Introduction To Chicken Wonton Tacos
Chicken Wonton Tacos are an innovative and delicious twist on traditional tacos. These crispy wonton wrappers hold a flavorful filling made with tender, marinated chicken, complemented by a fresh, tangy Asian slaw. The dish combines a perfect blend of savory chicken, crunchy texture from the wonton shells, and a refreshing slaw that balances the richness of the meat. This recipe is a fun and flavorful fusion that brings the best of both Asian and Mexican-inspired cuisines together.
The key to these tacos is the combination of teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, and fresh garlic and ginger in the chicken marinade. This results in a savory, aromatic filling that’s perfectly balanced by the fresh, zesty slaw. Each bite is a harmonious explosion of flavors, with a crispy exterior and tender, juicy chicken inside. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a weeknight dinner, these tacos are sure to impress!
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
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Chicken Wonton Tacos
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 tacos 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Chicken Wonton Tacos are a delicious fusion of Asian and Mexican flavors, featuring crispy wonton shells filled with savory, tender chicken and topped with a crunchy, tangy Asian slaw. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful blend of teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, while the slaw adds a fresh, sweet contrast with its sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey dressing. Finished off with a drizzle of sweet chili sauce, these tacos are a fun and unique dish that will wow your guests!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tsp fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
For the Asian Slaw:
- 1 bag coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup green onions, diced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
For Assembly:
- 16 wonton wrappers
- Sweet chili sauce, for topping
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
Marinate the chicken:
In a bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts to the bowl and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor.
Prepare the Asian slaw:
In a separate bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Toss until everything is well combined. Set aside in the fridge to chill while you cook the chicken.
Fry the wonton wrappers:
Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, fry the wonton wrappers in batches for about 30 seconds per side, until golden and crispy. Use tongs to remove the wrappers from the pan and drain on paper towels.
Cook the chicken:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Assemble the tacos:
Place a fried wonton wrapper on a serving plate. Spoon some of the cooked chicken onto the wonton wrapper. Top with a generous portion of the Asian slaw.
Garnish and serve:
Drizzle sweet chili sauce over the tacos, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for garnish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If you prefer, you can bake the wonton wrappers instead of frying them. Brush them lightly with oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 7-10 minutes until crispy.
- The slaw can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- You can substitute the chicken with ground turkey or beef for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marination time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Frying, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco (based on 16 servings)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Chicken Wonton Tacos
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
- Add the sliced chicken breasts and toss to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Slaw:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey.
- Toss everything together until well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked through and slightly caramelized. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Prepare the Wonton Wrappers:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the wonton wrappers lightly with sesame oil on both sides.
- Gently press the wrappers into a muffin tin to create small taco shells.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Spoon a generous amount of the cooked chicken into each crispy wonton shell.
- Top with a spoonful of Asian slaw.
- Drizzle with sweet chili sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve these tacos immediately while the wonton wrappers are still warm and crispy. Enjoy your Chicken Wonton Tacos with a side of extra chili sauce or a dipping sauce of your choice.
Advanced Techniques
1. Customizing the Chicken Marinade:
To elevate the flavor of the chicken, you can add Sriracha or chili paste to the marinade if you prefer a spicier kick. You can also swap out the soy sauce for tamari for a gluten-free option or use coconut aminos for a lighter, sweeter flavor profile. Experimenting with different sesame oils—light or dark—can also significantly change the taste. Dark sesame oil will add a deeper, more intense flavor compared to the lighter variety.
2. Crispy Wonton Shells:
The secret to making perfect crispy wonton shells is to ensure they’re evenly brushed with oil before baking. You can also try frying the wonton wrappers in vegetable oil for an extra-crispy finish, though this adds more calories. Make sure to avoid overbaking them to ensure they don’t burn.
3. Making Homemade Slaw:
While using pre-packaged coleslaw mix is convenient, making your own can give the dish a more personalized touch. For an extra crunch, try adding thinly sliced cabbage, carrots, or even snow peas to your slaw. You can also play with different vinegars, like apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, to find the perfect balance of tanginess.
4. Topping Variations:
If you’re looking for more toppings, try adding a dollop of guacamole, a sprinkle of crushed peanuts, or even pickled jalapeños to add additional layers of flavor. For a richer taste, try drizzling with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Storing Leftovers:
If you have any leftover Chicken Wonton Tacos, store the components separately to maintain their crispness. Place the cooked chicken and slaw in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The wonton wrappers can be kept in a separate container and re-crisped in the oven for a few minutes before serving again.
Reheating:
To reheat the chicken, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Avoid microwaving the chicken to keep it from becoming rubbery. To revive the crispy wonton shells, bake them for 5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to bring back their crunch.
Freezing Tips:
You can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. However, freezing the wonton wrappers is not recommended, as they may become soggy once thawed. It’s best to bake fresh wrappers when you’re ready to assemble your tacos.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Gluten-Free Option:
To make these Chicken Wonton Tacos gluten-free, replace the wonton wrappers with corn tortillas or rice paper. Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep the flavor intact.
Low-Carb Version:
For a low-carb option, substitute the wonton wrappers with lettuce wraps. This reduces the carb content significantly while still allowing you to enjoy the same great flavors.
Dairy-Free Option:
To make this recipe dairy-free, skip the sesame oil in the slaw if it’s a problem, and opt for a dairy-free mayo. The chicken itself is naturally dairy-free, so there’s no need to make any adjustments there.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Recipe
Can I prepare the slaw in advance?
Yes! The Asian slaw can be made a day ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble the tacos. The slaw will marinate and the flavors will meld together nicely.
Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble the tacos right before serving to maintain the crispiness of the wonton wrappers. However, you can prepare the chicken and slaw in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to assemble.
How do I get the wonton wrappers crispy?
Ensure the wonton wrappers are lightly brushed with sesame oil before baking. If you fry them, make sure the oil is hot enough so the wrappers don’t become soggy.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Chicken Wonton Tacos offer a fun, flavorful fusion of Asian and Mexican cuisine, making them a perfect dish for any occasion. The crispy wonton wrappers provide the ideal vessel for the juicy chicken and fresh, tangy slaw. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple preparation steps, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, and don’t forget to top with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor. Try them out today for a memorable meal everyone will love!