There’s something incredibly satisfying about serving up a plate of crispy chicken wonton tacos. They’re a hit at any gathering and make for a delightful weeknight dinner. I remember the first time I made these; the sound of the crunchy shells and the aroma of the ginger and garlic wafting through the house created a buzz of excitement. What makes these tacos so special is the harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures that will leave you craving more.
This dish delights the senses with the perfect balance of flavor and texture. With crispy wonton shells cradling tender chicken glazed in a sweet and savory hoisin sauce, topped with a fresh coleslaw mix, every bite offers a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor. These chicken wonton tacos are ideal for a casual dinner, a fun appetizer at parties, or a unique twist on taco night. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making these at home.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with flavor: savory chicken and vibrant slaw bring it to life.
- Crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with tender chicken.
- Ideal for meal prepping or adapting to your preferred taste.
- Affordable ingredients that are easily accessible.
"These chicken wonton tacos never disappoint; they are a family favorite!"
Step-by-Step Overview
Making chicken wonton tacos is a straightforward process that starts with preparing the wonton shells by baking them in muffin tins. Next, you’ll cook the chicken with a delicious blend of sauces and spices to create a rich glaze. The final touch comes with a fresh coleslaw that adds crunch and brightness, making these tacos a satisfying delight.
What You’ll Need
- 2 chicken breasts, finely diced
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp minced fresh ginger
- 1 bag coleslaw mix
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (for slaw)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (for slaw)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 16 wonton wrappers
- Sweet chili sauce, for serving
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Ingredient notes & swaps:
- Hoisin sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor; you can substitute it with BBQ sauce for a different taste.
- Coleslaw mix can be swapped with a fresh mix of shredded cabbage and carrots.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and wonton wrappers.
How to Make It
To make these chicken wonton tacos, you’ll first prepare the wonton shells. Once you have your crispy shells, cook the chicken and blend in flavors from soy sauce, hoisin, ginger, and garlic for a mouth-watering filling, then toss together a zesty slaw. Finally, fill your wonton shells and garnish before diving in.
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray the back of a muffin tin with cooking spray.
Drape wonton wrappers over inverted muffin cups to form taco shells. Bake for 5-7 minutes until crisp and golden.
Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for about 3-4 minutes until no longer pink.
Stir in the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Cook another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is well-coated and glazed.
In a bowl, mix coleslaw, green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey until everything is nicely coated.
Fill wonton shells with the glazed chicken. Top generously with coleslaw, drizzle with sweet chili sauce, and sprinkle with diced cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately for that ultimate crunch!
Pro Tip: For the crispiest wonton shells, ensure they’re draped evenly over the muffin cups and avoid overcrowding.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to a tender, juicy consistency by not overcooking it.
- Keep an eye on the wonton shells while baking; they can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
- Customize the slaw with additional ingredients like bell peppers or sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor, and don’t skimp on the sesame oil.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken wonton tacos are delicious on their own, but you can elevate your presentation by serving them on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces. A side of fresh cilantro and lime wedges adds an extra pop of flavor. Pairing with a crisp salad or some fresh fruit can also complement the dish beautifully.
Storage & Reheating Tips
To keep your wonton tacos fresh, store the components separately. You can refrigerate any leftover chicken and slaw for up to three days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet until warmed through and crisp up wonton shells in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; reheat until steaming hot.
How to Fix Common Issues
If you find your wonton tacos drying out, consider covering them with foil while baking to keep moisture in. If your filling is bland, add more seasoning or a splash of vinegar to brighten the flavors. Should the wrappers become soggy, ensure they cool on a rack to maintain their crispness.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize these chicken wonton tacos! You can easily turn these into shrimp tacos by substituting the chicken for shrimp. Alternatively, try swapping in different sauces, like sweet and sour sauce or a spicy chili sauce, for a different flavor profile. Adding a dash of lime juice to the coleslaw can also brighten the flavors.
Common Questions
Can I make the chicken wonton taco filling in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken filling a day ahead of time. Just let it cool, store it in the fridge, and warm it up before serving.
What can I substitute for wonton wrappers?
If you don’t have wonton wrappers, you can use rice paper or even tortillas, though the texture will be different.
Are these tacos gluten-free?
To make gluten-free tacos, use gluten-free soy sauce and find gluten-free wonton wrappers or an alternative wrapper that fits your needs.
Can I freeze the filling?
Yes, the chicken filling can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What’s the best way to ensure crispy wonton shells?
Baking the wonton wrappers in an inverted muffin tin is key to achieving crispy taco shells. Spray them lightly with cooking oil and keep a close watch while they bake.
Enjoy making this delightful dish that combines crispy, sweet, and savory all into one easy-to-hold taco shell!
Chicken Wonton Tacos
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray the back of a muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Drape wonton wrappers over inverted muffin cups to form taco shells. Bake for 5-7 minutes until crisp and golden.
- Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for about 3-4 minutes until no longer pink.
- Stir in the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Cook another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is well-coated and glazed.
- In a bowl, mix coleslaw, green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey until everything is nicely coated.
- Fill wonton shells with the glazed chicken. Top generously with coleslaw, drizzle with sweet chili sauce, and sprinkle with diced cilantro and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately for that ultimate crunch!