Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe – Prepare to have your taste buds embark on an unforgettable journey where East meets West in the most delightful way! I am absolutely thrilled to share with you a dish that brilliantly bridges two beloved culinary traditions: the vibrant, savory flavors of Asian wontons and the fun, hand-held appeal of Mexican tacos.
This innovative creation isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, offering a symphony of textures and tastes that will surprise and satisfy. While traditional tacos boast corn or flour tortillas, and wontons are typically steamed or fried dumplings, this recipe takes the best of both worlds, transforming crisp wonton wrappers into delightful taco shells. The rise of fusion cuisine has brought us many culinary masterpieces, and these chicken wonton tacos are a shining example, reminiscent of popular restaurant appetizers yet surprisingly simple to recreate in your own kitchen.
People adore this dish for its incredible crunch, the juicy, well-seasoned chicken filling, and the sheer novelty of it all. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a lively dinner party or a creative weeknight meal. Get ready to discover your new favorite appetizer or main course with this incredible Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe.
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken Wonton Filling:
- 1 pound ground chicken (I personally lean towards ground dark meat chicken for extra moisture and flavor, but lean ground chicken breast works beautifully if you prefer lighter fare!)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (make sure to use both the white and light green parts for maximum pungency and fresh flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced very finely or grated using a microplane for intense flavor distribution
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (again, a microplane is your best friend here for a smooth consistency)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (this helps control the overall saltiness of your filling)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (this is your secret weapon for a rich, umami depth)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (a little goes a long way to add that distinctive Asian aroma)
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (it has a slightly different, more subtle heat profile than black pepper, perfect for this dish)
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar (to balance out the savory and salty flavors)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (this acts as a binder, ensuring your filling stays together and retains moisture)
- For the Wonton Taco Shells:
- 24-30 square wonton wrappers (you can usually find these in the refrigerated section of your grocery store, often near the tofu or fresh pasta)
- 4-6 cups vegetable oil, canola oil, or another neutral frying oil, for deep frying (the exact amount will depend on the size of your pot)
- For the Sweet Chili Slaw:
- 3 cups pre-shredded coleslaw mix (the standard blend of green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots is perfect here, saving you a lot of chopping time!)
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (Thai-style sweet chili sauce is what we’re aiming for)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (for a bright, tangy lift)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (to tie in the Asian flavors from the filling)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice (adds a crucial zesty kick that brightens the entire slaw)
- Pinch of salt (to taste, you might not need much depending on your chili sauce)
- For Garnish (Optional but highly recommended for that restaurant-quality finish!):
- Toasted sesame seeds (for visual appeal and a nutty crunch)
- Extra chopped green onions (for freshness and color)
- A drizzle of sriracha or extra sweet chili sauce (if you like a little extra heat or sweetness)
Preparing the Chicken Wonton Filling
- Combine the Filling Ingredients: Grab a large mixing bowl. Into this bowl, add your ground chicken, the finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Next, pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Sprinkle in the white pepper, granulated sugar, and finally, the cornstarch.
- Mix Thoroughly: Now, this is where you get your hands a little dirty – or use a sturdy spoon, though I find hands work best for truly incorporating everything! Gently, but thoroughly, mix all the ingredients together. Your goal here is to ensure everything is evenly distributed. You’ll want to mix until the cornstarch is completely incorporated and the mixture feels slightly sticky and cohesive. Don’t overmix, as this can make the chicken tough; just enough until everything is combined.
- Perform a Taste Test (Crucial Step!): Since we’re dealing with raw meat, we can’t taste the mixture directly. So, here’s my trick: take a tiny portion, about a teaspoon’s worth, and form it into a mini patty. Heat a small non-stick skillet over medium heat with a tiny bit of oil, and cook this test patty until it’s fully cooked through. Taste it. Is it seasoned perfectly? Does it need a little more soy sauce for saltiness, a touch more sugar for sweetness, or perhaps another dash of white pepper? Adjust the seasoning in the main bowl as needed, then mix again to incorporate your changes. This step ensures your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos will be perfectly flavored right from the start!
Frying the Wonton Taco Shells
- Set Up Your Frying Station: Safety first when frying! Choose a heavy-bottomed pot or a deep Dutch oven that’s wide enough to comfortably fit one wonton wrapper. Place it on your stovetop. Next to your stove, set up a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with paper towels. This will be where your crispy wonton taco shells drain and cool. Make sure you have a pair of tongs or a spider strainer ready.
