Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos are a creative and flavorful dish that combines the crunch of fried wonton wrappers with tender teriyaki chicken and a refreshing cabbage slaw. This fusion-style recipe brings together Asian-inspired flavors and the fun presentation of tacos, making it perfect for appetizers, casual dinners, or party snacks. The contrast between the crispy shell, savory chicken, tangy slaw, and sweet chili sauce creates a balanced bite that is both satisfying and exciting.
These tacos are quick to prepare and come together in about half an hour, making them ideal when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. Each bite offers a wonderful mix of textures: crisp, juicy, fresh, and slightly sweet.
Preparation and Cooking Details
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Servings
12 wonton tacos
Calories
280 kcal per serving
Ingredients
Chicken Filling
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Slaw
- 2 cups coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
Taco Shells and Toppings
- 12 wonton wrappers
- Oil for frying
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by preparing the chicken filling so it has time to absorb the flavors. Place the thinly sliced chicken breasts into a medium mixing bowl. Add the teriyaki sauce, ½ tablespoon of sesame oil, the soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
Using a spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients thoroughly so every piece of chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. The combination of teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger gives the chicken a savory and aromatic flavor.
Allow the chicken to marinate for about 10 minutes at room temperature. This short marinating time is enough for the chicken to absorb the seasoning while you prepare the other components of the recipe.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Place a skillet over medium heat and allow it to warm up for a minute or two. Since the marinade already contains sesame oil, there is usually no need to add additional oil to the pan.
Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan so the chicken cooks evenly rather than steaming.
Cook the chicken for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the chicken cooks, it will turn opaque and slightly caramelized from the teriyaki sauce. Continue cooking until all pieces are fully cooked through and there is no pink remaining.
Remove the skillet from the heat and set the cooked chicken aside while you prepare the remaining elements of the tacos.
Step 3: Prepare the Slaw
In a separate bowl, combine the coleslaw mix and the thinly sliced green onions. These ingredients provide a fresh and crunchy contrast to the warm chicken.
Add the rice vinegar, honey, and the remaining ½ tablespoon of sesame oil. Toss everything together until the vegetables are lightly coated with the dressing.
Allow the slaw to sit for a few minutes while you prepare the wonton shells. This brief resting time helps the cabbage soften slightly while still maintaining a crisp texture.
Step 4: Fry the Wonton Wrappers
Pour about ½ inch of oil into a small frying pan and heat it over medium heat. The oil should become hot enough that a corner of a wonton wrapper begins to sizzle when it touches the surface.
Carefully place one wonton wrapper into the hot oil. Fry it for about 20 to 30 seconds until the bottom begins to turn lightly golden.
Flip the wrapper and cook the other side for another 20 to 30 seconds. As the wrapper fries, it will puff slightly and become crisp.
Remove the fried wrapper and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers until all the taco shells are fried and crispy.
Allow the shells to cool slightly so they become even crispier.
Step 5: Assemble the Wonton Tacos
To assemble the tacos, take one crispy wonton shell and place a spoonful of the cooked chicken inside. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed but not overflowing.
Next, add a small portion of the prepared slaw on top of the chicken. The fresh cabbage mixture adds both flavor and texture.
Drizzle sweet chili sauce over the filling to give the tacos a touch of sweetness and mild heat.
Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped cilantro over the top for garnish and added flavor.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
For the best texture and flavor, serve the tacos immediately after assembling them. The crispy wonton shells are at their best when freshly fried and filled just before serving.
Arrange the tacos on a serving platter and enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or light meal.
Notes
- Pre-shredded coleslaw mix helps save preparation time.
- If you prefer not to fry the wonton wrappers, they can be lightly brushed with oil, pressed into a muffin tin, and baked at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes until crisp.
- Adjust the amount of sweet chili sauce according to your preference for sweetness or spice.
Conclusion
Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos offer a unique twist on traditional tacos, combining Asian-inspired flavors with a crunchy taco-style presentation. The tender teriyaki chicken pairs beautifully with the fresh slaw and the crisp wonton shell, creating a dish that is both flavorful and visually appealing. Whether served at gatherings or prepared as a quick dinner, these tacos are sure to become a favorite.