There’s nothing quite like the joy of transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary, and that’s exactly what happens with these Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos. Picture this: the moment you sink your teeth into a beautifully golden, crunchy wonton, the savory flavor of marinated chicken bursts forth, perfectly complemented by the crunch of fresh coleslaw.
I came across this delightful recipe one rainy afternoon while searching for ways to elevate my weeknight dinners. Tired of the usual routine, I wanted something quick, exciting, and full of flavor. That’s when these tacos entered my life, promising to banish the bland. What I love about them is their versatility; you can easily adapt the fillings based on what you have on hand, or customize the dipping sauces to suit your taste.
In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a dish that not only impresses your family but also proves that homemade food can be fun, quick, and absolutely delicious. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that will have you craving taco night like never before!
Why are Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos a must-try?
Deliciously Unique: These tacos reinvent traditional flavors, bringing a burst of savory goodness that’s hard to resist.
Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights.
Versatile Options: Feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu, tailoring this dish to your dietary preferences.
Crowd-Pleasing: Impress your guests at gatherings; they’ll be begging for the recipe!
Fresh Crunch: The combination of crispy wontons and crunchy coleslaw offers a delightful texture experience.
For more quick meal ideas, check out our collection of easy weeknight dinners.
Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Ingredients
Get ready to create these flavorful and fun tacos!
For the Chicken
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – thinly sliced for the perfect bite-sized pieces.
• Teriyaki sauce – adds a sweet and savory depth that makes the chicken irresistible.
• Sesame oil – enhances the umami flavor and gives a delightful aroma.
• Low-sodium soy sauce – keeps the seasoning balanced without overpowering.
• Garlic – minced for a fragrant addition that pairs beautifully with chicken.
• Fresh ginger – grated for a zesty kick that brightens the dish.
For the Slaw
• Coleslaw mix – provides a crunchy, fresh element that complements the savory filling.
• Green onions – thinly sliced to add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Rice vinegar – offers a tangy finish to the coleslaw that cuts through richness.
• Honey – brings a touch of sweetness that balances the vinegar’s acidity.
For the Wontons
• Wonton wrappers – the crispy vehicle for all the delicious fillings, making each bite a treat!
• Sweet chili sauce – drizzled on top, it provides a sweet and slightly spicy finishing touch.
• Sesame seeds – a sprinkle adds a nutty flavor and extra crunch.
• Chopped cilantro – gives a fresh, herbal note that brightens the flavors.
Feel free to get creative! These Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos can be customized with any leftover veggies or your favorite sauces, making them a versatile option for any meal. Enjoy the fun of assembling and diving into this delightful dish!
How to Make Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos
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Marinate the chicken by mixing teriyaki sauce, ½ tablespoon sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat until it turns golden brown and is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. The aroma will be irresistible!
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Toss the coleslaw mix, green onions, rice vinegar, honey, and the remaining sesame oil in a bowl. This fresh slaw will add a crunchy, tangy layer to your tacos.
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Fry the wonton wrappers in hot oil for 20-30 seconds per side until crispy and lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; they can crisp up quickly!
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Fill each crispy wonton with the sautéed chicken and a generous scoop of the coleslaw mix. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce for that perfect sweet and spicy finish.
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Garnish your tacos with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for a delightful touch. This garnish adds not just flavor, but a beautiful presentation!
Optional: Serve with extra sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos
Fridge: Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. Keep the filling separate from the crispy wontons to prevent sogginess.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze assembled but uncooked wontons in a single layer on a baking sheet. Transfer to a freezer bag after 1-2 hours; they can last up to 3 months.
Reheating: For optimal taste, reheat cooked tacos in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Thawing: If frozen, thaw the wontons in the fridge overnight before cooking them, and enjoy the delightful flavors of your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos!
Expert Tips for Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos
• Marination Magic: Ensure you marinate the chicken for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate for deliciously seasoned meat.
• Oil Temperature: Test your oil with a small piece of wonton wrapper; if it sizzles upon contact, it’s ready! This prevents soggy wontons.
• Frying Technique: Fry only a few wonton wrappers at a time to avoid overcrowding, which can lower oil temperature and result in uneven cooking.
• Customize Slaw: Feel free to add sliced bell peppers or radishes to the coleslaw mix for extra crunch and flavor in your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos.
• Presentation Counts: Present your tacos on a colorful platter, and don’t skimp on garnishing with cilantro and sesame seeds to elevate the dish visually.
What to Serve with Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful accompaniments that balance flavors and textures perfectly.
- Creamy Avocado Dip: A luscious avocado dip enhances the crunch of the tacos, adding a rich and creamy element.
- Spicy Mango Salsa: This sweet and spicy salsa brings a tropical twist that complements the savory chicken beautifully.
