Homemade Chili’s Triple Dipper Recipe

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I’ll take you through the step-by-step process of recreating some of Chili’s Triple Dipper. Not only will you get to enjoy these tasty treats any time you like, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing you made them all by yourself.

How to make Chili’s Triple Dipper

Chili’s Triple Dipper is a customizable appetizer sampler on the Chili’s Grill & Bar menu. It lets you pick three different appetizers (or multiples of the same one) to be served together on one platter, making it a popular choice for sharing.

1. Southwestern Eggrolls

A Tex-Mex classic stuffed with chicken, black beans, spinach, and cheese, these eggrolls pack a flavorful punch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/4 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup frozen corn
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 6 small flour tortillas
• Oil, for deep frying

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, spinach, cheese, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Place a tortilla on a flat surface. Add 2-3 tablespoons of filling in the center. Fold the sides inward, then tightly roll up the tortilla into an eggroll shape.
3. Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the eggrolls in small batches for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Drain on paper towels and serve warm with avocado ranch or salsa for dipping.

2. Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers

These crunchy, sweet, and spicy chicken tenders are the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust for heat)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp ketchup

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, mix honey, chipotle peppers, lime juice, and ketchup. Simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a thick batter.
3. Dip each chicken tender into the batter, ensuring an even coating.
4. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C), and fry tenders in batches for about 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Toss the fried tenders in the honey chipotle sauce and serve hot.

3. Fried Mozzarella Sticks

Everyone loves these gooey, cheesy appetizers with a crispy breadcrumb coating.

Ingredients

• 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Prep a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
2. Coat each mozzarella stick in flour, then dip it in the eggs, and finally roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating once more.
3. Place the breaded sticks on a plate and freeze them for at least 1 hour (this helps keep the cheese from melting during frying).
4. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the sticks in small batches for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve with marinara sauce.
5. Assembling Your Triple Dipper: Arrange your Southwestern Eggrolls, Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers, and Fried Mozzarella Sticks on a large platter. Serve each with its signature dipping sauce—avocado ranch, honey chipotle sauce, and marinara sauce, respectively. To add a restaurant-style touch, garnish the plate with fresh parsley or serve alongside a side salad.

Tips for Success

• Make Ahead: Many of the components for the Chili’s Triple Dipper can be prepped ahead of time. For example, you can roll and freeze the eggrolls and mozzarella sticks the night before frying.
• Control the Heat: Adjust the spiciness of the Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers by reducing or increasing the amount of chipotle peppers in the sauce.
• Use an Air Fryer: For a healthier option, cook the mozzarella sticks and chicken tenders in an air fryer. Spray them lightly with oil and air fry at 375°F for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Keep it Warm: If you’re frying in batches, keep the cooked appetizers warm in the oven set at 200°F while finishing the rest.
• Get Creative: The Chili’s Triple Dipper is customizable! Swap out any of the components with your favorite appetizers, like onion rings or jalapeño poppers.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating Chili’s Triple Dipper at home is both fun and flexible, especially when it comes to substituting ingredients to suit your dietary needs, preferences, or what’s available in your kitchen.

1. Southwestern Eggrolls: Ingredient Substitutes

Tex-Mex-inspired flavors make Southwestern Eggrolls a favorite, but you can swap out certain ingredients to customize this dish.

Filling Substitutes

• Chicken: Substitute shredded chicken with cooked ground turkey, ground beef, or a plant-based ground meat (such as Beyond Meat or lentils) for a vegetarian option.
• Black Beans: Use pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas if black beans aren’t available. For a low-carb option, omit the beans entirely.
• Spinach: Replace spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or even finely shredded cabbage for a similar texture and nutritional boost.
• Shredded Cheese: Have no Monterey Jack cheese? Use cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend of whatever shredded cheese you have on hand. For vegan options, substitute with your favorite plant-based shredded cheese.
• Tortillas: Instead of flour tortillas, try corn tortillas (though they’re harder to roll), gluten-free tortillas, or eggroll wrappers for a crispier texture.

2. Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers: Ingredient Substitutes

These sweet and spicy chicken tenders can easily be adapted to meet your preferences.

Chicken Substitutes

• Use chicken thighs, boneless chicken breasts, or even store-bought frozen chicken tenders for a faster prep time.
• To make this vegetarian, replace chicken with cauliflower florets, tofu strips, or seitan.

Buttermilk Substitutes

• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
• Dairy-free? Use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice.

Sauce Substitutes

• Honey: Replace with maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar for sweetness.
• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: Use smoked paprika and a few drops of hot sauce for a milder alternative, or substitute with a chipotle seasoning blend.
• Ketchup: Substitute with tomato paste (sweetened with a little sugar) or any mild barbecue sauce.

3. Fried Mozzarella Sticks: Ingredient Substitutes

Cheesy, crunchy, and satisfying, mozzarella sticks can be tweaked in many ways to fit your needs.

Cheese Substitutes

Replace mozzarella string cheese with:

• Cheddar cheese sticks or Monterey Jack cheese sticks for a different flavor profile.
• Vegan mozzarella cheese sticks or blocks for dairy-free options.
• Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) for a firmer option.
• If string cheese isn’t available, cut blocks of cheese into stick-sized pieces.

Breadcrumb Substitutes

• Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
• For gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs, cornmeal, or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Add crushed potato chips or pretzels to the coating for an extra flavor boost.

Egg Substitutes

• Replace eggs with milk, unsweetened plant-based milk, or a slurry of flour and water for the purpose of sticking.
• Vegan option: Use a mixture of 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water (let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken).

Final Thoughts

Now you’re ready to impress the crowd (or yourself) with this Chili’s Triple Dipper! The combination of crispy, cheesy, sweet, and spicy flavors is guaranteed to make your homemade version just as satisfying as the restaurant original.