If you have been searching for a fun and delicious way to impress your family or friends at your next get-together, look no further than this Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe. This dish brilliantly combines the crunchy magic of golden wonton shells with tender, flavorful teriyaki chicken, finished off with a vibrant Asian slaw that adds just the right balance of freshness and zing. Each bite bursts with texture, color, and layers of taste that make it an instant favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that work together perfectly to deliver big flavors. Every component from the juicy marinated chicken to the crunchy wonton cups and the crisp Asian slaw adds essential texture, taste, and visual appeal.
- Chicken breasts (2 skinless, boneless, thinly sliced): The star protein, tender and perfect for soaking up marinade flavors.
- Teriyaki sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds a sweet and savory punch that gives the chicken its irresistible glaze.
- Sesame oil (2 tablespoons total): Used in the marinade and slaw, it provides a warm, nutty aroma that elevates the dish.
- Low sodium soy sauce (2 tablespoons total): Brings rich umami depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Fresh garlic (2 teaspoons, minced): Adds a bright and pungent note that wakes up the chicken marinade.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, minced): Offers a subtle spicy warmth that complements the garlic perfectly.
- Bagged coleslaw mix: A convenient base full of crunchy cabbage and carrots for the fresh slaw.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, diced): Provide a crisp bite and mild onion flavor to the slaw.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Gives the slaw a tart brightness that balances the sweetness.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Adds a touch of natural sweetness to the slaw dressing.
- Wonton wrappers (16): The secret to that super crispy taco shell that’s fun and unexpected.
- Sweet chili sauce: The perfect drizzle to add a little heat and sweetness on top.
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkled for a final punch of texture and nutty flavor.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: Brings a fresh herbaceous pop on every bite.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thin, long strips so they cook quickly and soak up every bit of the marinade. Toss the chicken with the teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a bowl or ziplock bag, then cover and refrigerate for at least an hour. This step is crucial because it infuses the chicken with those bold, savory flavors we all crave.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Wonton Shells
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and flip a muffin tin upside down. Gently press a wonton wrapper between two muffin cups to create a taco shell shape with two points resting on the tin’s peaks. Bake these little shells for 7-9 minutes, keeping an eye on them so they turn golden and crisp without burning. This technique transforms simple wontons into the most delightful crunchy taco vessels.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken slices and sauté, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully caramelized. This pan-searing step locks in the marinade flavors and creates the perfect texture contrast against the crispy shells.
Step 4: Prepare the Asian Slaw
While the chicken cooks, toss the coleslaw mix with diced green onions in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey to create a light, tangy dressing. Pour this over the slaw and gently mix to coat every shred with that irresistible dressing. The resulting slaw adds a satisfying crunch and a fresh, bright balance to your tacos.
Step 5: Assemble the Wonton Tacos
Carefully fill each crispy wonton shell with a generous layer of hot cooked chicken, followed by a scoop of the dressed Asian slaw. Drizzle some sweet chili sauce over the top, then finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped cilantro. Repeat with the remaining shells until all your tacos are loaded and ready to serve.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe with fresh garnishes such as sliced avocado, extra chopped cilantro, or a wedge of lime for squeezing. Each addition adds freshness, creaminess, or tang that complements the rich, crunchy tacos and keeps every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
Serve these tacos alongside light, refreshing sides like a cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or even some simple garlic fried rice to round out the meal. These side dishes keep the experience balanced while staying true to the Asian-inspired flavors that shine throughout the recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party presentation, arrange your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe on a platter with toppings on the side so guests can customize their own. You can also serve the tacos in small lettuce cups for a gluten-free twist or pair with colorful dipping sauces like spicy mayo or hoisin sauce for extra flavor options.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the cooked chicken, slaw, and wonton shells separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping the components apart preserves the crispness of the shells and prevents the slaw from getting soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken in a sealed container for up to three months, but it’s best to avoid freezing the wonton shells or slaw as their texture will degrade. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Reheat wonton shells briefly in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a couple of minutes to restore their crispness. Serve immediately with freshly tossed slaw and garnishes.
FAQs
Can I make these Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the regular soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free wonton wrappers or consider using lettuce cups for the taco shell to keep it crunchy and fresh.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
Marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour is best for maximum flavor, but you can let it marinate up to 4 hours in the refrigerator without any issues.
Can I bake the wonton shells ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the wonton shells ahead and store them in an airtight container once completely cooled. Reheat briefly in the oven before serving to bring back their crispness.
What if I don’t have a muffin tin for shaping the shells?
If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can try shaping the wontons over small oven-safe bowls or ramekins to achieve a similar taco shell shape.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or sautéed mushrooms marinated in the same sauce for a delicious vegetarian Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe twist.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way this Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe brings bold Asian flavors, crunchy textures, and fresh brightness all onto one bite-sized taco. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or a lively party snack, this recipe is guaranteed to delight and satisfy. So grab those wonton wrappers and the freshest ingredients, and get ready to impress everyone with a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
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Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 wonton tacos
Description
Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos are a fusion delight combining tender teriyaki-glazed chicken, crunchy Asian slaw, and crispy baked wonton shells. These bite-sized tacos are perfect for parties or a fun dinner, delivering bold flavors with a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
- 2 Tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 Tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons fresh garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)
Asian Slaw
- 1 bag coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup green onions (diced)
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon honey
Shell & Toppings
- 16 wonton wrappers
- Sweet chili sauce (for drizzling)
- Sesame seeds (for sprinkling)
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into long thin strips. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced chicken with teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, low sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, or marinate in a sealed large ziplock bag for convenience.
- Prepare the Wonton Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Turn a muffin tin upside down. Press a wonton wrapper between two adjacent muffin cups, shaping it into a ‘V’ form with two opposite points resting on top of the tin’s edges. Bake the wonton shells for 7-9 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Remove from oven when crispy and golden. Repeat in batches as needed.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large pan over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Once the oil is hot, sauté the chicken strips, stirring frequently until fully cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Asian Slaw: In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix and diced green onions. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, low sodium soy sauce, and honey to create the dressing. Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Assemble the Tacos: Take a crispy wonton shell and layer in some of the cooked chicken. Add a generous spoonful of the prepared Asian slaw. Drizzle sweet chili sauce over the top, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro. Repeat for all wonton shells.
- Serve: Serve the crispy chicken wonton tacos immediately while the shells are still crispy. Enjoy the perfect blend of textures and flavors!
Notes
- Make sure to watch the wonton shells closely while baking to prevent them from burning.
- You can prepare the chicken marinade up to 24 hours in advance to deepen flavor.
- Customize the slaw by adding shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra crunch.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free wonton wrappers.
- These tacos are best served fresh to maintain the crispiness of the wonton shells.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
