I absolutely love sharing this Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe because it combines crunchy, savory, and sweet flavors in such a fun handheld bite. Whenever I make this dish, it feels like throwing a little fiesta right in my kitchen. The golden, crispy wonton shells are the perfect vehicle for tender teriyaki-glazed chicken and a refreshing, zesty coleslaw. It’s one of those recipes that’s quick to prepare yet impressively vibrant and flavorful every time.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
What really gets me about this recipe is the harmony of textures and tastes. The crispy wonton shells provide such a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the juicy, tender chicken marinated in savory teriyaki and soy sauce, infused with fresh garlic and ginger. Then there’s the bright and slightly sweet coleslaw with its crisp cabbage and carrots, which cuts through the richness and adds a perfect freshness. Every bite is a delightful medley of flavors that keeps me coming back for more.
Besides tasting fantastic, this Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe is surprisingly straightforward and quick to put together. I usually have all the ingredients on hand or easily found at the grocery store, and the entire process—from marinating the chicken to frying the wontons—takes under half an hour. I especially enjoy serving these at casual gatherings or any time I want to brighten up a weeknight dinner with something a little different yet totally approachable. Their unique presentation always sparks conversations and smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this recipe are simple but essential, each playing a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the tender chicken to the crisp wonton shells, every component has its purpose and brings something special to the table.
- Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick marinating and cooking, ensuring juicy, tender bites.
- Teriyaki sauce: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the chicken marinade.
- Sesame oil: Used for marinating and dressing, it imparts a toasty, aromatic note.
- Soy sauce: Brings a subtle salty umami boost to the chicken.
- Garlic and fresh ginger: Essential aromatics that brighten and enhance the flavors.
- Coleslaw mix: A crisp blend of cabbage and carrots for crunch and freshness.
- Green onions: Fresh, slightly pungent, balancing the richness.
- Rice vinegar and honey: Create a sweet-tart dressing for the slaw that complements the chicken.
- Wonton wrappers: The crispy base that turns these tacos into crunchy delights.
- Sweet chili sauce: A drizzle of this adds a touch of spicy-sweet zip on top.
- Sesame seeds and cilantro: Garnishes that add extra texture, flavor, and a pop of color.
Directions
Step 1: Start by marinating the thinly sliced chicken breasts in a mixture of teriyaki sauce, half the sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so the flavors really soak in.
Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken until it’s fully cooked through and nicely glazed, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes depending on your stove and thickness of the slices. Set aside and keep warm.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, toss together the coleslaw mix, thinly sliced green onions, rice vinegar, honey, and the remaining sesame oil. This simple dressing adds brightness and a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
Step 4: Carefully fry the wonton wrappers in hot oil for about 20 to 30 seconds on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Make sure to drain them on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.
Step 5: Assemble your tacos by filling each crispy wonton shell with a spoonful of the cooked chicken, then topping it with a handful of the dressed coleslaw. Add a drizzle of sweet chili sauce for a little spicy-sweet punch.
Step 6: Garnish your creation with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro to add a beautiful pop of color and an extra layer of flavor, making each bite as satisfying as it is delicious.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields about 12 crispy, bite-sized chicken wonton tacos, perfect for serving as appetizers or a light main course for 4 to 6 people depending on appetite. The prep time is roughly 10 to 15 minutes, mostly marinating and assembling ingredients, while the cook time clocks in at about 10 to 12 minutes. Overall, you’re looking at a quick 25-minute total from start to finish, with no extra resting or cooling time required, so it’s ideal when you want a fast yet impressive meal.
How to Serve This Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
When I serve these Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos, I like to create a small platter that invites everyone to dig in and enjoy a variety of flavor contrasts. They’re fantastic alongside simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or even some crispy sweet potato fries to add another textural element. A fresh cucumber salad or edamame with a squeeze of lime can brighten up the plate and enhance the vibrant tastes.
