Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

Posted on December 21, 2025

The Best Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe

Introduction

Ah, the glorious kitchen! Where chaos meets culinary creativity, and the smell of anything delicious can fill the air like a warm sweater on a chilly day. One of my fondest memories is of a blustery evening when I first attempted to make crispy chicken wonton tacos. Picture it: a cozy kitchen, the soft glow of my favorite fairy lights twinkling overhead, and the comforting scent of teriyaki sauce wafting through the room. But trust me, things didn’t start off perfectly.

I remember staring at those mysterious wonton wrappers, thinking, “This is way harder than it looks!” Sure, the recipe was labeled easy, but my kitchen chaos was gearing up for a surprise. Let’s just say that the kitchen floor got to know my “oops” moments all too well when a rogue wonton went flying, ricocheting off the fridge before landing—splat!—on the floor. To be real, it was a mess. But the joy that came from sharing those crunchy, savory little bites made every delightful disaster worth it.

What makes this recipe special to me is the nostalgia. Tacos filled with crispy chicken, slaw, and a touch of sweetness from that glorious sweet chili sauce transported me straight back to family gatherings, where we all feasted and laughed until our bellies hurt. And let’s be honest, sometimes life just calls for comfort food—that warm hug in a bowl! This dish does just that, and it’ll do the same for you.

So, whether you’re planning for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy night in, I promise these crispy chicken wonton tacos will fill your heart and your belly. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Perfect for those busy weeknights, these tacos come together in no time and require minimal fuss.
Comforting Crunch: The combination of crispy wonton wrappers and juicy chicken feels like cozy comfort in every bite.
Healthy Balance: Packed with protein and veggies, these tacos are a great way to enjoy a healthier version of takeout.
Leftover Winner: If there are any leftovers (and I bet there won’t be), these tacos hold up beautifully in the fridge.
Picky-Eater Approved: Honestly, even your toughest critics will be begging for seconds. They’ll never know they’re eating veggies!
Meal-Prep Friendly: Can you say meal planning? These tacos can be prepped ahead of time for quick lunches or quick family meals.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

What really sets my crispy chicken wonton tacos apart is the unique blend of flavors. The chicken is marinated in a delicious concoction of teriyaki sauce and a bit of ginger — think savory, sweet, and just a hint of warm spice. The coleslaw mix adds crunch, color, and that much-needed freshness. It’s like a flavor party wrapped in a crispy shell!

These tacos are also adaptable. Whether you’re catering to keto meal plan friends or looking for a fun weekend project, you can swap ingredients or try new sauces. This recipe can even flirt with vegan options—just use veggies and a tofu substitute instead of chicken. How’s that for versatility?

Ingredients

Let’s get down to business! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these tasty crispy chicken wonton tacos:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced: The star of our dish! High in protein and versatile. Chicken thighs can be used too for added flavor, but don’t get too crazy with seasoning.
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce: This brings that sweet and savory goodness we all crave. My favorite for this is a low-sodium version to control the saltiness.
1 tbsp sesame oil (divided): Adds a nutty flavor. Make sure you use a good quality brand for the biggest impact!
1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce: Because we love the umami!
2 cloves garlic, minced: The aroma of garlic sizzling in the pan is simply mesmerizing.
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated: A little zing to elevate the flavor profile.
2 cups coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots): Easy-peasy veggie crunch! You can use other veggies if you like.
2 green onions, thinly sliced: For that fresh burst of flavor.
1 tbsp rice vinegar: Adds a nice tang to the slaw mix. If you’re out, a splash of apple cider vinegar works too.
1 tsp honey: To sweeten things up just a tad.
12 wonton wrappers: These are your taco shells and need to be handled with care.
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce: Drizzled on top, it’s the cherry on this scrumptious cake.
1 tsp sesame seeds: Perfect garnish for that extra crunch and look.
2 tbsp chopped cilantro: Just because it brings all the flavors together. If you’re not a fan, swap it out for parsley.

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get down to the messy part! I mean, the cooking part. Buckle up, guys—this will be fun!

