Name: Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (Slice thinly for quicker cooking.); 1/4 cup Teriyaki Sauce (Adds sweetness and umami flavor.); 2 tablespoons Sesame Oil (divided) (Use olive oil as a last resort.); 2 tablespoons Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (Enhances flavor while keeping salt levels down.); 2 cloves Garlic (minced) (Fresh garlic maximizes aroma and depth.); 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (grated) (Brightens the dish's flavor.); 4 cups Coleslaw Mix (cabbage and carrots) (Pre-shredded mix saves prep time.); 4 stalks Green Onions (thinly sliced) (Adds brightness and color.); 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar (Balances flavors with acidity.); 1 tablespoon Honey (Sweetens the slaw.); 10 pieces Wonton Wrappers (Look for gluten-free ones if needed.); 1/4 cup Sweet Chili Sauce (Drizzle for extra flavor.); 2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds (For garnish.); 1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro (Skip if coriander isn’t preferred.)

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There’s an undeniable charm in merging culinary worlds, and that’s exactly what these Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos accomplish. With the enticing aroma of teriyaki chicken mingling with fresh, tangy coleslaw, it’s hard to resist the crispy embrace of wonton wrappers. When I first whipped up this dish on a busy weeknight, I was searching for something exciting yet easy enough to prepare in under 30 minutes.

The joy of serving these delights at gatherings quickly became apparent. Guests rave about the satisfying crunch and the explosion of flavor, making these tacos a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re navigating a low-lactose diet or just looking for a flavorful appetizer, this recipe has you covered. Plus, the versatility allows you to swap in your favorite proteins—think shrimp, ground pork, or even tofu. Dive into this crunchy, savory fusion that brings the best of Asian and Mexican flavors to your kitchen!

Why are Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos a must-try?

Bold in flavor and texture, these wonton tacos offer a delightful crunch that keeps you coming back for more.

Quick Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Versatile Ingredients: Easily customize with shrimp, ground pork, or tofu to suit any taste.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Impress your guests with a unique flavor fusion that combines Asian and Mexican cuisine.
Low Lactose Friendly: Satisfy dietary needs without sacrificing flavor!
DIY Fun: Create a taco station for interactive dining, letting everyone personalize their crunch.

You’ll be amazed at how this simple recipe transforms your appetizer game!

Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – Slice thinly for quicker cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
Teriyaki Sauce – Adds sweetness and umami flavor; substitute with homemade or gluten-free version if needed.
Sesame Oil (divided) – Provides rich flavor; use olive oil as a last resort, though it alters the taste.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce – Enhances flavor while keeping salt levels down; tamari works for gluten-free options.
Garlic (minced) – Fresh garlic maximizes aroma and depth, but jarred can be a convenient alternative.
Fresh Ginger (grated) – Brightens the dish’s flavor; if fresh isn’t available, ground ginger is a suitable substitute.

For the Slaw

Coleslaw Mix (cabbage and carrots) – Introduces freshness and crunch; pre-shredded mix saves you some prep time.
Green Onions (thinly sliced) – Adds brightness and color; regular onions can substitute but will taste stronger.
Rice Vinegar – Balances flavors with acidity; lemon juice works in a pinch if you’re out of rice vinegar.
Honey – Sweetens the slaw; feel free to adjust according to your taste, or use maple syrup as a swap.

For Assembly

Wonton Wrappers – These add the perfect crunch and are the heart of the dish; look for gluten-free ones if needed.
Sweet Chili Sauce – Drizzle it on for an extra layer of flavor; burst of sweetness elevates the tacos.
Sesame Seeds – Sprinkled as a garnish for added nuttiness; they can be omitted if unavailable.
Chopped Cilantro – A bright herb that adds freshness; skip it if cilantro isn’t to your taste.

Embrace the thrill of making Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos—a perfect blend of flavors and textures, ideal for satisfying cravings or impressing guests!

How to Make Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

Marinate Chicken: Begin by mixing the teriyaki sauce, half the sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl. Add the sliced chicken, stirring well to ensure it’s coated. Marinate for 10 minutes to develop those rich flavors.
Cook Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink. This ensures a juicy, tender filling.
Prepare Slaw: In a separate bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, thinly sliced green onions, rice vinegar, honey, and the remaining sesame oil. Toss until the slaw is well-coated and vibrant, offering a refreshing crunch.
Fry Wontons: In a small pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Fry the wonton wrappers for 20-30 seconds on each side until they are crispy and light brown. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them crunchy.
Assemble Tacos: Fill each crisp wonton with a generous portion of the cooked chicken and slaw. Drizzle sweet chili sauce on top, and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for an inviting presentation.

Optional: Serve with extra sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping to enhance the flavor.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

Room Temperature: Enjoy your crispy wonton tacos immediately after assembly for the best texture; they are best not left out for more than 2 hours.
Fridge: Store any leftover chicken and slaw in separate airtight containers for up to 2 days. This keeps the chicken juicy and the slaw crunchy.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken (without slaw) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing wonton wrappers once fried as they may lose their crisp.
Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat the chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of water, and quickly fry or bake fresh wonton wrappers to restore their crunch before assembling your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos once more.

