If you’re craving something irresistibly crunchy, packed with bold Asian-inspired flavors, and utterly fun to eat, you’re going to love this Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe. These bite-sized tacos combine the satisfying snap of golden baked wonton shells with a juicy, savory chicken filling that’s been kissed by garlic, soy, and a touch of smoky paprika. Topped with a bright, creamy slaw and fresh herbs, these tacos bring together texture and taste in a way that feels festive and fresh. Whether you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a delightful snack, this Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe is sure to become one of your favorite go-to dishes in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. From tender chicken and aromatic spices to crisp won’ton shells and a zippy slaw, these essentials come together to make something truly special.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1 pound: Finely chopped for quick, even cooking and the perfect taco filling texture.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Provides a subtle fruitiness while keeping the chicken moist.
- Garlic, 2 cloves minced: Adds a punch of savory depth that wakes up the palate.
- Salt, 0.5 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors in the chicken and slaw.
- Black pepper, 0.25 teaspoon: Offers a mild heat to complement the other spices.
- Chili powder, 0.5 teaspoon: Brings a gentle smoky warmth that’s not overpowering.
- Smoked paprika, 0.5 teaspoon: Intensifies the smoky notes and enriches the color of the chicken.
- Soy sauce, 2 tablespoons: Infuses a salty, umami richness that ties the filling together.
- Hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon: Contributes a sweet and tangy complexity perfect for Asian-inspired dishes.
- Honey, 1 teaspoon: Balances the savory and spicy with a hint of natural sweetness.
- Wonton wrappers, 24 pieces: The stars of the show, crisped into taco-shaped shells that hold all the filling.
- Vegetable oil for brushing or frying: Ensures each wonton shell bakes or fries to a golden crunch.
- Shredded coleslaw mix, 2 cups: Adds freshness, crunch, and a pop of color to finish the tacos.
- Mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons: Creates a creamy base for the slaw dressing.
- Rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon: Brings brightness and a mild tang to the slaw.
- Sesame oil, 1 teaspoon: Imparts a subtle nutty aroma that complements the Asian flavors beautifully.
- Green onions, sliced: Offers a fresh, mild onion bite as garnish.
- Optional garnish – sesame seeds and chopped cilantro: For extra texture and herbal freshness that makes each bite pop.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Shells
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a muffin tin. Gently press each wonton wrapper into the cups—this forms that perfect taco shell shape. Lightly brush the wontons with vegetable oil to ensure they bake into golden crisp perfection. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until they’re beautifully crisp and hold their shape well. Let these cool slightly while you prepare the filling; they’re the crispy foundation that gives this recipe its name and delightful crunch.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Filling
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a skillet, then add the finely chopped chicken. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 4 to 5 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and smoked paprika, letting them sauté just long enough to release their aromatic magic—about 30 seconds. Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and honey, stirring continually until the chicken is evenly coated, and the sauce thickens just slightly, about 2 minutes. This mixture is where all the hearty, savory, and sweet flavors meld into the scrumptious filling that will carry the tacos.
Step 3: Whip Up the Slaw
In a small bowl, toss the shredded coleslaw mix with mayonnaise, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This quick dressing keeps the slaw light but creamy, adding a crunchy freshness that contrasts fabulously with the warm, saucy chicken inside the crisp wonton shells.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
Now comes the fun part: assembly! Fill each crispy wonton shell with a generous scoop of the chicken mixture. Top with a bit of the dressed coleslaw, then sprinkle sliced green onions over the top. For an extra pop of flavor and texture, add sesame seeds and chopped cilantro if you like. Serve these immediately to enjoy that unbeatable combo of crispiness and juicy filling.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe, consider garnishing with toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and nuttiness. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbal brightness, while thinly sliced green onions bring a subtle, fresh zing. These final touches turn every bite into a little explosion of flavor and texture, making the tacos look as delightful as they taste.
