If you’re craving a dish that combines crunch, zest, and a burst of savory-sweet flavor, you’re going to adore the Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe. Picture tender chicken marinated in a blend of teriyaki and garlic, nestled inside perfectly crisp wonton shells, and topped with a refreshing coleslaw and a drizzle of sweet chili sauce. This recipe brings together contrasting textures and vibrant tastes that make every bite irresistible. It’s a fun twist on traditional tacos that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To master this Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe, you only need a handful of straightforward, fresh ingredients that work in harmony to build a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Each element plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding tang, crispness, sweetness, or that essential hint of umami.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced: Provides tender, juicy protein that soaks up the marinade perfectly.
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce: Adds a savory-sweet glaze that enhances the taste of the chicken.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (divided): Used for marinating and lightly frying, giving a nutty aroma and crisp texture.
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce: Brings depth and saltiness while keeping sodium in check.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with fragrant sharpness that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated: Adds bright, zesty warmth to the marinade.
- 2 cups coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots): Provides crunch and sweetness for contrast against the soft chicken.
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced: Brings a fresh, mild onion bite and lovely color.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Introduces tanginess to brighten the slaw.
- 1 tsp honey: Balances the tang with subtle sweetness.
- 12 wonton wrappers: The crunchy taco shells that hold all the delicious fillings.
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce: Provides a sweet, spicy finish that ties the flavors together.
- 1 tsp sesame seeds: Adds a toasty crunch and visual appeal.
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro: Offers a fresh, herbaceous lift to the final dish.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating your thinly sliced chicken breasts in a vibrant mixture of teriyaki sauce, half of the sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Letting the chicken soak up these bold flavors for about 10 minutes is crucial—it tenderizes the meat while infusing every bite with a wonderful savory-sweet and aromatic profile.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Once marinated, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until it’s fully cooked through, usually around 5 to 7 minutes. The chicken should develop a slight caramelization from the marinade, adding to that irresistible layer of flavor. Keep an eye on it so it stays juicy and tender without drying out.
Step 3: Prepare the Coleslaw
While the chicken cooks, whisk together a simple, vibrant coleslaw by tossing your coleslaw mix and green onions with rice vinegar, honey, and the remaining sesame oil. This quick salad adds a fresh, tangy crunch that keeps each bite lively and perfectly balanced against the warm chicken and crispy taco.
Step 4: Crisp the Wonton Wrappers
Heat oil in a pan and lightly fry each wonton wrapper for about 20 to 30 seconds per side. The goal here is a golden, crisp shell that can hold all the delicious fillings without losing its crunch. This step transforms the delicate wonton into a sturdy taco shell that adds the perfect textured contrast.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
Now for the fun part: fill each crispy wonton with a generous amount of warm chicken and a scoop of the zesty coleslaw. Finish by drizzling sweet chili sauce over the top. This combination ensures each taco bursts with layers of sweet, spicy, savory, and tangy flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro over the tacos for a final touch of texture and brightness. These garnishes elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, making the tacos even more inviting and delicious.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe, don’t skip the garnishes. Sesame seeds add a lovely nutty crunch that complements the savory chicken, while fresh cilantro brings a vibrant, herbaceous note that livens up each bite. Feel free to add a wedge of lime for a squeeze of citrusy brightness.
Side Dishes
These wonton tacos pair beautifully with light, refreshing sides. Think cucumber salad, pickled radishes, or a simple Asian-style noodle salad. These sides keep things fresh and vibrant, contrasting with the warm, deep flavors of the tacos without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe as part of a DIY taco bar with a variety of toppings like sliced avocado, shredded carrots, or extra chopped herbs. Alternatively, arrange the tacos on a colorful platter with small bowls of sauces for dipping, turning your meal into a festive, interactive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the cooked chicken and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep your wonton shells crispy by storing them at room temperature in a sealed container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture.
Freezing
While it’s best to enjoy these tacos fresh, the cooked chicken without the wontons or slaw can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warm. If the wonton shells have softened, you can restore their crispness by lightly frying or baking them in a hot oven for a few minutes. Toss the coleslaw fresh before serving to keep its crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken works wonderfully, thinly sliced pork, shrimp, or even tofu could make great alternatives that soak up the marinade and pair well with the crispy wonton shells.
Are wonton wrappers gluten-free?
Most traditional wonton wrappers contain wheat flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free alternatives at specialty stores or make your own using gluten-free flour blends.
How do I keep the wonton shells crispy after assembling the tacos?
For best results, fill and serve the tacos immediately. If you need to prepare in advance, keep the fried wontons and fillings separate, then assemble just before serving to maintain crispiness.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe?
Yes! Swap the chicken for marinated and pan-fried tofu or tempeh and follow the same marinade and cooking process. The coleslaw and wontons remain the same, making a delicious vegetarian option.
Can I bake the wontons instead of frying?
You can bake wonton wrappers for a lighter alternative. Brush them lightly with oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp, flipping halfway through.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about the Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe — it’s a dish that’s both playful and comforting in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight meal or impressing friends at a gathering, these tacos bring a delightful crunch and a burst of vibrant flavors that make mealtime exciting. I hope you have as much fun making and sharing them as I do!
Print
Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 wonton tacos
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
These Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos combine tender teriyaki-marinated chicken with a crunchy wonton shell and fresh coleslaw, topped with a sweet chili drizzle and sesame seeds for an irresistible Asian fusion appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade and Cooking
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (divided)
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
For the Coleslaw
- 2 cups coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil (from the divided amount)
For Assembling
- 12 wonton wrappers
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken slices and cook until fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and a nice caramelized finish.
- Prepare the Coleslaw: In a separate bowl, mix together the coleslaw mix, thinly sliced green onions, rice vinegar, honey, and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil. Toss well to combine all the ingredients evenly and set aside.
- Fry the Wonton Wrappers: Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Lightly fry each wonton wrapper for 20-30 seconds on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Assemble the Tacos: Fill each crispy wonton shell with cooked chicken and a generous spoonful of coleslaw. Drizzle 1/2 teaspoon sweet chili sauce over the filling in each taco.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped cilantro on top of each taco for extra flavor and a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately while the wonton shells are still crisp.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade or coleslaw.
- If you prefer baking over frying, you can bake the wonton wrappers in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content without sacrificing flavor.
- These tacos are best served immediately to maintain the crispiness of the wonton shells.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
