There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch and vibrant flavors packed into these Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe to brighten up any meal or gathering. Imagine crispy, golden wonton shells cradling tender, savory chicken seasoned to perfection, topped with a bright and tangy slaw that adds just the right amount of freshness. This dish is a delightful fusion of textures and tastes, combining the essence of Asian seasoning with the playful appeal of Mexican-style tacos. Whether you’re serving them as a fun appetizer or a light meal, these wonton tacos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of texture and flavor. From the crispy wonton shells to the juicy chicken filling and the vibrant slaw, every item is essential to create that perfect bite.
- Wonton wrappers: The base of our tacos, these crisp up beautifully in the oven to form a sturdy, crunchy shell.
- Cooking spray: Helps achieve that golden crunch without unnecessary oiliness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean, perfect for dicing and quick cooking.
- Soy sauce: Adds savory, umami depth to the chicken marinade.
- Sesame oil: Brings a subtle nutty aroma that enhances every bite.
- Garlic powder: Provides a gentle kick of garlicky warmth without overpowering.
- Ground ginger: Adds a fresh, warming spice that complements the chicken.
- Salt: Balances and brightens overall flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
- Shredded cabbage: Crunchy and fresh, the perfect base for the slaw.
- Shredded carrots: Sweetness and color to brighten the slaw.
- Chopped green onions: A sharp, fresh bite that livens up the mix.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy dressing that binds the slaw together.
- Lime juice: Adds zesty brightness and balances richness.
- Honey: A touch of sweetness that rounds out the dressing.
- Chopped cilantro: Fresh herbal notes that finish the dish beautifully.
- Sweet chili sauce: Offers a spicy-sweet drizzle for that final punch.
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top for added crunch and a toasted flavor boost.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Make the Wonton Shells
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a muffin tin with cooking spray, then gently press a wonton wrapper into each muffin cup to shape it like a tiny taco shell. A light coating of cooking spray on top helps each shell bake to a perfect, crispy golden color. Bake them for about 7-9 minutes—watch closely as they can brown quickly, making sure they’re crisp but not burnt. When they come out, let them cool slightly to retain their shape and crunch.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the shells bake, toss diced chicken breasts in a bowl with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. This marinade infuses the chicken with wonderful layers of flavor. Let it rest for 10 minutes so every bite is juicy and savory. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and sauté the chicken for 5-7 minutes until cooked through and lightly golden. This searing step locks in moisture while adding a lovely texture to the filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Slaw
Combine shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions in a bowl for colorful crunch and freshness. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, and honey to create a balanced, creamy dressing with sweetness and tang. Toss the dressing with the veggies to coat every strand, giving the slaw its bright, refreshing character that contrasts perfectly against the crispy taco shell.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
Now for the best part—putting everything together! Take each cooled wonton shell and fill it with a generous spoonful of the tender chicken. Layer on the freshly dressed slaw for that satisfying crunch and bite. Drizzle sweet chili sauce on top to add a luscious sweetness with just the right amount of heat. Finish each taco with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and sesame seeds to make them look irresistible and taste even better.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe immediately while the shells retain their satisfying crispness. These delicious tacos are at their best fresh, combining crispy, creamy, savory, and tangy elements in every bite. Perfect for sharing and guaranteed to be a hit with friends and family!
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes elevates your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe to next-level flavor and presentation. Fresh cilantro sprigs bring a burst of herbaceous brightness, while sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and a toasty note. A drizzle of sweet chili sauce not only delivers extra flavor but creates a beautiful glaze that makes these tacos visually stunning and palate-pleasing.
Side Dishes
Serve these tacos alongside light, complementary sides to complete your meal. A crisp cucumber salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides refreshing balance, while a bowl of steamed edamame offers simple, healthy bites. For a heartier option, a warm bowl of jasmine rice or spicy fried rice rounds out the dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe into a fun, interactive party platter? Arrange the tacos on a large board, surrounded by small bowls of extra slaw, sauces, and garnishes so guests can customize their own. You could also serve them in mini taco holders to keep the shells upright and filled perfectly, making it easier to enjoy every crunchy bite without any mess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover components, store the chicken, slaw, and wonton shells separately in airtight containers. The chicken and slaw will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the wonton shells at room temperature in a sealed container to maintain their crispness as long as possible.
Freezing
While you can freeze the cooked chicken, it’s best not to freeze the assembled tacos as the wonton shells will become soggy. Freeze the chicken portion in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Reheating
To reheat chicken leftovers, warm them gently in a pan over medium heat to keep them juicy. Avoid microwaving if possible, which can dry out the meat. Never reheat the wonton shells, as they lose their crunch quickly—it’s best to bake fresh shells when serving leftovers.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of diced chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well and cooks quickly, making it a convenient alternative. Just be sure to season it similarly and cook until fully done. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Are the wonton shells gluten-free?
Traditional wonton wrappers are typically made from wheat flour, so they are not gluten-free. For a gluten-free option, look for specialty wonton wrappers made with alternative flours or consider using mini taco shells designed for gluten-free diets.
Can I bake the wonton shells in advance?
You can bake the shells a few hours ahead and keep them in an airtight container, but they are best served as soon as possible to maintain their crisp texture. If they soften, you can briefly re-bake them at a low temperature to refresh the crunch.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the slaw?
If you want a lighter or dairy-free option, try using Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative. Both provide creaminess and tang without compromising flavor.
How spicy are these tacos?
The spice level is quite mild, mainly coming from the sweet chili sauce’s gentle heat. You can adjust it to suit your taste by adding more chili sauce or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer more kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful dish that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, this Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe is an absolute winner. With every crunchy shell, juicy bite of seasoned chicken, and crisp, creamy slaw topped with bright garnishes, these tacos bring joy to the table and smiles to faces. Give this recipe a try—you’re going to love how easy and addictive it is to create a perfect fusion of textures and tastes all in one handheld bite.
Print
Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 tacos
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion (Asian-Mexican)
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos combine crunchy baked wonton shells with tender, seasoned chicken and a fresh, tangy slaw. A delightful fusion of Asian and Mexican flavors, these bite-sized tacos are perfect as appetizers, snacks, or light meals that are quick to prepare and sure to impress with their bold taste and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
For the Wonton Shells:
- 12 wonton wrappers
- Cooking spray
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Slaw:
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon honey
For Garnishing:
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Make the Wonton Shells: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a muffin tin with cooking spray. Gently press each wonton wrapper into the muffin cups to form small taco shell shapes. Lightly spray the wrappers with cooking spray to ensure crispiness. Bake for 7-9 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Cook the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine diced chicken breasts with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture marinate for about 10 minutes. Heat a pan over medium-high heat, cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and slightly golden, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Slaw: In a bowl, mix shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, and honey. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until evenly coated, creating a fresh, crunchy slaw.
- Assemble the Tacos: Take a cooled wonton shell and spoon in the cooked chicken. Top with a generous amount of the prepared slaw. Drizzle sweet chili sauce over the top, then garnish with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds for added flavor and an attractive finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these tacos immediately while the wonton shells retain their crispness. Best enjoyed fresh to experience the full contrast of textures and flavors.
Notes
- Keep an eye on the wonton shells while baking to prevent them from burning as they brown quickly.
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken longer than 10 minutes if time allows.
- These tacos are best served fresh to maintain the crispiness of the wonton shells.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the slaw dressing to your preference by adding more honey or lime juice.
- Sweet chili sauce can be substituted with sriracha or any preferred hot sauce for a spicier kick.