- Heat the Frying Oil: Pour your vegetable or canola oil into the pot. You want about 2-3 inches of oil, enough so the wontons can float and be submerged. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-360°F (175-180°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a tiny piece of wonton wrapper into it; if it sizzles and quickly floats to the surface, your oil is ready. Be careful not to overheat the oil, as it can burn the wontons quickly.
- Fry and Shape the Wonton Shells: This is the fun part that truly makes our “Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe” unique! Take one wonton wrapper and carefully place it into the hot oil. Immediately, using your tongs, gently fold the wonton wrapper in half, pressing down lightly in the center to create a taco shape. You want to hold it in this shape for about 10-15 seconds until it starts to firm up and turn golden brown. Once it holds its shape, you can release the tongs and let it continue frying until it’s beautifully golden and crispy on both sides, which usually takes another 30-60 seconds. The cooking time for each wonton shell is quite quick, typically 1 to 1.5 minutes total.
- Drain and Cool: Once your wonton taco shell is perfectly golden brown and crispy, carefully remove it from the oil using your tongs or spider strainer. Hold it over the pot for a few seconds to let any excess oil drip back into the pot, then transfer it to your prepared wire rack to drain further and cool. As they cool, they’ll become even crispier. Repeat this process with the remaining wonton wrappers, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which would lower the oil temperature and result in greasy wontons. Maintain oil temperature between batches; if it gets too low, let it heat back up before adding more wontons.
- Safety Note: Always be cautious when frying with hot oil. Keep a lid nearby in case of a grease fire (do NOT use water!), and never leave hot oil unattended.
Cooking the Chicken Wonton Filling
- Brown the Chicken Filling: While your wonton shells are cooling, it’s time to cook the delicious filling. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add about a tablespoon of neutral oil (like vegetable or canola oil). Once the oil is shimmering, add the entire batch of your seasoned chicken filling to the hot pan.
- Cook Until Done: Using a wooden spoon or a spatula, immediately start breaking up the ground chicken mixture into small, bite-sized pieces as it cooks. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and to prevent large clumps from forming. Cook the chicken until it’s completely browned through, with no pink remaining, which usually takes about 7-10 minutes. The cornstarch in the mixture will help create a slightly sticky, savory glaze on the chicken as it cooks, making it incredibly flavorful. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat.
Making the Sweet Chili Slaw
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Give it a good whisk until all the ingredients are well combined and the dressing looks cohesive. Taste the dressing – this is your chance to adjust. Do you want it a little tangier? Add a tiny bit more lime juice or rice vinegar. A touch sweeter? A tiny bit more sweet chili sauce.
- Toss with Coleslaw Mix: Add your pre-shredded coleslaw mix into the bowl with the dressing. Using tongs, gently toss the coleslaw mix until every strand of cabbage and carrot is evenly coated with the vibrant sweet chili dressing. You want it coated but not swimming in dressing. Let the slaw sit for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and slightly softens the cabbage, enhancing the texture.
Assembling Your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos
- Layer the Filling: Now for the grand finale – assembling your incredible Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos! Take one of your beautifully crisp wonton taco shells. Using a spoon, generously fill the bottom of the shell with a portion of the warm, flavorful chicken wonton filling. Don’t be shy; aim for a good amount that fills the bottom curve.
- Add the Sweet Chili Slaw: On top of the chicken filling, spoon a generous helping of your bright and tangy sweet chili slaw. The cool, crisp slaw provides a fantastic contrast to the warm, savory chicken and the crunchy wonton shell. This balance of textures and temperatures is what makes this dish so satisfying.
- Garnish and Serve Immediately: For that extra flourish, sprinkle your assembled taco with toasted sesame seeds and a few extra chopped green onions. If you love a little extra kick, a drizzle of sriracha sauce or a touch more sweet chili sauce can be added at this stage. Serve these delightful Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos immediately while the wonton shells are at their crispiest. They are truly best enjoyed fresh! Your guests will be amazed by the unique fusion of flavors and textures in every single bite of this “Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe.” Enjoy!