Marinate the Chicken: First up, grab those thinly sliced chicken breasts. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken with the teriyaki sauce, 1/2 tbsp of sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This marinade needs at least 10 minutes to work its magic. While it’s marinating, grab a glass of wine and relax because—honestly—it’ll be worth the wait!
Cook the Chicken: After your countdown to deliciousness is up, it’s time for some sizzle. Heat a skillet over medium heat and toss the marinated chicken in. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s cooked through and slightly caramelized. Seriously, the smell of this will have you dreaming about your best-life meals. You’ll know it’s done when it’s no longer pink inside.
Make the Slaw: In a separate bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, green onions, rice vinegar, honey, and the remaining 1/2 tbsp of sesame oil. Toss everything together with wild abandon; the crunch and colors should make you feel like a food rock star. This slaw is what makes everything pop.
Crisp the Wontons: This part can get a little smokey, so apologies in advance to my smoke detector. Heat a shallow pan with oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the wonton wrappers (just a few at a time to avoid chaos) and fry them for about 20-30 seconds on each side until golden brown and crispy. It’s honestly mesmerizing—just take care not to burn them! They should be bubbling and singing while you give them that little flip.
Fill ‘Em Up: Now the fun begins! Take those crispy wontons and fill them generously with the cooked chicken and coleslaw mix. Drizzle a bit of sweet chili sauce on top, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and finish with chopped cilantro.
Serve & Enjoy: You did it! The crispy chicken wonton tacos are ready to serve. Honestly, try not to eat them all at once (good luck). Pair these babies with a bright, zesty drink or your favorite sides, and enjoy!

Tips for Best Results

For the best results, don’t skip the marination—let it sit a bit longer if you can, even overnight. The flavors get better with time. And when it comes to frying wontons, keep a close eye. Seriously. They can go from golden to burnt in a heartbeat.

If you want to get fancy (and who doesn’t?), consider adding a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh twist. Also, don’t be afraid to swap in your favorite veggies in the slaw; go wild with bell peppers, radishes, or whatever floats your boat!

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Feeling adventurous? You can totally switch things up! Here are some easy swaps:

Chicken: Use lean turkey or tempeh for something different.
Wonton Wrappers: Try lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.
Sauces: Hoisin sauce can be a fun change, or go for a spicy mayo if you’re ready to kick up the heat!
Veggies: Experiment with seasonal veggies for an extra crunch; broccoli slaw is a game changer.
Herbs: If cilantro isn’t your jam, parsley or basil will do their part nicely.

Directions

Marinate chicken with teriyaki sauce, 1/2 tbsp sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 10 minutes.
Cook chicken in a skillet over medium heat until done, about 5-7 minutes.
Toss coleslaw mix, green onions, rice vinegar, honey, and remaining sesame oil in a bowl.
Lightly fry wonton wrappers in oil for 20-30 seconds per side until crispy.
Fill each wonton with chicken, slaw, and drizzle with sweet chili sauce.
Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro.

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

Serve these delightful tacos with a bright cucumber salad, or go all out with some zesty Mexican rice. Want to keep it simple? A can of your favorite soda or some sparkling water will cleanse your palate beautifully. And let’s not forget dessert—I’m thinking something light, like a fruit sorbet. Trust me; it’s the perfect ending to a meal that starts with comfort and ends with joy.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Should you find yourself with leftovers (and I’m skeptical that’s going to happen), store any filled tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days. These babies don’t crisp up well when reheated, so I recommend deconstructing them and enjoying everything separately. Think: crispy wonton wrappers and your sweet chicken and slaw heated up in the microwave or stovetop.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

You can definitely make the chicken and coleslaw ahead of time, so when hunger strikes, it’s quick and easy to fry up those wonton wrappers. Freezing the wontons before frying is also a solid plan! Just flash freeze them on a baking sheet first, then toss them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready for tacos, just fry them up straight from the freezer (you might need to add a few more seconds to the cooking time).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t Skip Marinating: It seems like a simple step, but it’s crucial! It’ll save your tacos from feeling bland.
Overcrowding the Pan: Everyone deserves space! Fry your wontons in batches. Trust me—nobody likes soggy wontons.
Not Monitoring the Oil Temperature: Make your frying game strong by ensuring the oil is hot enough before adding the wrappers.
Filling Wontons Too Much: I know it’s tempting, but resist the urge. A little less filling is better for wrapping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen chicken?
Of course! Just make sure it’s fully thawed before marinating and cooking.
Are wonton wrappers the same as dumpling skins?
They’re very similar! Just keep in mind that they may have different thicknesses, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce and look for rice paper wrappers for a fun twist!
What if I don’t have teriyaki sauce?
You can mix your own with soy sauce, brown sugar, and a dash of vinegar. It won’t be teriyaki, but it’ll work in a pinch!
How long do these last in the fridge?
I recommend enjoying them within 2-3 days for optimal freshness and flavor.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

A good quality skillet or frying pan
Sharp knife for slicing
Mixing bowls for marination and slaw
Frying pan or pot for wonton wrappers
Slotted spoon for removal of wontons from oil
Airtight container for storing leftovers

Final Thoughts

As I sit here reflecting on this crispy chicken wonton taco journey, I can’t help but feel grateful for the loving messiness of cooking. It’s about savoring every moment—whether it’s the laughter from a kitchen disaster or the satisfied sighs from your loved ones as they dig into your creation.

So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, unleash that kitchen chaos and give these tacos a whirl! If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend. Happy cooking!

Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

The Best Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe