Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Vietnamese Summer Rolls are the perfect balance of fresh, crunchy, and savory flavors. They’re light yet satisfying, packed with lean protein from the chicken, and filled with fresh herbs and vegetables that provide a burst of flavor. The rice paper wraps are soft and delicate, making each bite refreshing and easy to enjoy. Paired with a rich, slightly sweet, and savory dipping sauce, these rolls are not only delicious but also a fun and healthy way to enjoy a variety of fresh ingredients. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and customizable based on your preferences.

Ingredients

For the summer rolls:

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

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 8-10 rice paper wrappers (found in most Asian markets)

• 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

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

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 the 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 on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice 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 desired, 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, to seal the ingredients inside. Repeat the process for the remaining ingredients.

5. Serve: Arrange the rolls on a serving platter and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for added texture (optional). Serve immediately with the peanut dipping sauce.

For the peanut dipping sauce:

6. Make the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a bit of warm water until smooth and well combined. Adjust the consistency with additional water if needed, and 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, such as avocado, bell peppers, or radishes, for a filling and vibrant vegetarian version.

• Spicy Summer Rolls: Add sliced chili peppers or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to the rolls or the dipping sauce to spice things up.

• Sweet Mango Rolls: Add thinly sliced mango to the rolls for a touch of sweetness and tropical flavor.

Storage/Reheating

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

• Reheating: These rolls are typically eaten fresh and cold, so reheating is not necessary. However, if you’d like them warm, you can briefly heat the rolls in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these rolls in advance?

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 other proteins besides chicken?

Absolutely! You can use cooked shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a plant-based option. Just make sure to adjust the seasonings to match the protein.

3. Can I add more vegetables to the rolls?

Yes, you can add more veggies like bell peppers, avocado, or shredded cabbage to the rolls for additional flavor and texture.

4. Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. The rice paper wrappers are also gluten-free.

5. Can I use store-bought peanut sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought peanut sauce if you prefer a quicker option. Just be sure to choose one that suits your taste, and adjust the consistency with water or lime juice as needed.

6. 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 for too long, as it will become too sticky and hard to work with.

7. 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.

8. Can I freeze these summer rolls?

While it’s best to eat 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.

9. Can I make the dipping sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dipping sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

10. How do I serve these summer rolls?

Serve the rolls with the peanut dipping sauce or hoisin sauce, and pair them with a fresh salad or side of rice noodles for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Chicken are a light, refreshing, and healthy dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors. They’re the perfect meal for warm weather, providing a delightful combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs wrapped in soft rice paper. With a flavorful peanut dipping sauce on the side, these summer rolls are perfect for meal prep, casual meals, or a fun dish to share with friends and family. They’re easy to make, and even easier to enjoy!