These Chicken Wonton Tacos are a fun twist on traditional tacos! Crunchy wonton wrappers are filled with seasoned chicken, fresh veggies, and topped with creamy sauces.
It’s like a party in a taco shell! Who knew that a crispy wonton could make Taco Night so exciting? I love piling on the toppings and enjoying every crunchy bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton Wrappers: These are the star of the show! They give your tacos the crispy texture we all love. If you can’t find wonton wrappers, egg roll wrappers can work too; just cut them down to size. You can also use tortillas for a traditional take.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great, but you could substitute with cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience. Shredded chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option can also fit well in this recipe.
Soy Sauce & Hoisin Sauce: Both add rich flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, be sure to pick up gluten-free soy sauce! For a different taste, you could try using teriyaki sauce instead of hoisin.
Vegetables: Shredded cabbage and carrots provide crunchy freshness. Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or cucumber for extra crunch and color. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, consider using parsley instead!
How Do You Get the Perfect Crunchy Wonton Shells?
Getting those wonton shells crispy without burning can be tricky! Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C). A thermometer helps ensure you’re at the right temperature.
- Shape your wonton wrappers over a cooling rack or use foil to make taco shapes; it helps them hold their form while frying.
- Fry for 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re golden. Don’t walk away during this; they can burn quickly!
- Don’t overcrowd your pan. Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve even cooking.
- After frying, drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them crispy.
With these tips, you’ll have delicious homemade Chicken Wonton Tacos that everyone will love! Enjoy every bite!
Chicken Wonton Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Taco Shells:
- 24 wonton wrappers
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Filling:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced or shredded
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage mix (green and purple cabbage)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- For the Spicy Mayo:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- For Serving:
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 30-40 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend time making the crunchy shells, cooking the flavorful chicken, and assembling everything together, which makes it totally worth it for a fun meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Wonton Taco Shells:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to around 350°F (175°C). While the oil is heating, take the wonton wrappers and carefully shape them over the bars of a metal cooling rack or crumple some foil to create taco shapes. Fry each shaped wonton wrapper until golden and crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side. Once done, remove them and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the diced chicken with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil, and cook the chicken mixture for about 6-8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the delicious sauce. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
3. Prepare the Slaw:
In a separate bowl, mix the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions (save a bit of green onion for garnish). If you like, toss it with a sprinkle of salt and some lime juice to brighten up the flavors.
4. Make Spicy Mayo Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with sriracha until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust the heat if you like! You can add more sriracha for a spicier kick.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now comes the fun part! Take each crispy wonton shell and fill it with a generous spoonful of the cooked chicken. Top it with the flavorful slaw mixture. Drizzle the spicy mayo sauce over the top and garnish with extra green onions and cilantro, if desired. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over just before taking that first delicious bite!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Chicken Wonton Tacos as a delicious fusion treat!
Can I Use Store-Bought Wonton Wrappers?
Absolutely! Store-bought wonton wrappers are perfect for this recipe. Just be sure to check the expiration date and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to use them.
How Do I Store Leftover Wonton Tacos?
If you have leftovers, store the chicken filling and slaw separately from the wonton shells in airtight containers in the fridge. The filling will keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken mixture on the stove, and make fresh wonton shells as needed for the best crunch!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the chicken filling and the slaw in advance; just keep them in the fridge. However, it’s best to fry the wonton shells right before serving for maximum crispiness!
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! Shrimp, ground turkey, or even a vegetarian filling like sautéed mushrooms and tofu would work wonderfully. Just adjust the seasonings to match your desired flavor profile.