As I bit into my first crispy chicken wonton taco, the satisfying crunch instantly transported me to a bustling street market, full of enticing aromas and colorful stalls. These Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos are an exquisite fusion of flavor that combines juicy teriyaki chicken with refreshingly vibrant coleslaw—all encased in a perfectly crispy wonton shell. Best of all, they can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making them an effortless option for a gathering or a cozy weeknight treat. Whether you’re a fan of quick recipes or simply looking for a spectacular appetizer, this dish offers both the thrill of gourmet takeout and the comfort of homemade goodness. Curious about how to create this mouthwatering delight? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why Are These Tacos So Irresistible?
Crispy Wontons: The fried wrappers provide an exhilarating crunch that makes every bite exciting.
Flavor Explosion: Juicy teriyaki chicken meets a refreshing slaw for a perfect balance of flavors.
Quick Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, these tacos fit right into your busy lifestyle while still delivering gourmet vibes.
Versatile Variations: Whether you prefer chicken, shrimp, or tofu, you can tailor these tacos to suit everyone’s tastes—just like the Fiery Chicken Ramen or Fish Tacos Cilantro!
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, these tacos impress friends and family, making you the star of the party.
Ease of Preparation: Minimal steps and ingredients create a simple yet delightful dish—ideal for beginner chefs looking to expand their repertoire!
Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Chicken Breasts – Lean protein providing structure; substitute with shrimp, ground pork, or tofu for different flavors.
- Teriyaki Sauce – Adds sweetness and depth; for a gluten-free option, use tamari.
- Sesame Oil – Enhances flavor with nuttiness; split into two portions for marinade and slaw dressing.
- Soy Sauce – Brings umami and saltiness; opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.
- Garlic – Provides freshness and aromatic depth; garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Ginger – Bright, zesty flavor that elevates the chicken; fresh ginger is recommended for the best flavor.
For the Slaw
- Coleslaw Mix – Adds crunch and color; shredded broccoli slaw works for an alternative texture.
- Green Onions – Provides a mild onion flavor; chives can be used as a subtle alternative.
- Rice Vinegar – Finishes the slaw with tanginess; apple cider vinegar can work in its place.
- Honey – Adds sweetness to the slaw; maple syrup can be a vegan alternative.
For the Tacos
- Wonton Wrappers – Creates the crispy shell; you can bake instead of frying for a healthier option.
- Sweet Chili Sauce – Drizzle for sweetness and spiciness; adjust the amount for desired heat levels.
- Sesame Seeds – For garnish and crunch; can substitute with fried onions for a different texture.
- Cilantro – Fresh herb garnish that brightens the dish; parsley can be used for a milder flavor.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos
Step 1: Marinate Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine diced chicken breasts with teriyaki sauce, ½ tablespoon sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Ensure all pieces are well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes at room temperature, allowing the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
Step 2: Cook Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat, and it will have a nicely browned exterior.
Step 3: Prepare Slaw
While the chicken cooks, prepare the slaw by mixing coleslaw mix, sliced green onions, rice vinegar, honey, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a bowl. Toss the ingredients together until they are uniformly coated. Allow the slaw to sit for a few minutes so the flavors meld and it gets slightly wilted.
Step 4: Fry Wontons
In a deep frying pan, pour in enough oil to reach a depth of about ½ inch and heat it over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (test with a piece of wonton wrapper; it should sizzle), fry each wonton wrapper for 20-30 seconds on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them and let drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Assemble Tacos
To assemble the Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos, take a fried wonton wrapper and fill it with the cooked chicken mixture. Top it generously with the prepared slaw, then drizzle a bit of sweet chili sauce over the top. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro to add a burst of flavor and color.
Expert Tips for Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos
- Prevent Drying: Keep wonton wrappers covered with a damp towel while preparing to avoid them drying out and cracking.
- Perfect Frying: Use a wooden chopstick to check the oil’s temperature; when bubbles form around it, the oil is ready for frying your wonton wrappers.
- Time-Saving Prep: Marinate the chicken and prepare the slaw the day before to enhance flavor. Assemble tacos just before serving to keep them crispy.
- Storage Wisdom: Store taco components separately in airtight containers; fried wontons will lose their crunch if stored with moist ingredients.
- Avoid Soggy Slaw: If making ahead, add slaw to the tacos right before serving; this keeps the crispy chicken wonton tacos from getting soggy.
Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Variations
Feel free to sprinkle in your own creativity and taste preferences to make these tacos truly yours!
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Protein Swaps: Substitute the chicken with shrimp or ground pork; for a vegetarian option, crispy tofu works well.
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Baked Version: For a healthier alternative, brush wonton wrappers with a bit of sesame oil and bake them until crispy—around 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
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Extra Crunch: Toss sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or grated carrots into the slaw for added texture and color.
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Sauce Adjustments: Want to kick it up a notch? Stir sriracha into the sweet chili sauce or add some crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade for a spicy twist.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for those avoiding gluten without missing out on flavor!
