Get ready to fall in love at first bite with Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos! Imagine the irresistible crunch of golden-baked wonton shells, filled with savory, sticky diced chicken and fresh, tangy slaw, all drizzled with sweet chili sauce. This fusion masterpiece brings the zingy joy of Asian flavors to finger food format, making it perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or anytime you crave something light yet totally satisfying. Every layer of these tacos is packed with flavor and color, guaranteeing they’ll disappear in record time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos lies in their simple ingredient list, each playing a starring role in the final dish. These essential pantry and fridge staples work together to create crunch, umami, freshness, and a touch of sweetness that truly set these tacos apart.
- Wonton Wrappers: These form the ultra-crispy taco shells and are the key to the perfect bite-sized crunch.
- Vegetable Oil: Not only is it used for frying and brushing, but it helps get those shells perfectly golden.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Diced finely, they absorb the flavorful sauce and stay juicy.
- Soy Sauce: Adds depth and the perfect amount of saltiness.
- Hoisin Sauce: Brings a lovely sweet and savory richness to the chicken filling.
- Sesame Oil: Just a little adds a wonderfully nutty aroma.
- Garlic Powder: Delivers garlicky flavor in a pinch, infusing the chicken with even more deliciousness.
- Ground Ginger: Offers a warm, subtle spice that brightens the flavor.
- Shredded Red Cabbage: Gives crunchy texture and vibrant color to your slaw.
- Shredded Carrots: Their sweetness and color make the slaw pop!
- Chopped Green Onions: Add a mild onion bite and freshness.
- Rice Vinegar: Delivers the perfect tang for balancing the slaw.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Just a touch rounds out the acidity in the slaw.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: That drizzle on top brings sweet heat and makes every bite sing.
- Optional: Sesame Seeds & Fresh Cilantro: Perfect for a final sprinkle of freshness and crunch.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos
Step 1: Crisp Up the Wonton Taco Shells
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), because a hot oven is the secret to getting those wontons super crisp without any heavy frying. Lightly brush both sides of each wrapper with a bit of vegetable oil for a gorgeous golden finish. Carefully drape each piece over the edge of a muffin tin cup; this clever trick shapes them into perfect taco shells as they bake. Pop them in for 6 to 8 minutes, keeping an eye out for that irresistible golden-brown color. Let the shells cool before handling — they’ll crisp up even more as they sit!
Step 2: Sauté and Sauce the Chicken
While your shells are crisping, heat a skillet on medium and add a tablespoon of oil. Toss in your finely diced chicken and let it sizzle, stirring until it’s just cooked through and tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Next, stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Keep stirring for another couple of minutes, letting all those flavors soak in and glaze the chicken with a slightly sticky, absolutely delicious coating.
Step 3: Toss Together the Crunchy Slaw
Grab a small bowl and mix together your shredded red cabbage, carrots, and green onions. To this vibrant pile, drizzle over the rice vinegar and honey or maple syrup. Toss everything together until the veggies look glossy and well mixed. This slaw isn’t just a topping; it’s the perfect bright and tangy counterpoint to the rich chicken filling.
Step 4: Assemble Your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos
Now for the best part: assembly! Gently fill each cooled wonton shell with a spoonful of saucy chicken. Layer on a generous pinch of that crunchy slaw, then finish with a zigzag drizzle of sweet chili sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle over some sesame seeds and cilantro for extra flavor and eye appeal. Eat immediately and savor every crispy, savory, tangy bite!
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos
Garnishes
Garnishes really elevate your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos from tasty to extraordinary. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds little bursts of nutty flavor and extra crunch, while a handful of fresh cilantro brings cool, bright, herbal notes that balance the sweet and savory filling. You could also top with thin slices of fresh red chili for an elegant spicy touch, or a few extra green onions for pop and color.
Side Dishes
These tacos shine beautifully all on their own, but they partner just as well with simple sides. Try serving them with a crisp Asian cucumber salad, steamed edamame dusted with flaky salt, or a medley of fresh fruit like pineapple or mango for a refreshing contrast. For heartier appetites, pair them with jasmine rice or a bowl of miso soup to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos are as much about looks as they are about flavor. Arrange them upright on a wooden board, nestled in lettuce leaves for a pop of green, or nestle them between ramekins to keep them crisp. For parties, set up a fun taco bar with bowls of slaw, chicken, and toppings so everyone can build their own. Mini taco holders or even lined up in egg carton halves make for adorable, Instagram-worthy presentations!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any tacos left (they tend to disappear fast!), store the chicken filling and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The shells should be kept at room temperature in a container with a loose-fitting lid or slightly open so they don’t become soggy. This way, everything stays as fresh as possible for when you’re ready to rebuild and enjoy later.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken mixture in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. While the slaw and shells don’t freeze well due to moisture and texture changes, making a big batch of the chicken in advance means you can whip up Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos at a moment’s notice. Just prep fresh wonton shells and slaw when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken, simply warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. If your wonton shells have softened, you can crisp them up again in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes; just make sure to watch closely so they don’t over-brown. Assemble the tacos just before eating to keep everything crisp and lively.
FAQs
Can I make Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! You can bake the wonton shells, cook the chicken, and prep the slaw a day in advance. Store everything separately and assemble just before serving to ensure your tacos stay deliciously crisp and vibrant.
What can I use instead of chicken?
If you prefer, you can sub in ground turkey, finely chopped shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times as needed and use the same flavorful sauce for whatever protein you choose.
Are there shortcuts for busy cooks?
Definitely! Using rotisserie chicken tossed with the sauce ingredients is a fantastic time saver. You can also buy pre-shredded slaw mix to skip some prep without sacrificing any crunch or color.
How do I prevent the wonton shells from getting soggy?
The trick is to completely cool the shells before filling them and only assemble right before you plan to eat. Keeping the filling and slaw separate from the shells until serving time ensures maximum crunchiness every time.
Can I add extra veggies or spice to the filling?
Of course! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or a touch of sriracha for heat. Thinly sliced snap peas or radishes also add lovely texture and crunch to these customizable tacos.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a way to turn simple weeknight ingredients into something unforgettable, Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos are your new best friend. Give them a try; you’ll quickly see why they’re always the first thing to vanish from the table. Happy cooking and enjoy every crunchy, flavor-packed bite!
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Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 wonton tacos
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Fusion
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos are a delightful fusion of Asian flavors in a crispy shell. These tacos are filled with savory chicken, crunchy slaw, and a drizzle of sweet chili sauce, all nestled in a crispy wonton wrapper. Perfect for a party appetizer or a fun twist on taco night!
Ingredients
For the Wonton Shells:
- 12 square wonton wrappers
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (plus more for frying)
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
For the Slaw:
- 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
For Serving:
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (for drizzling)
- Optional: sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the wonton shells: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush both sides of the wonton wrappers with vegetable oil and shape them into taco shells. Bake until golden and crisp. Let cool.
- Cook the chicken filling: Sauté diced chicken in oil until cooked through. Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ginger. Cook until coated and caramelized.
- Prepare the slaw: Toss together red cabbage, carrots, green onions, rice vinegar, and honey in a bowl.
- Assemble the tacos: Fill each wonton shell with chicken mixture, top with slaw, and drizzle with sweet chili sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use ground chicken or rotisserie chicken as a shortcut.
- Add diced jalapeños or sriracha to the slaw for extra heat.
- Wonton shells can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
