Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

Crispy chicken wonton tacos offer a delightful mix of crunchy textures and savory flavors, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, these tacos are sure to impress. The combination of tender teriyaki chicken and fresh coleslaw wrapped in crispy wonton wrappers creates an unforgettable taste experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe is ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
• Flavorful Fusion: The sweet and savory notes of teriyaki sauce combined with fresh veggies provide a burst of flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these tacos can fit any meal plan.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the fun presentation and tasty filling.
• Customizable Ingredients: Easily modify the fillings or toppings based on personal preferences or dietary needs.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare crispy chicken wonton tacos effectively, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A non-stick skillet ensures even cooking and prevents sticking, which is vital for frying wontons.
• Mixing Bowl: A large bowl makes it easy to combine ingredients for marinating chicken and tossing coleslaw.
• Tongs: These are essential for flipping wonton wrappers while frying, ensuring they stay intact and crispy.

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 the Wontons

• 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

Start by marinating your chicken to infuse it with flavor.
1. In a mixing bowl, combine sliced chicken with teriyaki sauce, 1/2 tbsp sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
2. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Next, it’s time to cook the marinated chicken.
1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until done, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Coleslaw

While your chicken cooks, prepare the fresh coleslaw.
1. In a separate bowl, toss together coleslaw mix, green onions, rice vinegar, honey, and remaining sesame oil until well combined.

Step 4: Fry the Wonton Wrappers

Now it’s time to make those wontons crispy!
1. Heat oil in your skillet over medium heat.
2. Lightly fry each wonton wrapper for about 20-30 seconds per side until they turn golden brown.

Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos

Finally, fill your tasty taco shells!
1. Carefully fill each crispy wonton with cooked chicken and a generous scoop of coleslaw.
2. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce for added flavor.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Add some finishing touches before serving!
1. Garnish each taco with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for an extra pop of color and flavor.

With these steps completed, you’re ready to enjoy your delicious crispy chicken wonton tacos!

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

Crispy chicken wonton tacos are not just delicious but also versatile. You can serve them in various ways to elevate your meal experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will please your guests and family alike.

Fresh Herb Garnish

• Chopped cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the tacos for a burst of flavor.
• Sliced green onions: Add a sprinkle of green onions for a pop of color and taste.

Accompaniments

• Sweet chili sauce: Serve extra sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping.
• Soy sauce: A small dish of soy sauce can add an umami kick to each bite.

Salad Pairing

• Simple garden salad: A light garden salad with a vinaigrette can balance the richness of the tacos.
• Asian slaw: Pair with an Asian-inspired slaw for additional crunch and flavor.

Drink Suggestions

• Iced tea: A refreshing iced tea complements the meal perfectly.
• Sparkling water: Add lemon or lime to sparkling water for a refreshing drink option.

How to Perfect Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

Perfecting crispy chicken wonton tacos involves attention to detail, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying. Here are some tips to help you achieve taco perfection.

• Marinate well: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes to soak up all the flavors from the teriyaki sauce.
• Use high heat for frying: Make sure your oil is hot enough when frying wonton wrappers, which helps them crisp up quickly without absorbing too much oil.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry only a few wonton wrappers at a time to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Cool before filling: Let fried wonton wrappers cool slightly before filling them, so they maintain their crunch.
• Balance flavors in coleslaw: Adjust the sweetness or acidity of your coleslaw mix by adding more honey or rice vinegar as per your taste.

Best Side Dishes for Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

Pairing side dishes with crispy chicken wonton tacos enhances your dining experience. Here are some excellent options that complement the main dish beautifully.

1. Cucumber Salad: A light and refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing adds brightness to your meal.
2. Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes for an easy and nutritious side option.
3. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides comfort and balances the meal’s flavors perfectly.
4. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crunchy vegetable spring rolls offer another layer of texture and flavor alongside the tacos.
5. Thai Peanut Noodles: Cold peanut noodles drizzled with peanut sauce create a delightful contrast with crispy tacos.
6. Fried Rice: Flavorful vegetable fried rice can serve as a hearty accompaniment that pairs nicely with the tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making crispy chicken wonton tacos can be fun and rewarding, but there are common mistakes you should watch out for.

• Bold marinade time: Not marinating the chicken long enough can lead to bland flavors. Ensure you marinate for at least 10 minutes to enhance taste.
• Bold frying temperature: Frying wonton wrappers at too high or low a temperature results in soggy or burnt tacos. Aim for medium heat for perfect crispiness.
• Bold filling capacity: Overfilling the wonton wrappers makes them hard to seal and leads to mess during frying. Fill each wrapper moderately to avoid spillage.
• Bold ingredient freshness: Using stale coleslaw mix or old ingredients can affect flavor and texture. Always use fresh produce for the best results.
• Bold sauce choice: Skipping the sweet chili sauce can result in a lack of flavor contrast. Don’t forget to drizzle it over your tacos for that extra zing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover crispy chicken wonton tacos in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

• Place unfilled or filled (but not fried) tacos in a freezer-safe bag.
• You can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds, but this may result in sogginess; not recommended for best texture.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding crispy chicken wonton tacos.

What is the best way to serve Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos?

Serve them warm with extra sweet chili sauce on the side and garnished with cilantro and sesame seeds.

Can I make Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time. Just store it separately, then fill and fry the wontons just before serving.

What can I substitute if I don’t have teriyaki sauce?

You can use a mix of soy sauce, honey, and garlic as a quick substitute for teriyaki sauce.

Are there vegetarian options for Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with sautéed vegetables or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of teriyaki sauce.

Final Thoughts

Crispy chicken wonton tacos are a delightful fusion dish that offers both crunch and flavor. They are versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings or fillings. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quick meal, these tacos are sure to please your taste buds. Try them today!