Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Hey friend, if you’re looking for a fun and tasty twist on taco night, I’ve got a real gem for you: Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe. These crispy wonton shells filled with savory marinated chicken and crunchy Asian slaw bring together the best of East meets West, creating a flavor explosion that’s super easy to make at home. Stick around and I’ll guide you through my favorite way to nail this recipe every single time.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Crunch: Baking wonton wrappers in muffin tins creates crispy little taco “boats” that hold the juicy filling without getting soggy.
- Balanced Flavors: The sweet-savory marinade on the chicken paired with tangy, fresh Asian slaw gives every bite a refreshing yet satisfying punch.
- Quick to Prep: Marinate and bake simultaneously while tossing the slaw – ready in about 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Fun & Shareable: These mini tacos are great for casual dinners or entertaining, sure to impress without stress.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe balances the rich, savory marinated chicken with a crisp, refreshing Asian slaw all nestled inside crunchy baked wonton shells. Here’s why each ingredient shines and a few tips on selecting the best ones for flavorful tacos.
- Chicken breasts: Tender, lean, and perfect for quick cooking; slicing thin helps them cook evenly and soak up flavors better.
- Teriyaki sauce: Adds sweet umami notes without overpowering the chicken’s natural flavor.
- Sesame oil: That signature nutty aroma boosts the Asian profile—don’t skip it!
- Soy sauce (low sodium): Brings saltiness while keeping sodium in check to let other flavors shine through.
- Fresh garlic and ginger: Essential aromatics for brightness and a hint of spice that wakes up the palate.
- Coleslaw mix: Saves time yet adds wonderful crunch and freshness.
- Green onions: Mild sharpness that complements the slaw’s creaminess and the chicken’s richness.
- Rice vinegar: Provides tang and balances sweetness, making the slaw zingy and light.
- Honey: Just a touch for natural sweetness and smoothness.
- Wonton wrappers: The star “taco shell” – easy to work with and crisps beautifully in the oven.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds a little kick and sticky sweetness on top—my favorite finishing touch.
- Sesame seeds and fresh cilantro: For crunch and herbaceous freshness that brighten every bite.
Tweak to Your Taste
This is absolutely one of those recipes that’s all about making it your own. I love adding a bit more heat or switching up the slaw veggies depending on the season. Trust me, adapting it keeps it exciting every time you make it.
- Spicy Kick: I sometimes toss in a diced jalapeño or drizzle sriracha alongside the sweet chili sauce for an extra layer of heat that really wakes up the flavors.
- Veggie Swap: Tried shredded carrots or thinly sliced bell peppers in the slaw instead of plain coleslaw – adds color and crunch!
- Protein Variation: If you’re not into chicken, shrimp works wonderfully here with the same marinade and cooking method.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap wonton wrappers for gluten-free tortillas or lettuce cups for a lighter, allergy-friendly taco shell.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
Start by thinly slicing your chicken breasts — this helps them cook quickly and absorb that tangy teriyaki marinade. Toss the chicken in a bowl with teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger. Seal it up nice and tight (I love using a ziplock bag for this) and refrigerate for at least an hour. This step is key for juicy, flavorful meat that’ll make your tacos sing.
Step 2: Bake Your Wonton Shells Crispy and Perfect
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Here comes one of my favorite little hacks: place a muffin tin upside down, then press wonton wrappers gently between two muffin cups to shape little “V” shells. Two opposing points will rest on the top of the wells to create the taco shape. Keep a close eye and bake for 7-9 minutes until golden and crisp. Do them in batches if needed – you don’t want to burn these beauties!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Quickly and Juicy
Heat a bit of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add your marinated chicken slices and toss frequently. Cooking thin strips means they only need a few minutes to cook through, so avoid overcooking to keep the meat tender. Once done, set aside — the house will smell amazing by now!
Step 4: Toss the Slaw with a Tangy Dressing
Pour your bag of coleslaw mix into a big bowl, add chopped green onions, and then drizzle with a simple dressing I always make: sesame oil, rice vinegar, low sodium soy sauce, and a bit of honey. Toss everything well so the slaw is evenly coated — fresh, crunchy, and balanced with a zingy sweetness.