Side Dishes
These wonton tacos are versatile enough to pair with a variety of side dishes. A simple cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt would balance the richness beautifully. Or, if you want to keep the festivity going, serve with sweet chili sauce or sriracha mayo on the side for dipping – they add just the right kick!
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Present your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe on a wooden board with small bowls holding different garnishes and dipping sauces, inviting everyone to customize their own. You can also line up the tacos in a bamboo steamer basket or serve them alongside vibrant pickled vegetables for a colorful contrast that’s equally Instagram-worthy and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the chicken filling and slaw separate from the wonton shells for best texture. Store the chicken and slaw in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the baked wonton shells in a dry, airtight container to preserve their crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken filling in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, making it easy to reheat for a quick meal. However, the wonton shells are best baked fresh to enjoy their signature crunch; freezing and thawing tends to soften them. The slaw is best made fresh but can be prepared a day ahead.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken filling gently in a skillet over low to medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. For wonton shells, if stored, pop them in a toaster oven at 350°F for a few minutes to recrisp before assembling. The slaw is best served cold and fresh, so give it a quick stir and a taste test before serving again.
FAQs
Can I fry the wonton shells instead of baking them?
Absolutely! Frying wonton shells will make them extra crispy and add a lovely golden color, but baking is a lighter option that still gives you great crunch. Just be sure to drain them well on paper towels if frying to avoid excess oil.
What can I substitute if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
If hoisin sauce is not on hand, a mix of soy sauce with a little honey and a dash of peanut butter or plum sauce can mimic its sweet, tangy flavor. Adjust to taste to keep the balance perfect for your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe.
Are these tacos gluten-free?
Traditional wonton wrappers and soy sauce contain gluten, so this recipe is not gluten-free as written. To make a gluten-free version, seek out gluten-free wonton wrappers and use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Can I make these tacos vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, or a plant-based ground meat alternative seasoned similarly. This keeps the filling flavorful and hearty while keeping the fun shell and slaw intact.
How spicy are these tacos?
The heat is mild, thanks to just a bit of chili powder and smoked paprika. If you love spicy food, serve with sriracha mayo or your favorite hot sauce on the side to add as much kick as you like.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about making and sharing this Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe. The way the crunchy wonton shells cradle that savory chicken and vibrant slaw feels playful, delicious, and endlessly satisfying. It’s a recipe that’s perfect for gatherings or a fun weeknight dinner, and I can’t recommend enough giving it a try. Once you do, expect it to become a frequent and beloved favorite at your table!
Print
Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 tacos
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
These Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos bring a fun and flavorful twist to appetizer tacos. Tender, spiced chicken fills crunchy baked wonton shells, topped with a tangy coleslaw mix for a refreshing crunch. Perfect for parties or a tasty snack, these Asian-inspired bites combine savory, sweet, and spicy elements in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
For the Wonton Shells
- 24 wonton wrappers
- Vegetable oil for brushing or frying
For the Slaw
- 2 cups shredded coleslaw mix
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
Optional Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Wonton Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a muffin tin. Gently press each wonton wrapper into the muffin cups to shape them like taco shells. Lightly brush each shell with vegetable oil to ensure crispiness. Bake the shells for 8 to 10 minutes until they turn golden and crisp. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
- Cook the Chicken Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink. Stir in minced garlic, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and smoked paprika, cooking for about 30 seconds to release the spices’ flavors. Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and honey, stirring constantly until the chicken is evenly coated and the sauce slightly thickens, approximately 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare the Slaw: In a small bowl, combine the shredded coleslaw mix with mayonnaise, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Toss everything together until the slaw is lightly coated and well mixed.
- Assemble the Tacos: Fill each crispy wonton shell with a generous portion of the saucy chicken. Top with a scoop of the prepared coleslaw. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect crunchy texture.
Notes
- For extra crispy shells, you can fry the wonton wrappers instead of baking them.
- Serve these tacos with sweet chili sauce or sriracha mayo for an additional flavor kick.
- Make sure to finely chop the chicken for even cooking and easy filling.
