If you’re craving a fun, flavorful twist on tacos, you’re absolutely going to adore this Chicken Wonton Tacos with Asian Slaw Recipe. Imagine crispy, golden wonton shells filled with juicy, savory chicken glazed in hoisin and soy, topped with a refreshing, crunchy Asian slaw bursting with tangy and sweet notes. It’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors that comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for a lively weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Trust me, once you try this, these tacos will quickly become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes these tacos so irresistible.
- 2 chicken breasts, finely diced: The star protein, tender and ready to soak up all the delicious sauces.
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet and savory depth typical of Asian cuisine.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil: Infuses the chicken and slaw with a nutty aroma and richness.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: For that salty, umami boost essential to this dish’s flavor profile.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings a punchy, aromatic lift.
- 1 tsp minced fresh ginger: Adds a zesty warmth and complexity.
- 1 (397g) bag coleslaw mix: Provides crisp veggies as the base for the Asian slaw.
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced: Bright and slightly peppery, perfect for freshness in the slaw.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil: Incorporated again in the slaw dressing to tie flavors together.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Brings a light acidity to balance the sweetness and richness.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: Powers up the slaw’s savory side.
- 1 tbsp honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that harmonizes all the slaw ingredients.
- 16 wonton wrappers: Crisp and golden, these are the ultimate taco shell alternative.
- Sweet chili sauce, to serve: Drizzled on top for that perfect kick of sweetness and heat.
- Chopped cilantro, to serve: Adds freshness and a pop of green color.
- Sesame seeds, to serve: A sprinkle of these Toasty seeds brings extra texture and visual appeal.
How to Make Chicken Wonton Tacos with Asian Slaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Shells
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray or brush your wonton wrappers with cooking oil to ensure they crisp up nicely. Then, gently drape each wrapper over the sides of a 9×13 inch baking dish to shape them into little cups. Bake them for 7 to 8 minutes, keeping a close watch so they don’t burn. Next, carefully separate the shells while they’re still flexible, then return them to the oven for an additional 7 to 8 minutes until they turn perfectly golden and crispy. These will be the delightful taco “shells” that hold all your tasty fillings.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While your shells bake, combine the finely diced chicken breasts with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger in a large bowl. This marinade packs in layers of flavor that will saturate every bite. Heat a large skillet over high heat and add the chicken mixture. Sauté for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring often to cook the chicken evenly. By the time it’s done, the chicken will be tender, juicy, and beautifully coated with that luscious sauce that’s both sticky and savory—a true flavor bomb.
Step 3: Mix the Asian Slaw
While the chicken cooks, toss together the coleslaw mix and thinly sliced green onions in a roomy bowl. For the dressing, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey until smooth and well combined. Pour it over your coleslaw mixture and toss everything thoroughly so that the fresh veggies are snowed under a light and tangy dressing. This slaw adds an irresistible crunch and brightness that contrast beautifully with the rich chicken and crispy wonton shells.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
Now for the fun part: assemble your tacos by spooning the warm chicken into each crispy wonton shell. Next, pile on the vibrant Asian slaw for that satisfying crunch and fresh bite. Drizzle a little sweet chili sauce over the top to introduce a gentle heat balanced by sweetness. Finally, sprinkle on chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds for a burst of color and an extra layer of flavor. Serve these beauties immediately so the shells stay crisp and the textures shine through.
How to Serve Chicken Wonton Tacos with Asian Slaw Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings are where you can get creative but keep it fresh! Fresh cilantro adds herbal brightness, while toasted sesame seeds contribute a subtle, nutty crunch. Drizzling a vibrant sweet chili sauce elevates the flavor profile with its interplay of sweetness and spice. For a little extra punch, consider adding thinly sliced red chili or a squeeze of lime juice for zing.
Side Dishes
These Chicken Wonton Tacos with Asian Slaw Recipe pair beautifully with light and refreshing sides. Think steamed jasmine rice to soak up any extra sauce, or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil to keep things crisp and cool. Edamame or pickled vegetables can also amplify the Asian-inspired vibe while balancing the savory richness of the tacos.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the tacos on a colorful platter lined with banana leaves or lettuce cups to add a tropical touch. You can also prepare a “taco bar” with various garnishes, sauces, and slaw options so guests can build their own. Another idea is to place individual servings in small bamboo steamers or mini wooden crates for an Instagram-worthy presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the chicken and slaw stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the wonton shells from becoming soggy and maintains freshness. The filled shells are best eaten right after preparation but you can store the filling and slaw for up to 3 days.
Freezing
While the assembled tacos don’t freeze well because of the delicate crisp, you can freeze the cooked chicken mixture by itself in a sealed container for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating and assembling fresh tacos with newly baked wonton shells.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat just until warmed through to keep it moist. If your wonton shells have lost their crispness, pop them back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes to revive their crunch before assembling again.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of diced chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well and even speeds up cooking time. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and break it up evenly so every bite is packed with flavor.
Do I have to bake the wonton wrappers, or can I fry them?
While baking is easier and yields less oil, shallow frying the wrappers can give an extra crispy, golden texture if you prefer. Just be mindful of hot oil and drain them well on paper towels afterward.
What can I substitute for hoisin sauce if I don’t have any?
If hoisin is unavailable, a mixture of soy sauce and a touch of honey or brown sugar with a dash of garlic powder can mimic its sweet and savory profile in a pinch.
Is the slaw spicy?
This particular Asian slaw is mild and balanced with sweet and sour notes, making it perfect for all palates. You can always add sliced chili or a dash of chili flakes if you want to turn up the heat.
Can I make these tacos vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh cubes tossed in the same sauce, or use a mushroom medley for a similarly satisfying umami punch.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with these Chicken Wonton Tacos with Asian Slaw Recipe. Every bite delivers a symphony of crisp textures, bold flavors, and fresh brightness that’s perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and give this fun, tasty recipe a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
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Chicken Wonton Tacos with Asian Slaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Chicken Wonton Tacos with Asian Slaw offer a delightful fusion of crispy baked wonton shells filled with savory hoisin-glazed chicken and a fresh, tangy Asian-inspired slaw. Perfect as a fun appetizer or a light main dish, they combine crunchy textures with sweet and savory flavors accented by sweet chili sauce, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Chicken Filling
- 2 chicken breasts, finely diced
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp minced fresh ginger
Asian Slaw
- 1 (397g) bag coleslaw mix
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
Wonton Tacos and Garnishes
- 16 wonton wrappers
- Sweet chili sauce, to serve
- Chopped cilantro, to serve
- Sesame seeds, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the Wonton Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the wonton wrappers with cooking spray or brush them with olive or canola oil. Drape each wrapper over the side of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form a cup shape. Bake for 7-8 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Carefully separate the shells while still pliable to make filling easier, then bake another 7-8 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the diced chicken with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger. Heat a large skillet on high and sauté the chicken mixture for 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until fully cooked and well coated with the sauce.
- Mix the Slaw: While the chicken cooks, toss together the coleslaw mix, sliced green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey in a large bowl until evenly combined.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spoon the warm chicken mixture into each crispy wonton shell. Top generously with the prepared Asian slaw. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce, then garnish with chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the wonton shells at their crispiest. These tacos make an inviting appetizer or a light, flavorful main course.
Notes
- Be careful not to over-bake the wonton shells initially; they should remain pliable for easy filling before crisping.
- Use fresh ginger for optimal flavor in the chicken marinade.
- You can substitute the coleslaw mix with shredded Napa cabbage or a mix of cabbage and carrots if desired.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the slaw dressing for sweetness preference.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of sriracha to the chicken or drizzle over the tacos.
