Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

Crispy chicken wonton tacos are a delicious fusion of flavors and textures that make them perfect for any occasion. With their crunchy wonton shells filled with tender teriyaki chicken and fresh coleslaw, these tacos are sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a quick meal, this recipe is an excellent choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 25 minutes total time, you can whip up these tasty tacos in no time.
• Flavorful Filling: The combination of teriyaki chicken and fresh ingredients creates a mouth-watering experience.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for parties, family dinners, or even as a fun snack!
• Crispy Texture: The fried wonton wrappers provide a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the filling.
• Customizable Options: Easily modify the toppings or fillings to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools is essential for making crispy chicken wonton tacos efficiently. Here’s what you need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A non-stick skillet ensures even cooking and prevents sticking while frying the wonton wrappers.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for marinating chicken and mixing coleslaw ingredients effectively.
• Tongs: Handy for flipping wontons during frying without burning your fingers.

Ingredients

Crispy chicken wonton tacos combine the crunch of fried wonton wrappers with tender teriyaki chicken and fresh coleslaw for a quick and tasty meal.

For the Chicken Filling

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil, divided
• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

For the Coleslaw

• 2 cups coleslaw mix, (cabbage and carrots)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp honey

For Assembly

• 12 wonton wrappers
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro

How to Make Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Marinate the sliced chicken in a mixture of teriyaki sauce, 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes to absorb all the flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until fully done, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Ensure every piece is cooked through before removing it from heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Coleslaw Mixture

In a mixing bowl, toss together the coleslaw mix, sliced green onions, rice vinegar, honey, and remaining sesame oil until well combined. Set aside.

Step 4: Fry the Wonton Wrappers

In your skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Lightly fry each wonton wrapper for about 20-30 seconds on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Fill each crispy wonton wrapper with cooked chicken followed by a generous portion of coleslaw. Drizzle sweet chili sauce over each taco for added flavor.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top your tacos with sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy your crispy chicken wonton tacos with friends or family!

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

Crispy chicken wonton tacos are versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

With Dipping Sauces

• Sweet Chili Sauce: Drizzle over the tacos for a sweet and spicy kick.
• Soy Sauce: A classic choice that complements the teriyaki flavors beautifully.
• Sriracha: For those who enjoy an extra heat, this sauce adds a fiery touch.

As Party Appetizers

• Miniature Portions: Serve smaller versions of the tacos on toothpicks for easy snacking.
• Taco Platter: Arrange crispy chicken wonton tacos on a large platter with assorted dips for sharing.

With Fresh Garnishes

• Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkling fresh cilantro adds a vibrant color and herbal flavor.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges for guests to squeeze over their tacos for brightness.

How to Perfect Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

Creating the perfect crispy chicken wonton tacos requires attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to ensure your tacos turn out delicious every time.

• Marinate Chicken Well: Allowing the chicken to soak in the teriyaki marinade enhances its flavor and tenderness.
• Heat Oil Properly: Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying the wonton wrappers; this prevents them from becoming greasy.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Fry wonton wrappers in batches to maintain crispiness and even cooking.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh coleslaw mix and herbs bring vibrant flavors that make your tacos stand out.

Best Side Dishes for Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

Pairing your crispy chicken wonton tacos with complementary side dishes enhances the meal experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Asian Slaw: A light slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds crunch and freshness.
2. Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt offers a protein-packed snack that pairs well with Asian flavors.
3. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crisp vegetable spring rolls provide an additional crunchy element to your meal.
4. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup serves as a comforting starter that balances the crispiness of the tacos.
5. Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing cools down spicy flavors while adding zest.
6. Fried Rice: A side of fried rice complements the main dish nicely, providing hearty satisfaction to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your crispy chicken wonton tacos turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Marinating too briefly: Failing to marinate the chicken for at least 10 minutes can lead to bland flavor. Always allow enough time for the sauce to penetrate the meat.
• Overcrowding the skillet: Cooking too much chicken at once can cause steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
• Frying wontons improperly: Not heating the oil enough can result in soggy wrappers. Ensure the oil is hot before frying, and keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
• Neglecting coleslaw balance: Using too much vinegar or honey can overpower the dish. Adjust according to your taste for a balanced flavor profile.
• Skipping garnishes: Omitting sesame seeds and cilantro can make your dish less visually appealing. Don’t forget these final touches for added texture and freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

• Place in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, keeping for up to 2 months.

Reheating Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm, but note that this may soften the wontons.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making crispy chicken wonton tacos.

Can I make Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the tacos just before serving. This ensures they remain crispy!

What can I use instead of teriyaki sauce?

You can replace teriyaki sauce with homemade sauces made from soy sauce, honey, and ginger for a similar flavor profile.

How do I customize my Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos?

Feel free to add additional toppings like avocados or different vegetables based on your preference!

Can I bake instead of fry wonton wrappers?

Absolutely! For healthier options, brush wonton wrappers lightly with oil and bake them at 350°F (175°C) until crispy.

Final Thoughts

Crispy chicken wonton tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various fillings and toppings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a crunchy, flavorful meal that is sure to impress!