Conclusion:
Well, we’ve reached the end of our culinary journey for today, and I truly hope you’re feeling as inspired and excited as I am about this particular creation. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s an experience, a delightful mash-up of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and impress anyone you serve it to. I truly believe that this Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe is going to become a staple in your kitchen, a go-to for those moments when you want something fun, flavorful, and a little bit out of the ordinary. The magic lies in that incredible crunch of the perfectly fried (or baked, if you prefer!) wonton shell, which provides the ideal counterpoint to the succulent, savory chicken filling. Then, you get that vibrant burst of freshness from the slaw, all tied together with a simple yet irresistible dressing. It’s a symphony of textures – crisp, tender, juicy – and a harmony of sweet, savory, and tangy notes that makes every single bite an absolute joy. This dish isn’t complicated, but it delivers an unexpectedly sophisticated flavor profile that belies its simplicity, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions where you want to wow your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its incredible versatility. While the core combination of crispy wontons and flavorful chicken is a winner, there are so many ways to customize it to your personal preferences or what you have on hand. For serving, I often like to keep things simple to let the tacos shine. A light side salad with a ginger-sesame vinaigrette or a bowl of fluffy jasmine rice makes for a wonderfully complete meal. You could also serve them alongside some steamed edamame for a healthy and satisfying addition. But let’s talk about taking it up a notch!
Elevate Your Taco Experience: Serving Suggestions & Variations
Thinking about variations? The possibilities are practically endless. Instead of ground chicken, consider using ground pork or finely minced shrimp for a different seafood twist. For a vegetarian option, a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms, water chestnuts, and firm tofu, sautéed with the same delicious sauce base, would be absolutely divine. Don’t hesitate to play with the sauce too! A drizzle of sriracha mayo, a touch of hoisin sauce, or even a spicy peanut sauce could add another layer of complexity. As for toppings, don’t hold back! Fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts for extra crunch, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a generous scattering of thinly sliced green onions will not only add visual appeal but also enhance the flavor and texture of each taco.
If you’re looking for a slightly lighter alternative to deep-frying, don’t forget that baking or air-frying your wonton shells can yield a beautifully crispy result with much less oil. Simply brush them lightly with oil and bake until golden brown and crisp, or pop them in your air fryer for a few minutes. The key is still that delightful crunch, regardless of the method! This adaptation allows you to enjoy all the flavor and fun of these tacos while catering to different dietary preferences or health goals without compromising on that essential texture.
Your Culinary Adventure Awaits!
So, there you have it. My heartfelt encouragement for you to dive into this incredible recipe. I genuinely can’t wait for you to experience the sheer delight of these unique tacos yourself. Whether you’re whipping them up for a quick family dinner, a fun get-together with friends, or just treating yourself to something special, I promise you won’t be disappointed. This is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to a culinary adventure that brings together the best of two worlds in one glorious bite. Please, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try. And when you do, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! What variations did you come up with? Did you discover a new favorite serving suggestion? Share your culinary creations, your triumphs, and your personalized twists. Your feedback and creativity inspire me and our entire community of food lovers. Happy cooking, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite fusion dish!
Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Prepare to have your taste buds embark on an unforgettable journey where East meets West! This innovative recipe transforms crisp wonton wrappers into delightful taco shells, filled with tender, flavorful chicken and topped with a vibrant sweet chili slaw, offering a symphony of textures and tastes in every bite.
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
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¼ cup teriyaki sauce
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1 tbsp sesame oil (divided)
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1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
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2 cups coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)
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2 green onions, thinly sliced
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tsp honey
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12 wonton wrappers
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2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
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1 tsp sesame seeds
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2 tbsp chopped cilantro
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Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
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Step 1
In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken breasts, teriyaki sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes while you prepare other components. -
Step 2
Set up your frying station by heating 2-3 inches of neutral frying oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350-360°F (175-180°C). Prepare a wire rack over a paper towel-lined baking sheet for draining. Carefully place one wonton wrapper into the hot oil. Immediately use tongs to gently fold it in half, pressing lightly in the center to create a taco shape. Hold for 10-15 seconds until it firms up, then release and fry until golden brown and crispy (about 1-1.5 minutes total). Remove with tongs, let excess oil drip, and transfer to the wire rack. Repeat with the remaining 11 wonton wrappers, working in batches and maintaining oil temperature. -
Step 3
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a tiny bit of oil (if needed). Add the marinated chicken slices, cooking for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat. -
Step 4
In a medium bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, thinly sliced green onions, rice vinegar, honey, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, and 1 teaspoon sesame seeds. Toss gently until all ingredients are well combined and the slaw is evenly coated. Let sit for 5-10 minutes for flavors to meld. -
Step 5
Take a crispy wonton taco shell. Fill the bottom with a portion of the warm, cooked chicken. Top the chicken with a generous helping of the sweet chili slaw. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately while the shells are crispy for the best experience.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.