Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe

Get ready for an irresistible fusion of crunch, flavor, and freshness—Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos are about to become your new obsession! Imagine juicy, marinated chicken nestled inside shatteringly crisp wonton shells, topped with a tangy slaw and sweet chili drizzle, then finished with a pop of fresh herbs and sesame seeds. This crowd-pleasing recipe is a fast, fun take on taco night and an absolute flavor bomb that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting game day or just want to brighten up a weeknight dinner, Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos deliver big taste in bite-sized form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe has a starring role. The zippy flavors and contrasting textures depend on this careful lineup, so don’t skip a thing! Each component adds its own special character, making Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos a delight from the first bite to the last crumb.

• Chicken breasts: Slice thin to help the chicken cook quickly and soak up loads of flavor from the marinade.
• Teriyaki sauce: Provides a sweet-savory glaze that infuses the chicken with richness and depth.
• Sesame oil: Adds a toasty note both in the marinade and the fresh slaw, tying together all of the Asian-inspired flavors.
• Low-sodium soy sauce: Balances the sweetness of the teriyaki while keeping salt levels just right.
• Garlic: Brings a punchy aroma that elevates the marinade.
• Fresh ginger: Adds zing and a gentle bit of heat that keeps the flavors bright.
• Coleslaw mix: The combination of crunchy cabbage and carrots makes the perfect crisp topping.
• Green onions: Give a sharp, fresh bite and vibrant color to the slaw.
• Rice vinegar: Brightens the coleslaw with its subtle acid and helps balance the richness of the chicken.
• Honey: Adds just a touch of natural sweetness for a beautiful contrast.
• Wonton wrappers: Crisp up delightfully in the pan, providing a shattering crunch in every bite.
• Sweet chili sauce: Both sweet and spicy, it’s the perfect flourish to tie everything together.
• Sesame seeds: Sprinkle over the top for nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• Chopped cilantro: Lends an herby freshness that finishes each taco beautifully.

How to Make Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken plenty of flavor. In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken breasts with the teriyaki sauce, half the sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Mix well so every piece gets coated, then set it aside to marinate for about 10 minutes while you prep the other ingredients. This quick soak is what makes the chicken extra juicy and deeply flavored—don’t skip it!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is completely cooked through and caramelized around the edges, about 5 to 7 minutes. The aromas will let you know you’re on the right track! Remove from heat and set aside, keeping all those tasty juices.

Step 3: Toss the Coleslaw

While the chicken is sizzling on the stove, toss together the coleslaw mix, green onions, rice vinegar, honey, and the remaining sesame oil in a separate bowl. Mix until everything is nicely coated—the slaw should taste bright, crisp, and a bit tangy. This freshness balances the rich chicken and the crispy wonton shells in your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos.

Step 4: Fry the Wonton Wrappers

Now for the fun part! Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Slip in the wonton wrappers—one or two at a time—and fry for just 20 to 30 seconds per side. You’re looking for golden, bubbly, and crispy (but not burnt) shells. As soon as they’re done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. They’ll crisp up even more as they cool.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

To build each Crispy Chicken Wonton Taco, start by nestling a generous spoonful of chicken into each crispy shell. Top with the fresh slaw, then drizzle with a little sweet chili sauce. The combination of hot, crunchy, zesty, and sweet is irresistible!

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Right before serving, don’t forget a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a shower of fresh cilantro on your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos. These bright little garnishes add color, a pop of nutty crunch, and herbaceous lift to every bite.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

Garnishes

Garnishing is key to taking these up a notch. A sprinkle of black or toasted white sesame seeds, a handful of fresh cilantro, and even more sliced green onions add layers of color, zing, and texture that make Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos pop both visually and in flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair your tacos with sides that keep things light and lively, like a crisp Asian cucumber salad, some edamame, or simple steamed jasmine rice. These accompaniments let the tacos shine but can round out the meal, especially for bigger gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos arranged on a big platter for a build-your-own experience—set out the shells, chicken, slaw, and garnishes separately so everyone can pile on their favorites. They also look beautiful standing upright in a taco holder or nestled in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra chicken or slaw (or if you’re planning ahead), keep them stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The slaw stays crisp and the chicken remains juicy for up to 2 days. Don’t assemble the tacos until just before serving to preserve that unbeatable crunch!

Freezing

While the chicken filling freezes well for up to two months, wonton wrappers don’t keep their crispy texture after freezing and thawing. For best results, fry fresh wrappers just before serving, and only freeze any leftover chicken in a well-sealed container. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to make more Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos!

Reheating

Warm leftover chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat until it’s just heated through—this helps keep it moist. If you have unused wrappers, crisp them up in a hot skillet just before building your tacos. Assembled Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos are best enjoyed fresh, so only assemble as many as you’ll eat right away.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of thinly sliced breasts?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works beautifully in Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos. Just cook it in the skillet with the marinade until fully cooked and caramelized, breaking it up as it browns. The texture will be a bit different, but still delicious.

What’s the best way to fry wonton wrappers if I don’t have a deep fryer?

A regular skillet with a thin layer of oil is all you need! Fry the wrappers on each side for 20 to 30 seconds. Use tongs to flip them and don’t crowd the pan to keep them super crisp for your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos.

Can I make Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos spicy?

Yes! Add a dash of Sriracha or your favorite chili-garlic sauce to the chicken marinade, or sprinkle some sliced fresh chilies into the slaw for heat. Spicy and crispy are a match made in heaven for these tacos.

Are there any gluten-free substitutions?

Look for gluten-free wonton wrappers and swap in tamari for the soy sauce. Most grocery stores with a specialty or Asian section have options, so you can still enjoy Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos even on a gluten-free diet.

Can I cook the chicken ahead of time?

Definitely! You can marinate and cook the chicken a day ahead, then store it in the fridge until ready to use. Gently reheat before assembling to keep everything in your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos fresh and warm.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that brings people together and packs a punch of flavor in every bite, don’t hesitate to whip up these Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos! They’re just as fun to make as they are to eat, and you’ll love seeing the surprised smiles when you bite into that signature crispy shell. Give them a try and share the taco love—you won’t regret it!

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