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Herb Enhancements: Instead of cilantro, experiment with fresh mint or basil to add vibrant notes that complement the dish beautifully.
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Fruit Infusion: Add diced mango or pineapple to the slaw for a sweet and tangy surprise that’ll brighten every bite.
Thinking of hosting? These crunchy delights are perfect for gatherings and pair wonderfully with recipes like Garlic Parmesan Chicken for a superb spread!
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the slaw up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply combine the diced chicken with teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in the marinade, then refrigerate. For the slaw, mix the coleslaw, green onions, rice vinegar, honey, and remaining sesame oil, and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, quickly fry up the wonton wrappers and assemble the tacos with the prepped ingredients; this way, you’ll enjoy a fresh, crispy taco experience without the stress of last-minute cooking! To maintain quality, keep the fried wontons separate until just before serving for that irresistible crunch.
What to Serve with Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos
Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos burst with flavor, and pairing them with the right sides elevates your meal to a sensational experience.
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Creamy Avocado Salsa: A smooth avocado salsa provides a velvety contrast to crispy tacos, adding richness to each bite.
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Miso Soup: This warm, savory soup complements the Asian flavors of the tacos, offering a comforting, umami-rich balance to your meal.
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Crisp Vegetable Spring Rolls: Their refreshing crunch adds a delightful texture that’ll harmonize beautifully with your tacos.
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Cool Cucumber Salad: Light and zesty, a cucumber salad imparts freshness, cutting through the richness of the tacos perfectly.
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Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce: Serve alongside for an extra kick of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory teriyaki chicken.
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Chilled Green Tea: Refreshing and subtle, this drink elevates your meal, cleansing the palate between bites.
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Fruit Salad with Lime: A vibrant medley of fruits brings a burst of color and zest, balancing flavors and brightening up your taco feast.
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Coconut Rice: Creamy and slightly sweet, coconut rice enhances the Asian flavors of your tacos while adding a comforting texture.
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Sesame Noodles: Noodles tossed in sesame sauce resonate with the crunch of wontons, creating a dish that is both familiar and captivating.
How to Store and Freeze Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos
- Fridge: Store chicken and slaw in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Keep fried wontons separate to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Freezer: Prepare the chicken and slaw ahead of time and freeze them in containers for up to 1 month. Note that fried wontons should be enjoyed fresh for the best texture.
- Reheating: To revive the chicken and slaw, reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Make fresh wontons before serving for a crispy bite.
- Assembling Later: If you plan to assemble the Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos later, only fill the wontons right before serving to maintain their exquisite crunch.
Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts are the main ingredient in the Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos, you can also use shrimp, ground pork, or even crispy tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian option. Just remember that the cooking times may vary for different proteins—shrimp cooks faster, while ground pork may take a few extra minutes!
How should I store leftover chicken and slaw?
Very good question! Store any leftover chicken and slaw in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s crucial to keep the fried wontons separate, as they can lose their delightful crunch when stored with moisture. When you’re ready to enjoy again, briefly reheat the chicken and slaw, and prepare fresh wontons for the ultimate crispy experience.
Can I freeze the components of these tacos?
Of course! To freeze the chicken and slaw, store them in airtight containers or freezer bags. They can last for up to 1 month in the freezer. Just remember, the wontons are best enjoyed fresh, so fry those when you’re ready to assemble and serve your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos. When reheating, do so in a skillet over low heat or in a microwave, and then make new wontons for that fresh, crispy texture.
What can I do if my wonton wrappers keep breaking?
Ah, that can be frustrating! To prevent wonton wrappers from breaking, keep them covered with a damp towel while you’re preparing your ingredients. Also, ensure that the oil is at the right temperature before frying—if it’s too cool, the wrappers can absorb oil and become soggy; if it’s too hot, they can cook too quickly and crack. A wooden chopstick test is great; look for bubbles forming around it to confirm it’s ready.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you have dietary restrictions, you can easily adjust this recipe. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and make sure your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free as well. Furthermore, to accommodate vegans, you can simply swap chicken with tofu and use maple syrup instead of honey for the slaw. Always check labels for allergens if you’re cooking for someone with specific food allergies.
What’s the best way to keep these tacos crisp if I prepare them ahead of time?
Definitely! To keep the Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos fresh and crunchy, assemble the tacos just before serving. Prepare all components—chicken, slaw, and fried wontons—beforehand, but don’t fill the wontons until you’re ready to eat. This will ensure that the delicate crispiness of the wontons is perfectly preserved for every delicious bite!
Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos: A Crunchy Delight in Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced chicken breasts with teriyaki sauce, ½ tablespoon sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Cover and let marinate for at least 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through.
- Prepare the slaw by mixing coleslaw mix, sliced green onions, rice vinegar, honey, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a bowl. Toss until uniformly coated.
- Pour enough oil into a deep frying pan to reach a depth of about ½ inch and heat over medium-high heat. Fry each wonton wrapper for 20-30 seconds on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- To assemble, fill a fried wonton wrapper with the cooked chicken mixture, top with slaw, drizzle with sweet chili sauce, and garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro.
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