Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Chicken are light, fresh, and packed with flavor. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and fresh herbs makes every bite a satisfying experience. The rice paper wrappers are soft and delicate, making the rolls easy to eat and perfect for a healthy meal. With the optional peanut dipping sauce, these rolls are even more delicious and can be served as a fun and customizable dish. They’re also versatile, allowing you to add extra veggies or spice depending on your preferences.

Ingredients

For the rolls:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs)

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 8-10 rice paper wrappers (8-10 inches)

• 1 cup cooked vermicelli rice noodles (optional)

• 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage

• 1 cup julienned carrots

• 1 cup cucumber, julienned

• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves

• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

For the peanut dipping sauce:

• 3 tablespoons peanut butter (smooth or chunky)

• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1-2 teaspoons warm water (to thin the sauce)

• Crushed peanuts for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the chicken:

1. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with soy sauce and sesame oil. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

For the summer rolls:

2. Prepare the rice paper: Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for 5-10 seconds, or until it becomes soft and pliable. Lay it flat on a clean, damp kitchen towel or a cutting board.

3. Assemble the rolls: Lay a small handful of shredded lettuce, julienned carrots, cucumber, and herbs (mint, basil, cilantro) on the bottom third of the rice paper. Add a small handful of cooked vermicelli noodles (if using), and top with a few slices of chicken.

4. Roll up the summer rolls: Fold in the sides of the rice paper, then carefully roll the wrapper tightly around the filling, like a burrito. Make sure to tuck the sides in as you roll to keep everything inside.

5. Serve: Arrange the rolls on a serving platter and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or extra cilantro if desired. Serve immediately with the peanut dipping sauce.

For the peanut dipping sauce:

6. Make the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a little warm water until smooth and well combined. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed. Garnish with crushed peanuts for extra crunch.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes

• Cooking Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Shrimp Summer Rolls: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a more traditional take on Vietnamese summer rolls.

• Vegetarian Summer Rolls: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables like avocado, bell peppers, or radishes for a filling vegetarian option.

• Spicy Summer Rolls: Add sliced chili peppers or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to the rolls or the dipping sauce for a spicy kick.

• Cheesy Summer Rolls: Add strips of cheese, such as mozzarella or goat cheese, to the filling for a creamy twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: These rolls are best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To prevent the rice paper from sticking, separate the rolls with parchment paper.

• Reheating: These rolls are typically eaten cold and do not require reheating. If you want them warm, you can briefly heat them in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls a few hours ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just make sure to cover them with a damp cloth to keep the rice paper from drying out.

2. Can I use fresh dates instead of dried?

Yes, you can use fresh dates, though dried dates are typically sweeter. If using fresh dates, you may need to add a bit more sweetness to taste.

3. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, simply swap the chicken for tofu or extra vegetables. You can also use a plant-based dipping sauce, such as one made with almond butter or soy-based hoisin sauce.

4. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the peanut dipping sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving.

5. How do I make the rice paper more pliable?

Soak the rice paper in warm water for 5-10 seconds until it becomes soft. Don’t leave it in the water too long, as it will become too sticky and hard to work with.

6. How do I prevent the rolls from sticking together?

To prevent the rolls from sticking, lay them out in a single layer, separated by parchment paper. You can also lightly cover the rolls with a damp cloth.

7. Can I freeze these summer rolls?

While it’s best to enjoy the rolls fresh, you can freeze them by wrapping them in plastic wrap and storing them in an airtight container. When ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge and serve with the dipping sauce.

8. How can I make the dipping sauce spicier?

You can add chili paste, crushed red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of sriracha to the dipping sauce to make it spicier.

9. Can I make these summer rolls without noodles?

Yes, you can skip the vermicelli noodles if you prefer a lighter version of the rolls. Simply add more vegetables or herbs in place of the noodles.

10. What should I serve with these summer rolls?

Serve these rolls with extra dipping sauce, a fresh salad, or a side of rice noodles for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Chicken are a refreshing, light, and healthy dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and textures. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and fragrant herbs wrapped in soft rice paper, these rolls are not only delicious but also a fun and customizable meal. Paired with a rich peanut dipping sauce, they’re perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!