- Coconut Rice: Light and fluffy coconut rice adds a subtle sweetness and pairs excellently with Asian flavors.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls: A crispy and fresh side, these rolls echo the taco’s texture while providing a colorful presentation.
- Sesame Noodle Salad: The nutty flavor from sesame oil in the noodles ties the meal together, creating a harmonious taste.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar adds a cool and tangy contrast, balancing the tacos’ richness.
- Crisp Green Salad: A zingy green salad with a citrus vinaigrette brightens the palate between bites of your crispy creation.
- Iced Green Tea: Pair your meal with a refreshing iced green tea that cleanses the palate and complements the savory notes.
- Mango Sorbet: Finish off with a scoop of mango sorbet for a sweet, refreshing treat that mirrors the tropical elements of the tacos.
Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Variations
Get creative as you explore all the delicious possibilities for these tempting tacos!
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Spicy Twist: Add a dash of sriracha or diced jalapeños to the chicken marinade for some heat. Your taste buds will thank you for the extra kick!
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Vegetarian Delight: Swap chicken for marinated tofu or tempeh. It absorbs flavors beautifully and provides a satisfying protein option for meatless meals.
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Crunchy Add-Ins: Incorporate diced bell peppers or shredded radishes into the slaw mix for added texture and freshness. These colorful veggies not only enhance crunch but also bring vibrant color.
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Savory Seafood: Substitute chicken with shrimp or crab for a quick seafood version. A bit of lime juice will enhance their natural flavors, making every bite unforgettable.
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Herb Infusion: Mix in some finely chopped mint or basil with the coleslaw for a refreshing twist. These herbs will brighten up the flavors, turning your tacos into an aromatic delight.
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Sweet Enhancement: Drizzle a bit of hoisin sauce on the filling for added sweetness and richness. It heightens the overall flavor profile and brings an enticing depth.
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Whole Wheat Wrappers: For a healthier option, use whole wheat wonton wrappers. They add a nutty flavor while giving a nutritious spin to these crispy bites.
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Southwestern Flair: Spice up your chicken with taco seasoning and black beans for a southwestern kick. Pair with avocado slices to complete the exciting flavor journey.
These variations make it easy to tailor your crispy chicken wonton tacos for any occasion, ensuring that they never get boring!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos ahead of time is a fantastic way to save precious minutes on busy weeknights! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance; just keep it covered in the refrigerator to maintain its flavorful punch. The coleslaw can also be prepared ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days—just mix the ingredients (colseslaw mix, green onions, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil) but wait to add the crunchy elements right before serving to keep everything crisp. When you’re ready to enjoy, cook the chicken, fry the wontons, quickly assemble your tacos, and they will be just as delicious as if you had made them from scratch in one go!
Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe FAQs
How can I select ripe ingredients for the coleslaw mix?
Absolutely! When choosing your coleslaw mix, look for fresh, vibrant colors. The cabbage should be crisp without any dark spots or wilting, while the carrots should be bright orange and firm. If using whole cabbage, ensure it feels heavy for its size and the leaves are intact. Fresh ingredients will make a world of difference in your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos!
What is the best way to store leftovers?
For leftovers, I recommend placing any unassembled tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the wontons crispy, store the filling separately. You can reheat them to enjoy later, ensuring the wontons are still crunchy!
Can I freeze the assembled tacos?
Certainly! To freeze, lay your assembled but uncooked Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they’re solid after 1-2 hours, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, just fry them from frozen—no need to thaw!
What should I do if my wonton wrappers aren’t crispy?
Very! If your wonton wrappers aren’t crispy, check if your oil temperature is hot enough—ideally around 350°F (175°C). Fry in small batches to allow each piece adequate space in the oil. If you’re still having trouble, try frying them for just a bit longer, like an additional 5-10 seconds. Patience pays off for that perfect crunch!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Yes! If you’re cooking for someone with allergies or dietary restrictions, always check your sauces. Brands of teriyaki and soy sauce can contain gluten, so opt for a gluten-free variant if needed. Additionally, if you’re serving pets, it’s best to set aside any spices and sauces, as certain ingredients like garlic can be harmful to them. Always prioritize safety!
Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos That Will Wow Your Taste Buds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Marinate the chicken by mixing teriyaki sauce, ½ tablespoon sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat until it turns golden brown and is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Toss the coleslaw mix, green onions, rice vinegar, honey, and the remaining sesame oil in a bowl.
- Fry the wonton wrappers in hot oil for 20-30 seconds per side until crispy and lightly golden.
- Fill each crispy wonton with the sautéed chicken and a generous scoop of the coleslaw mix. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce.
- Garnish your tacos with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro.