📖 Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: If you don't have leftover cooked chicken, you can quickly poach or grill some chicken breast. Let it cool slightly, then shred or dice into small pieces. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. This gives the chicken a little extra flavor.
2. Prep the Avocado: Halve, pit, and peel the avocado. Dice it into small, even pieces. To prevent browning, you can toss the avocado with a squeeze of lime or lemon juice. Set aside.
3. Chop the Veggies: Thinly slice the carrots, cucumber, and bell pepper into matchstick-sized pieces. If you're using lettuce, wash it thoroughly and tear it into smaller, manageable pieces. Fresh herbs like mint and cilantro should be washed, dried, and roughly chopped. Nobody wants sandy spring rolls!
4. Soften the Rice Paper: Fill a shallow dish or pie plate with warm water. One at a time, dip a rice paper wrapper into the water for about 5-10 seconds, or until it becomes pliable and slightly sticky. Be careful not to over-soak, or the wrapper will tear easily. It should feel soft but not disintegrate.
5. Assemble the Spring Roll: Lay the softened rice paper wrapper on a clean, flat surface. Arrange a small amount of each ingredient – chicken, avocado, carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, lettuce, and herbs – in a horizontal line across the lower third of the wrapper. Don't overfill, or the spring roll will be difficult to roll.
6. Roll It Up: Fold the sides of the wrapper inward over the filling. Then, starting from the bottom edge closest to you, tightly roll up the spring roll, like you're rolling a burrito. Keep it snug but not too tight, or the wrapper might tear. Once the filling is completely enclosed, seal the edge with a little dab of water, if needed.
7. Repeat: Continue softening the rice paper wrappers and assembling the spring rolls until all the ingredients are used up. If the wrappers start to stick together, you can lightly brush them with a little oil.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Chicken and Avocado Spring Rolls immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like peanut sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a simple soy sauce with a drizzle of sesame oil. They're best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator for a few hours. Just be sure to wrap them individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
9. Optional additions: Add cooked shrimp for a chicken and shrimp combo. Add rice noodles for a more filling roll. Include bean sprouts or other fresh vegetables for added crunch. Get creative with your fillings!