Presentation-wise, I love arranging the tacos on a colorful serving dish, garnished with extra cilantro sprigs and lime wedges on the side. Offering small bowls of additional sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or even a wasabi mayo mix provides guests with fun dipping options. Serving the tacos warm right out of the skillet keeps their crispy texture intact, but they also hold up well at room temperature, making them perfect for casual parties or buffet-style meals.
For drinks, these tacos pair wonderfully with a crisp, cold beer like a pilsner or a light Japanese lager. If you prefer wine, a chilled Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc balances the sweetness and spice nicely. For non-alcoholic options, I recommend a refreshing iced green tea or sparkling water infused with a slice of lemon or cucumber. These thoughtful pairings really elevate the whole experience, whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a festive gathering, or just a treat for yourself.
Variations
I love mixing things up with this recipe depending on what ingredients I have or my craving mood. For instance, swapping chicken for thinly sliced shrimp or tofu works beautifully and keeps it just as tasty. To make it gluten-free, I substitute the soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free wonton wrappers – it’s just as crisp and delicious.
If you’re aiming for a vegan approach, the tofu option combined with a homemade teriyaki sauce (using tamari and maple syrup) works perfectly. You can also boost the crunch factor by adding toasted chopped peanuts or sliced radishes into the coleslaw mix. Another fun twist is baking the wonton shells instead of frying them; just brush lightly with oil and bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until golden crisp for a lighter version.
Flavor-wise, experimenting with different dipping sauces like a tangy sriracha mayo or a zesty lime crema offers exciting new dimensions. You can even add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the finished tacos to amp up the zing. The flexibility of this Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe makes it a joy to tailor it exactly to your taste and occasion.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, I recommend storing the cooked chicken and coleslaw separately in airtight containers to keep their textures intact. The wonton shells lose their crispiness quickly once they’re exposed to moisture, so it’s best to keep them in a paper towel-lined container at room temperature, but try to eat them the same day. Refrigerate the chicken and coleslaw for up to 3 days for the best flavor and freshness.
Freezing
The marinated chicken can be frozen before cooking if you want to prep ahead, simply place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. However, I don’t recommend freezing the assembled tacos or fried wonton shells since the texture will suffer upon thawing. Instead, freeze the chicken separately and fry fresh wontons when ready to serve.
Reheating
When reheating cooked chicken, I prefer gently warming it in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying it out, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving the fried wonton shells as they become soggy; instead, refresh them in a 350°F oven or toaster oven for a few minutes to crisp them back up. Reheat the coleslaw separately or serve it chilled for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce, or should I make it from scratch?
I usually opt for a high-quality store-bought teriyaki sauce because it saves time and still delivers great flavor. That said, making your own is easy and allows you to adjust sweetness and saltiness to your preference.
Are there alternatives to frying wonton wrappers if I want a healthier option?
Absolutely! Baking wonton wrappers is a fantastic option for a lighter crunch. Just brush them lightly with oil, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 375°F for about 8 to 10 minutes until golden and crisp.
How spicy are these tacos? Can I adjust the heat level?
The base recipe has a mild spice level thanks to the sweet chili sauce drizzle, which you can easily adjust. If you like it spicier, add more chili sauce or toss in some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
What can I substitute for wonton wrappers if I can’t find them?
If you can’t find wonton wrappers, small flour tortillas or mini taco shells can work as a substitute, though you lose that incredible crispness. For a gluten-free alternative, look for rice paper wrappers and lightly toast or crisp them.
Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can marinate and cook the chicken and prepare the coleslaw a few hours ahead. Keep everything refrigerated separately. Fry the wonton wrappers just before serving for maximum crispiness and assemble the tacos last minute to impress your guests with freshness.
Conclusion
I truly hope you give this Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that brings fun, flavor, and a little wow factor to the table without a lot of fuss. It’s become a favorite in my kitchen for good reason—the perfect marriage of crunchy and tender, sweet and savory, simple yet exciting. Whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or a party appetizer, these tacos always brighten the mood and satisfy the taste buds. I can’t wait to hear how much you enjoy them!