Make Ahead Options

These Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos are fantastic for meal prep, allowing you to savor delicious flavors without the last-minute rush! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its juicy tenderness. The coleslaw can also be prepared ahead of time—mix it and refrigerate for up to 3 days for flavors to meld and deepen. When you’re ready to serve, fry the wonton wrappers fresh to keep that satisfying crunch. Simply assemble by placing the chicken and slaw into the crispy wontons right before eating for a delightful, restaurant-quality result with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

Wrap Protection: Keep wonton wrappers under a damp paper towel while working to prevent them from drying out and becoming brittle.
Temperature Check: Test the oil temperature with a wooden chopstick; bubbles forming indicate it’s hot enough for frying, ensuring crispy wontons.
Healthy Baking Option: For a lower-fat alternative, try baking the wontons at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes for a healthier twist on these Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos.
Proper Storage: To maintain texture, store leftover chicken and slaw separately. Keep fried wontons in an airtight container and enjoy them within a day.
Flavor Adjustments: Don’t hesitate to add more ginger or garlic to the chicken marinade to amplify flavor, and tailor the sweetness of the slaw with honey to your taste.

Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Variations

Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own—your flavor journey starts here!

Shrimp Swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp for a delicious ocean-inspired twist; just sauté until pink and tender.
Ground Pork Delight: Use ground pork for a hearty alternative that adds a savory richness to your tacos; adjust cooking time accordingly.
Tofu Option: For a vegetarian treat, cube and press extra-firm tofu; marinate and cook the same way as the chicken for a satisfying bite.
Slaw Crunch: Boost the crunch by adding shredded cucumber or matchstick carrots to your slaw; it brings extra freshness and color.
Spicy Kick: Turn up the heat by mixing sriracha into the sweet chili sauce or incorporating crushed red pepper flakes into the marinade.
Baked Wontons: For a healthier version, bake wonton wrappers at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes instead of frying—still crispy and delicious!
Herb Boost: Swap out cilantro with fresh mint or basil for a unique herbaceous touch that pairs beautifully with the other flavors.
Sauce Variety: Swap the sweet chili sauce for a spicy hoisin sauce to elevate flavor complexity and add a different taste profile.

Each variation transforms the dish while highlighting the versatility of these Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos!

What to Serve with Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos?

Setting the stage for a delightful meal with your flavorful tacos opens up a world of delicious pairing possibilities.

Fresh Mango Salsa: Adds a sweet and tangy layer that perfectly complements the savory flavors of the tacos. The juicy chunks of mango will brighten every bite!
Coconut Rice: Creamy and slightly sweet, this dish balances the heat of the tacos, offering a delightful texture contrast. Each mouthful gives a tropical twist to your meal.
Asian Cucumber Salad: Crisp and refreshing, this salad infuses a zesty crunch that cuts through the richness of the chicken. The cool cucumbers offer a wonderful balance!
Spicy Edamame: A fun, protein-packed snack that brings a touch of heat to the table, it pairs excellently with the tacos, creating a satisfying appetizer combo.
Lemonade Iced Tea: This refreshing beverage blends sweet and tangy flavors, enhancing the meal’s essence while quenching thirst—perfect for outdoor dining or gatherings.
Chocolate-Dipped Fortune Cookies: For a sweet finish, these light cookies add a fun twist and a bit of whimsy as they echo the Asian theme—everyone loves a little surprise!
Miso Soup: Warm and soothing, this light broth acts as a gentle contrast to the crunch of the tacos and can set a comforting tone for the meal.
Beer or Sake: A cold beer or a chilled sake elevates the dining experience, balancing the flavors and offering a casual vibe, ideal for gatherings with friends.

Embrace these pairings to create a cohesive and memorable dining experience around your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos!

Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my chicken is fresh enough for these tacos?
Absolutely! Fresh chicken should be a pinkish color with no dark spots and should feel firm to the touch. If the chicken has a foul odor or is slimy, it’s best to discard it and choose a fresher option.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
For mouthwatering leftovers, store your chicken and slaw in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. This keeps the chicken juicy while ensuring the slaw stays crunchy. Just remember, fried wontons should be stored separately to maintain their crispiness!

Can I freeze the cooked chicken for these tacos?
Yes! To freeze, allow the cooked chicken to cool completely and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to retain moisture.

What should I do if my wonton wrappers aren’t crispy after frying?
Very! If your wontons aren’t crispy, it’s often due to too much moisture in the oil or frying at too low a temperature. Make sure the oil is hot enough; test it with a wooden chopstick—if bubbles form around it, you’re ready! Also, try to keep them moving in the pan for even cooking.

Can I make these tacos with a different protein?
Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos are incredibly versatile! You can easily swap the chicken for shrimp, ground pork, or even extra-firm tofu for a delightful vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust cooking times to ensure everything is cooked through and flavorful.

Are these tacos suitable for someone with soy allergies?
If you’re navigating soy allergies, you’ll need to avoid traditional soy sauce and teriyaki sauce. Instead, consider using coconut aminos as a flavorful alternative. Just keep an eye on other ingredients, like your wonton wrappers, to ensure they don’t contain any soy derivatives.