Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos: Crunchy, Flavor-Packed Delight

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Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

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As the sizzling sound of wonton wrappers hitting hot oil fills the kitchen, I can’t help but smile—a little bit of magic is happening. These Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos are not just a flavorful treat; they’re the ideal quick meal for anyone tired of the usual fast food fare. With a preparation time of under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight or a spontaneous gathering. Imagine tender teriyaki chicken wrapped in a crunchy shell, paired with a refreshing coleslaw that brings everything together in one bite. Plus, if chicken isn’t your vibe, I’ll share some delightful variations for shrimp, ground pork, or even tofu! Are you ready to turn your kitchen into a mini taco bar? Let’s dive in!

Why Are These Tacos So Special?

Quick & Easy: In just 30 minutes, you can whip up these tantalizing tacos, making them perfect for your busy evenings.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of teriyaki chicken and zesty coleslaw creates a delightful explosion of taste that your guests will love.
Versatile Variations: Switch up the protein with shrimp, ground pork, or tofu—there’s a delicious option for everyone!
Signature Crunch: Crispy wonton wrappers deliver a satisfying crunch that brings restaurant-quality textures right to your home.
Healthy Choice: Low in calories yet packed with flavor, these tacos prove that quick meals can also be healthy; serve them with a side of extra sweet chili sauce for dipping! For more delightful chicken recipes, check out my Oven Baked Chicken or Hot Honey Chicken.

Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Ingredients

For the Filling


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  • Chicken breasts – Provides the main protein; use thinly sliced for quick cooking.
  • Teriyaki sauce – Adds a sweet and savory flavor; substitute with soy sauce for less sweetness.
  • Sesame oil – Contributes nutty flavor; use any neutral oil or omit for allergy concerns.
  • Low-sodium soy sauce – Enhances umami flavor while keeping sodium levels down; Tamari can be used for gluten-free options.
  • Garlic (minced) – Adds depth of flavor; fresh garlic is recommended, but garlic powder works too.
  • Fresh ginger (grated) – Imparts a warm, spicy note; ground ginger can be used in a pinch.

For the Slaw

  • Coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots) – Creates a fresh crunch; pre-shredded mixes save prep time.
  • Green onions (sliced) – Provides mild onion flavor; chives can be a substitute.
  • Rice vinegar – Adds acidity and balances flavors; apple cider vinegar is a good substitute.
  • Honey – Offers sweetness and helps dress the slaw; maple syrup can work as a substitute.

For the Wontons

  • Wonton wrappers – Forms the crispy shell; for gluten-free, use GF wonton wrappers or baked tortilla options.
  • Sweet chili sauce – Provides a sweet and spicy drizzle; adjust quantity to taste or substitute with sriracha.
  • Sesame seeds – For garnish, adding texture; omit for allergies or replace with chopped nuts.
  • Chopped cilantro – Fresh garnish that brightens the dish; omit if not a fan.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

Step 1: Marinate Chicken
Begin by gathering a mixing bowl and combining the sliced chicken breasts with teriyaki sauce, ½ tablespoon sesame oil, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well to ensure all the chicken is evenly coated and let it marinate for about 10 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 2: Cook Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium heat, ensuring it’s warm enough for sizzling action. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and sauté for 5–7 minutes, flipping occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The enticing aroma will fill your kitchen, making this Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos worth the wait!

Step 3: Prepare Slaw
While the chicken is cooking, take a large mixing bowl and toss together the coleslaw mix, sliced green onions, rice vinegar, honey, and the remaining sesame oil. Mix thoroughly until the slaw is evenly coated with the dressing. This zesty slaw will bring a refreshing crunch to your tacos, balancing out the savory chicken.

Step 4: Fry Wontons
In a separate pan, pour in about ½ inch of oil and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the wonton wrappers one at a time, frying them for 20–30 seconds on each side, or until they puff up and turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the crispy wontons and let them drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Assemble Tacos
Now it’s time for the fun part! Take each fried wonton shell and fill it generously with the sautéed chicken. Top it off with a spoonful of the prepared slaw for that refreshing crunch. Drizzle sweet chili sauce over the filled tacos and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro, adding a delightful finish to your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos.

Make Ahead Options

These Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos are perfect for busy home cooks looking for convenient meal prep options! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the slaw up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. For the best results, assemble the tacos just before serving to ensure the wonton wrappers remain crispy. If you prefer, you can fry the wontons in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This way, when it’s time to enjoy your meal, you only need to reheat the chicken quickly and fill the wontons for a delightful, stress-free dinner that’s just as delicious as when freshly made!

Storage Tips for Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

  • Fridge: Store cooked chicken and slaw in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Keep wonton wrappers separate to maintain their crispness until you’re ready to assemble.
  • Freezer: You can freeze the cooked chicken filling in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge prior to reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. For wonton wrappers, re-crisp them in a hot oven for a few minutes to regain crunchiness.
  • Make-Ahead: Consider preparing the fillings ahead of time but assemble the Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos just before serving to keep that delightful crunch.

What to Serve with Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

Imagine a vibrant gathering where every bite sings with flavor, and every dish complements the next perfectly.