Step 5: Assemble and Enjoy
Grab those crispy wonton shells, spoon in a layer of the juicy chicken, followed by a generous helping of slaw. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce, then sprinkle sesame seeds and fresh chopped cilantro on top. Repeat until you run out – these are best served right away to keep their crunch and freshness.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
- Marinate Longer for Depth: If you can, marinate the chicken for 2-3 hours or even overnight; it makes a big difference in flavor intensity.
- Watch Wontons Closely: Ovens vary—don’t walk away while baking the shells. They go from golden to burnt in a flash!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to avoid steaming and losing that lovely caramelization.
- Assemble Last Minute: Put together the tacos just before serving to keep the shells crisp and prevent sogginess.
How to Serve Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top mine with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro because they add that perfect nutty crunch and herbaceous brightness. If I’m feeling fancy, a little thinly sliced red chili or avocado adds fantastic texture contrasts as well.
Side Dishes
These tacos pair beautifully with something light and fresh—think edamame with sea salt, a crisp cucumber salad, or even some simple steamed jasmine rice to help soak up any extra sauces.
Creative Ways to Present
For the holidays or a party, I love serving these wonton tacos on a large platter layered with banana leaves or parchment paper. Adding small bowls of extra sweet chili sauce, sesame seeds, and chopped cilantro lets guests customize their own tacos—always a crowd-pleaser and so colorful!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and that’s a *big* if because they’re so good!), keep the cooked chicken and slaw stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend storing assembled tacos as the shells get soggy fast.
Freezing
Chicken cooks great ahead and freezes well, but the wonton shells don’t hold up after freezing. Freeze the cooked chicken in portions for up to 2 months, and freshen with store-bought or freshly baked shells when ready to eat.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warm. To keep it juicy, add a splash of water or teriyaki sauce while reheating. Make fresh wonton shells or crisp some up quickly in the oven before assembling.
FAQs
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Can I make the chicken wonton tacos vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or seasoned tempeh, and keep the marinade and slaw the same. These options soak up flavors well and keep the tacos deliciously hearty.
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Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can if you’re short on time! Just shred the rotisserie chicken and toss it with a bit of teriyaki sauce and sesame oil to keep the flavor consistent with the recipe.
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How can I make the wonton shells ahead of time?
Bake the wonton shells and let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Re-crisp in the oven for a minute or two before serving.
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Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The flavors are mild but delicious, and you can tone down the spices or skip the chili sauces if your kids prefer less heat. The crunchy shells are usually a hit too.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe has become a staple in my weeknight rotation because it’s such a crowd-pleaser and so simple to customize. I love how it blends crispy, fresh, and savory elements in every bite – totally addictive! If you haven’t tried it yet, grab those wonton wrappers and chicken and dive in; I promise you’ll end up making it again and again.
Print
Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
These Chicken Wonton Tacos combine tender marinated chicken with a crunchy Asian slaw, all nestled inside crispy baked wonton wrappers. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or light main course, they bring together sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons fresh garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)
Asian Slaw
- 1 bag coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup green onions (diced)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
Shell & Toppings
- 16 wonton wrappers
- Sweet chili sauce (to drizzle)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into long thin strips. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken with teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, low sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Toss well to coat, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour to marinate.
- Preheat Oven and Shape Wonton Shells: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn a muffin tin upside down and press a wonton wrapper between two of the muffin cups to form a ‘V’ shape. Place two opposing points on the top of the wells. Bake the wonton wrappers for 9 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Remove when crispy and set aside; bake in batches as needed.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large pan over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil. Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and sauté it in the hot oil, tossing frequently until cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Asian Slaw: In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix and diced green onions. In a separate bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, low sodium soy sauce, and honey to make the dressing. Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and toss to combine.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place a layer of cooked chicken inside each wonton shell. Top with a generous amount of Asian slaw. Drizzle sweet chili sauce over the top, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the assembled chicken wonton tacos on a serving platter and enjoy immediately for the best crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the wonton wrappers are watched closely while baking as they can burn quickly.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- For a spicier kick, add sriracha to the sweet chili sauce drizzle.
- The slaw can be prepared in advance and refrigerated to save time.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to keep sodium levels moderate.
- If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can carefully shape the wonton wrappers over an inverted oven-safe bowl and bake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
