Factory Copycat Tex-Mex Egg Rolls are irresistible: warm, crispy wrappers filled with shredded chicken, vegetables, cheddar cheese, black beans, and corn, all seasoned with a bright Southwest spice blend.
Homemade Cheesecake Factory Tex-Mex Egg Rolls
If you love the Cheesecake Factory version, you’ll be thrilled by this easy homemade copycat. These egg rolls capture the same bold Tex‑Mex flavors but use wholesome ingredients you can control. They’re perfect for appetizers, game day, or a fun dinner that everyone can help assemble.
This recipe uses cooked chicken, fresh vegetables, beans and cheese for a filling that’s hearty yet bright. Because you make them at home, there are no preservatives or artificial flavors—just real food and bold taste.
The egg rolls are traditionally deep-fried for a true crunchy exterior, but they’re straightforward to prepare and make a festive dish for gatherings. Take care with hot oil and consider involving helpers for the wrapping steps to speed things along.
What You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients ahead makes the process smoother. The following list gives quantities used in the recipe.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing.
- Cooked chicken: 2 cups, finely diced (rotisserie chicken works well).
- Onion: 1/2 red onion, diced (or substitute yellow or white).
- Bell pepper: 1 small, finely diced.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon.
- Ground coriander: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Chili powder: 1 1/2 teaspoons.
- Salt & pepper: to taste (recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper).
- Corn: 1 cup (fresh, frozen or canned).
- Black beans: 1 cup, rinsed and drained.
- Tomato: 1/2 cup finely diced (or half a fresh tomato).
- Cheddar cheese: 3/4 cup shredded.
- Scallions: 2 tablespoons sliced (white and pale green parts).
- Egg roll wrappers: about 25 wrappers.
- Oil for frying: 2 inches in a heavy-bottomed pot (canola or vegetable oil recommended).
- Favorite dipping sauce: for serving.
How To Make Tex-Mex Egg Rolls
Assembling the egg rolls takes some time, so plan ahead. Keep finished rolls on a single layer in a low oven (about 200°F) if you need to hold them for a short period before serving.
- Sauté the aromatics and chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, onion, bell pepper and garlic. Cook about 3–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Season the filling: Stir in the cumin, coriander, chili powder, salt and black pepper until well combined.
- Finish the filling: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the corn, black beans, diced tomato, shredded cheddar and scallions. Mix gently so the cheese begins to meld with the warm filling.
- Wrap the egg rolls: Lay one wrapper on a clean surface with a corner pointing toward you. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of filling into the center. Fold the near corner over the filling, tuck in the two side corners, moisten the far edge with a little water and roll tightly to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- Fry until golden: Heat approximately 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry 3–4 egg rolls at a time, turning as needed, until evenly crispy and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Drain and serve: Transfer cooked egg rolls to a paper towel–lined plate to drain briefly. Serve warm with your preferred dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These egg rolls pair well with bright, fresh sides or playful pairings. Here are a few ideas to build a satisfying menu:
- Avocado salsa or guacamole for a creamy, fresh contrast.
- Fresh slaw with lime and cilantro to cut through the richness.
- Simple tacos or quesadillas for a Tex-Mex spread.
Tips for Success
Small details make a big difference in texture and flavor:
- Dry ingredients well: Excess moisture will make wrappers soggy. Drain or pat dry wet ingredients before assembling.
- Avoid stacking: Keep egg rolls in single layers when draining or holding so they stay crisp.
- Seal securely: If wrapper edges won’t stick, brush a thin cornstarch-and-water slurry along the edge as a glue.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate cooled egg rolls in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Reheat on a baking sheet at 350°F until heated through to restore crispness.
- For extra crispness, you can briefly re-fry chilled or frozen rolls—use long tongs and lower them gently into hot oil to avoid splatter.
Can I Freeze Egg Rolls?
- Yes. Cool completely, then wrap each roll individually and place in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 5 months.
- Reheat from frozen; it will take longer than thawed rolls, and baking or re-frying works well to regain crunch.
Cheesecake Factory Copycat Tex-Mex Egg Rolls
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups cooked and finely diced chicken breast
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1 small bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup finely diced tomato
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons sliced scallions
- 25 egg roll wrappers
- Oil for frying
- Favorite dipping sauce for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken, onion, bell pepper and garlic; cook about 5 minutes.
- Stir in cumin, coriander, chili powder, salt and black pepper.
- Remove from heat and mix in corn, black beans, tomato, cheese and scallions.
- Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface and spoon 3 tablespoons of filling into the center.
- Pull a corner over the filling, fold in the two side corners, moisten the edge and roll tightly to seal.
- Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F and fry 3–4 egg rolls at a time.
- Cook until crispy and golden, about 5 minutes, then drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Equipment
- Stove
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used.
More Tex-Mex Recipes to Explore
The bold, comforting flavors of Tex-Mex are perfect for easy weeknight meals. Try these ideas next:
- Chicken Burrito Skillet
- Black Beans and Corn Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
- Crispy Baked Chicken Quesadillas