  • Cilantro Lime Rice: This fragrant rice dish brings brightness that harmonizes beautifully with the teriyaki chicken, adding a fresh twist to your meal.
  • Spicy Black Bean Salad: A zesty and hearty salad full of flavors and textures that pairs well with the crispy tacos, enhancing the protein with nutritious beans.
  • Chilled Cucumber Salad: Crisp, cool cucumbers dressed in rice vinegar offer a refreshing contrast to the warm tacos, keeping your palate lively. Enjoying the slight acidity and crunch provides balance.
  • Asian Slaw: Elevate your meal with an extra crunch by serving a sesame-ginger slaw alongside, mirroring the elements in the tacos while adding extra layers of flavor.
  • Sweet Potato Fries: Soft and sweet, these fries provide a delightful texture contrast and a hint of sweetness to complement the savory chicken. Dip them in your favorite sauce for a fun twist!
  • Mango Salsa: A tropical fruit salsa with juicy mango and cilantro brings a sweet and spicy element, enhancing the savory aspects of the tacos with every bite.
  • Pineapple Coconut Smoothie: Refreshing and creamy, this drink serves as a perfect counterbalance to the spicy notes of the tacos, leaving your guests satisfied and happy.
  • Ginger Beer: With its bright, bubbly notes, ginger beer adds a zingy sweetness that pairs well with the tacos’ savory flavors while cleansing the palate.
  • Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a light and airy chocolate mousse provides a luxurious finish to the meal, rounding out the evening in a delightful way.

Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Variations

Unleash your creativity with these fun and flavorful twists for your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos! Each variation brings something unique and delicious to the table.

  • Shrimp Swap: Use shrimp instead of chicken; marinate briefly for a light, seafood twist.
    Imagine the juicy shrimp enhancing that satisfying crunch—this style is perfect for seafood lovers!

  • Ground Pork: Try ground pork for a richer flavor; simply sauté it until cooked through with your marinade.
    This hearty option will bring a savory depth, charming anyone who enjoys succulent flavors.

  • Tofu Twist: For a vegetarian alternative, use crispy cubed tofu.
    Season the tofu with the same marinade and fry until golden for a delightful, plant-based treat!

  • Crunchy Add-Ins: Add shredded cucumber or matchstick carrots to the slaw for extra crunch and freshness.
    These ingredients boost texture and flavor while bringing a vibrant color to your tacos.

  • Heat it Up: Mix sriracha into the sweet chili sauce to amp up the heat.
    This fiery twist will make your taste buds dance and is perfect for those who love a little kick!

  • Herb Infusion: Replace cilantro with fresh mint or basil for a fragrant twist.
    These herbs add a delightful aroma and elevate the whole experience!

  • Asian Fusion: Incorporate kimchi into your slaw for a bold and tangy flair.
    This surprising touch will make your tacos unforgettable and introduce a fusion of cultures.

  • Sweet Variations: Drizzle some honey or maple syrup on top for a hint of sweetness.
    This pop of flavor can balance against the savory notes, making each bite an exciting adventure!

For more irresistible chicken recipes, don’t miss out on my Cheesy Chicken Roll or Healthy White Chicken. Happy cooking!

Expert Tips for Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

  • Keep Them Fresh: Store the fried wonton wrappers and filling separately to maintain crispiness. Assemble just before serving for the best texture.
  • Marinade Magic: Let the chicken marinate longer than 10 minutes if possible, as this enhances the flavors, making your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos truly irresistible.
  • Temperature Check: Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure your oil is at 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying; too cool can make the wontons greasy.
  • Quick Alternatives: If short on time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken and skip the marinating step for an even faster preparation.
  • Mild Heat Adjustments: For a milder sauce, combine sweet chili sauce with Greek yogurt. This adds creaminess and reduces spice without sacrificing flavor.

Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe ingredients for the coleslaw?
Absolutely! Look for crisp cabbage and colorful carrots for your coleslaw. The cabbage should have a firm texture and a vibrant color, while carrots should be bright orange without any dark spots. Freshness adds crunch to your tacos!

How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?
You can store the cooked chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Keeping them apart ensures that the wonton wrappers stay crispy and not soggy!

Can I freeze the chicken filling?
Very! To freeze the chicken filling, allow it to cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating it in a skillet until warmed through.

What if my wonton wrappers aren’t crispy after frying?
If your wonton wrappers don’t turn out crispy, ensure that the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C). If it’s too cool, they’ll absorb oil and become greasy instead of crunchy. Alternatively, you can re-crisp them in a hot oven for a few minutes before serving.

Can I make these tacos vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely! For a delicious vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with crispy cubed tofu or a mix of sautéed vegetables. You can also enhance the slaw by adding shredded cucumber or matchstick carrots for extra crunch.

Are there any allergy considerations for this recipe?
Yes! If you or your guests have soy allergies, be sure to use a soy sauce alternative like coconut aminos or tamari, which is gluten-free. Also, note that sesame oil can be omitted if there are nut allergies; feel free to add neutral oil instead for sautéing.

Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos: Crunchy, Flavor-Packed Delight

Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos are a quick and flavorful treat, perfect for busy nights or gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 tacos
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 230

Ingredients
  

Filling
  • 2 pieces Chicken breasts thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons Teriyaki sauce
  • ½ tablespoon Sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons Low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 inch Fresh ginger (grated)
Slaw
  • 4 cups Coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots) pre-shredded
  • 2 pieces Green onions (sliced)
  • 3 tablespoons Rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Honey
Wontons
  • 12 pieces Wonton wrappers
  • ¼ cup Sweet chili sauce for drizzling
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds for garnish
  • ¼ cup Chopped cilantro for garnish

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Slotted spoon
  • Thermometer

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Combine the sliced chicken breasts with teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a mixing bowl; let marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a skillet and sauté the marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes until cooked through.
  3. Toss together coleslaw mix, green onions, rice vinegar, honey, and remaining sesame oil in a separate bowl.
  4. Fry wonton wrappers in heated oil for 20–30 seconds on each side until golden brown.
  5. Fill wonton shells with chicken, top with slaw, drizzle with sweet chili sauce, and garnish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tacoCalories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 18gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, marinate chicken longer to enhance flavors and maintain assembly freshness.

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