Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos! This delicious appetizer brings together golden, crunchy wonton shells bursting with savory chicken, tossed in a tangy, Asian-style sauce and crowned with a fresh, colorful slaw. You’ll love the symphony of textures and flavors in every bite — it’s an irresistible combo that makes these tacos an instant crowd-pleaser at any party or cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos is in its simple, accessible ingredients. Each element, from the seasoned chicken to the vibrant toppings, plays a special role in building those oh-so-craveable layers of crunch, spice, and zest that make these mini tacos unforgettable.
- Wonton wrappers: These create the essential ultra-crispy taco shells that are the base of all the fun!
- Olive oil: Brushed on the wrappers, it ensures that gorgeous golden color and perfect crispiness in the oven.
- Cooked chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a shortcut or any leftover chicken you have on hand — both work beautifully.
- Hoisin sauce: This sweet and salty sauce brings bold umami flavors and gives the chicken its signature savory glaze.
- Soy sauce: Adds a deep, salty foundation that ties all the ingredients together with that familiar, irresistible tang.
- Sesame oil: Just a small amount infuses a lovely nutty aroma, making every bite taste extra special.
- Rice vinegar: Its gentle acidity balances the richness of the toppings and brightens up the filling.
- Garlic powder: An easy way to amp up savory depth in the chicken mixture, no chopping required.
- Ground ginger: Offers subtle warmth and zing, giving these tacos an unmistakably Asian-inspired twist.
- Coleslaw mix: Provides awesome crunch and a pop of color that makes each taco pop visually and on your palate.
- Green onions: These sprinkle in a fresh, slightly sharp bite that lightens things up and adds a beautiful garnish.
- Cilantro: Chopped cilantro brings brightness and a hint of citrus, plus a burst of green that makes them even prettier.
- Optional toppings (sesame seeds, sriracha mayo, lime wedges): These take your tacos to the next level with extra flavor, heat, a creamy finish, and a splash of tang.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos
Step 1: Shape and Bake the Wonton Shells
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take each wonton wrapper and lightly brush both sides with olive oil — this step is what guarantees that irresistible crunch and those flaky golden edges everyone loves. Carefully drape the wrappers over the side of a baking dish or nestle them into the cups of an upside-down muffin tin. This clever trick gives you the signature taco shape! Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes, keeping a close eye: they should be beautifully golden and crisp. Let the shells cool slightly before you fill them.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling
While your shells are cooling, let’s tackle the star of the show: that richly flavored chicken filling. In a mixing bowl, combine your cooked shredded or finely chopped chicken with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Toss it all together until every piece is deliciously coated. If you like your filling warm, just pop it into a skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. The smell alone is going to make your mouth water!
Step 3: Fill Your Taco Shells
Now for the fun part — assembling your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos! Gently spoon a generous amount of the saucy chicken mixture into each cooled wonton shell. The shells are delicate, so be kind to them — but don’t be afraid to fill them up, because more filling equals more flavor!
Step 4: Top with Slaw and Fresh Herbs
Pile on a handful of crunchy coleslaw mix, followed by a sprinkle of chopped green onions and cilantro over each taco. This trio adds a satisfying freshness and vibrant color, making the tacos just as pretty as they are tasty.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
For the finishing touch, let your creativity soar with your favorite toppings. Drizzle a little sriracha mayo for heat, scatter sesame seeds for even more crunch, and don’t forget a squeeze of lime if you love a bright, citrusy kick. Then, serve immediately, while the shells are still super crispy!
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos
Garnishes
Garnishing your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos is all about adding those final pops of flavor and color. Think sesame seeds for an extra touch of nuttiness, fresh-made sriracha mayo for heat and creaminess, or a few sprigs of cilantro and sliced green onions for vivid freshness. And if you always take your tacos with a twist of lime, keep wedges nearby — nobody will say no!
Side Dishes
Turn your taco night into a true mini feast by serving these with a crunchy Asian cucumber salad, a bowl of edamame tossed in sea salt, or a light miso soup. Even simple steamed rice or sticky rice works perfectly alongside. These refreshing, simple sides let your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos shine without stealing the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow a crowd? Arrange your tacos upright in a rustic wooden board or a taco holder, and let guests dress them up with assorted toppings. For a playful twist, try a mini taco “bar” with bowls of everything — slaw, fresh herbs, sauces, and crunchy garnishes — so everyone can personalize their plate. They also look fantastic served in small cupcake liners for easier picking at parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftover Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos, store the chicken filling and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The shells themselves are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have a few extra, keep them uncovered at room temperature to help preserve their crispness.
Freezing
The chicken filling freezes beautifully! Pop it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. The wonton shells, however, don’t hold up to freezing and thawing, so save that step for when you’re ready to serve fresh.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken filling quickly on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. If your shells have softened, you can crisp them back up for a minute or two in a hot oven (just watch closely). Once everything is hot and crispy again, assemble just before serving for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use another type Appetizer
Absolutely! These tacos work just as well with cooked shredded pork, ground turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The seasoning mix brings tons of flavor to any protein you choose.
What’s the best way to keep the wonton shells crispy?
The secret is to avoid filling them until just before serving. Keep the shells uncovered at room temperature until you’re ready, and fill them with warm chicken and slaw right at the last moment for maximum crunch.
How spicy are Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos?
By default, they’re mild with a sweet and savory profile, but adding sriracha mayo or extra chili flakes can kick the heat up to your liking. The beauty is how easily you can adjust the spice level for everyone at the table!
Are there any shortcuts for a faster prep?
Yes! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time, and pre-shredded coleslaw mix is a fantastic convenience. The whole recipe comes together in under half an hour, perfect for busy nights or last-minute guests.
Can I make these tacos gluten-free?
Most wonton wrappers contain wheat, but you can look for gluten-free wrappers at specialty stores or use a similar gluten-free shell. Just make sure your soy sauce (or swap in tamari) and hoisin sauce are certified gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give these Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos a try — they really are as fun to make as they are to eat! Once you’ve tasted the perfect harmony of crisp shells, juicy chicken, and zingy slaw, you’ll want to share them with everyone you know. Happy cooking!
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Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini tacos 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos are a delightful fusion of Asian flavors in a fun-to-eat taco form. Crispy wonton shells filled with savory hoisin chicken, crunchy slaw, and zesty toppings make for a perfect appetizer or party snack.
Ingredients
Wonton Shells:
- 12 square wonton wrappers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Chicken Filling:
- 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded or finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Toppings:
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, sriracha mayo, lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare wonton shells: Lightly brush wonton wrappers with olive oil, shape them into taco forms over a baking dish, and bake until crispy.
- Make chicken filling: Mix cooked chicken with hoisin, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger. Warm in a skillet if desired.
- Assemble tacos: Fill each wonton shell with chicken mixture, top with coleslaw, green onions, cilantro, and optional toppings.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
- Enhance slaw with a light sesame dressing for added flavor.
- Best enjoyed fresh to maintain taco crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
