Chicken Wonton Tacos

These Chicken Wonton Tacos are a delicious twist on traditional tacos, combining the crispy texture of wontons with savory ground chicken and tangy coleslaw. Perfect for parties, game days, or a fun family dinner, these tacos bring together Asian flavors in a creative way. The standout feature is their crispy shell, which perfectly complements the flavorful filling and fresh toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Delight: The baked wonton shells provide a satisfying crunch that elevates the entire dish.
• Flavor Fusion: Enjoy a unique blend of teriyaki and traditional taco flavors that will wow your taste buds.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Serving Options: These tacos can be served as an appetizer or a main dish, making them suitable for various occasions.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean chicken, these tacos offer a nutritious option without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Chicken Wonton Tacos, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin tin
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Grater

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin tin: This is essential for shaping the wonton wrappers into taco shells. It helps achieve even baking for a perfect crunch.
• Large skillet: Needed to cook the ground chicken thoroughly while allowing it to absorb all the rich flavors of the sauces.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl will make it easy to combine all ingredients for your coleslaw without making a mess.
• Grater: Useful for quickly shredding carrots, ensuring they mix well into your coleslaw.

Ingredients

These chicken wonton tacos are Applebees-inspired and feature a crispy shell, teriyaki flavor, and homemade coleslaw for a fun and tasty appetizer.

For the Coleslaw

• 0.33333334326744 head red cabbage, sliced and chopped
• 4 small carrots, peeled and grated
• 0.25 cup coleslaw dressing
• 0.25 cup red apple vinegar

For the Chicken Filling

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 0.25 cup stir-fry sauce

For the Wonton Shells

• 14 wonton wrappers

How to Make Chicken Wonton Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Coleslaw Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine red cabbage, carrots, coleslaw dressing, red apple vinegar, soy sauce, and teriyaki sauce.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) so it’s ready when you need to bake the wonton shells.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Filling

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the ground chicken. Cook while stirring until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Pour in the stir-fry sauce. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer until heated through.

Step 4: Shape the Wonton Shells

1. While the chicken simmers, take each wonton wrapper and form it into a taco shape by placing it between the cups of an inverted muffin tin.

Step 5: Bake Wonton Shells

Bake in your preheated oven until firm and lightly browned, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos

Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of chicken mixture into each baked wonton taco shell. Top generously with your chilled coleslaw mixture.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Serve immediately while hot for maximum crunchiness!

This recipe yields approximately 14 mini tacos, making it perfect for sharing with friends or family during any gathering!

How to Serve Chicken Wonton Tacos

These Chicken Wonton Tacos are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. They make for a fun and delicious appetizer or a light meal. Here are some creative ways to serve them.

With Dipping Sauces

• Sweet Chili Sauce: Drizzle or serve on the side for a sweet and spicy kick.
• Spicy Mayo: A mix of mayonnaise and sriracha adds creaminess with heat.
• Soy Sauce: A classic option that complements the Asian flavors in the tacos.

On a Bed of Greens

• Mixed Greens: Serve your Chicken Wonton Tacos on a bed of fresh mixed greens for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Cabbage Slaw: Use additional slaw as a base for an added crunch and vibrant color.

As Part of a Platter

• Taco Platter: Arrange Chicken Wonton Tacos alongside other appetizers for a fun sharing experience.
• Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Top with chopped cilantro or green onions for an aromatic touch.

How to Perfect Chicken Wonton Tacos

For the best Chicken Wonton Tacos, attention to detail can elevate your dish. Here are some tips to ensure perfection:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture in your slaw.
• Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cook the ground chicken just until browned to maintain juiciness.
• Shape Wontons Carefully: Ensure wonton wrappers are tightly shaped to prevent leaks during baking.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the wonton shells while baking to avoid burning or over-crisping.
• Chill the Slaw: Letting the slaw sit in the refrigerator allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Wonton Tacos

Pairing sides with your Chicken Wonton Tacos can create a complete meal experience. Here are some excellent side dish options:

1. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Light and crispy rolls filled with veggies complement the tacos nicely.
2. Edamame Salad: A refreshing salad featuring edamame, cucumber, and sesame dressing adds crunch.
3. Cucumber Salad: Lightly dressed cucumber salad provides a cool contrast to warm tacos.
4. Fried Rice: Flavorful fried rice balances out the meal while adding more substance.
5. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup brings comforting flavors that pair well with the tacos.
6. Quinoa Salad: A nutritious quinoa salad with herbs and lemon dressing enhances the meal’s freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Wonton Tacos can be fun, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

• Bold Preparation: Skipping the refrigeration step for the coleslaw mix can lead to a lack of flavor. Allow the ingredients to blend for at least one hour.
• Bold Overfilling: Adding too much filling to the wonton wrappers can cause them to break. Use just 2-3 tablespoons of chicken mixture per taco shell.
• Bold Insufficient Cooking Time: Not baking the wonton shells long enough may result in soggy tacos. Ensure they are firm and lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes.
• Bold Ignoring Texture: Using fresh ingredients is key. Wilted cabbage or old carrots can compromise the crunchiness of your slaw, affecting the overall dish.
• Bold Skipping Seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken mixture could make it bland. Always taste and adjust seasoning with soy sauce or teriyaki sauce before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken Wonton Tacos in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chicken Wonton Tacos

• Freeze unfilled wonton shells separately from the filling in freezer-safe containers.
• They can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chicken Wonton Tacos

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Chicken Wonton Tacos that might help you while making this delightful dish.

What are Chicken Wonton Tacos?

Chicken Wonton Tacos are crispy taco shells made from wonton wrappers filled with flavorful ground chicken and topped with fresh coleslaw.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or beef if preferred, adjusting cooking times as needed based on the meat used.

How do I make the wonton wrappers crispy?

Baking the wonton wrappers until they are lightly browned will give them a nice crispy texture, perfect for holding your filling.

Can I prepare these tacos ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and coleslaw in advance and assemble them shortly before serving for optimal freshness.

Final Thoughts

These Chicken Wonton Tacos offer a unique twist on traditional tacos, combining Asian flavors with a crunchy texture that everyone will love. Feel free to customize your toppings or fillings based on your preferences; they are versatile enough for any occasion!