Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

Posted on January 5, 2026

Easy Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe

There’s that moment when you’re standing in your kitchen, and you just know you’ve hit the jackpot with a recipe idea. My latest obsession? Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos! The moment I first attempted this, the sky opened up, and the angels sang—okay, maybe that’s a tad dramatic, but honestly, you get my point. Picture this: tender chicken bursting with flavor wrapped in crispy wonton shells, all topped with a crunchy coleslaw and zesty sweet chili sauce. Like a delicious little party in your mouth!

I remember the first time I made these. It was a dreary Sunday afternoon, and my husband and I found ourselves curled up on the couch, binge-watching some old sitcoms. To cheer ourselves up, I sprang into action, marching into the kitchen with determination. At first, I thought I’d make tacos, but then I stumbled upon some wonton wrappers hiding in the back of the fridge—pretty much the lone survivors from a previous cooking escapade. And thus, the crispy chicken wonton taco was born.

I wanted something fun and easy for dinner, something that would make us feel like we were at our favorite Asian fusion restaurant without the hefty price tag. After a quick inventory check, I was thrilled to discover I had all the necessary ingredients. Plus, I knew it was going to be a beautiful mess of textures and flavors—a combination of crunch from the wontons, savory chicken, and sweetness from the garlic and sweet chili sauce. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience. So, pull up a chair, toss on your apron, and let’s dive into what makes these crispy chicken wonton tacos so special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner: You know those nights when you want to make dinner but also want to crash on the couch with a bowl of ice cream? These wonton tacos come together in under 30 minutes. Seriously, it’s that easy!
Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and fresh veggies from the coleslaw, these tacos feel indulgent without the guilt. They’re like a warm hug in food form.
Picky-Eater Approved: Trust me, even the fussiest of eaters can’t resist these! The crispy wonton wrappers and flavorful chicken make these tacos a yummy hit, even with the kids.
Meal Prep Wins: Make a big batch for lunch or dinner throughout the week. The leftovers keep well and make for perfect quick family meals the next day!
Endless Customization: Because who doesn’t love a little customization? You can tweak the ingredients to fit your diet—think low carb or high protein meals!
Looks Fancy but Isn’t: Impress your friends with a dish that sounds fancy but is super simple to whip up. Perfect when you want to feel like a chef without spending hours in the kitchen!

What Makes This Recipe Special?

The star of our show is the chicken, marinated in a succulent teriyaki sauce that infuses every tender piece with just the right amount of sweetness and umami. Honestly, if you’ve never marinated chicken before, you’re missing out! It’s like a delightful reunion of flavors, making each bite utterly satisfying. Accompanying it is the crunchy coleslaw mix—which gives a satisfying crunch and a splash of color to your plate.

Then, there are the wonton wrappers, which you’ll fry up until crispy perfection. Can we talk about the sizzle? The sound of those wontons hitting the hot oil is like music to my ears! There’s a moment where the house fills with the smell of fried dough that could make anyone’s heart do a little jig. Top it off with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, and you’ve got an eye-catching dish that feels legitimate but doesn’t require a culinary degree.

And let’s not forget that sweet chili sauce drizzle! It brings all the flavors together, adding a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients, shall we?

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced: Lean protein is a must here! You can even use chicken thighs for a richer flavor if that’s your jam.
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce: This adds that umami punch we all crave. Choose a low-sodium version if you’re watching your salt intake.
1 tbsp sesame oil (divided): Adds a nutty flavor that makes you want to dance with joy. Save some to toss into your coleslaw mix!
1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce: A staple in many Asian dishes; it brings a salty depth without overwhelming the flavor profile.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Because…garlic! The more, the better in my book. It’s aromatic and oh-so-delicious.
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated: Adds zing and a hint of warmth to the chicken. Just be careful with this one; a little goes a long way!
2 cups coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots): A crisp, refreshing counterpart to the warm, savory chicken.
2 green onions, thinly sliced: These bring a fresh kick, plus they make everything look super fancy.
1 tbsp rice vinegar: Balances out the flavors and brings a bit of tang, giving the coleslaw a lift.
1 tsp honey: A touch of sweetness in the coleslaw that beautifully complements the savory elements.
12 wonton wrappers: These are essential for creating our crispy taco shells.
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce: Use this for drizzling; it’s the cherry on top of our taco Sundae!
1 tsp sesame seeds: For crunch and aesthetic appeal—after all, we eat with our eyes first, right?
2 tbsp chopped cilantro: Totally optional, but it adds freshness and pops of color.

Let me just shout out a quick warning: Don’t skip the marination step! Seriously, I tried rushing that once, and my chicken just ended up sad and flavorless. Trust me—you want all those rich flavors to meld together beautifully.

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Now, let’s get cooking! Honestly, these steps are so straightforward. Just follow along, and don’t worry about making it perfect. Remember, cooking is about having fun (and hopefully not setting off the smoke alarm like I did yesterday while trying to make toast).

Marinate the Chicken: Start by grabbing a mixing bowl and tossing in your thinly sliced chicken, teriyaki sauce, half a tablespoon of sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Give it a good mix so every piece is drenched in flavor. Don’t be shy! Cover it and let it marinate for about 10 minutes. This is when the magic really starts to happen.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and toss in the chicken once the oil is hot. You’ll hear a satisfying sizzle that makes your heart flutter. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s cooked through and juicy. The smell? Oh my gosh, I can almost smell it from here!
Prepare the Coleslaw: While the chicken is cooking, take another bowl and throw in the coleslaw mix, green onions, rice vinegar, honey, and the remaining sesame oil. Mix it all up until everything is coated. Taste it! Does it need a bit more vinegar or honey? Playing with flavors is half the fun.
Fry the Wonton Wrappers: In a separate skillet, heat about an inch of oil over medium heat. Gently place the wonton wrappers in the oil and fry them for about 20-30 seconds per side, or until they’re crispy and golden brown. I’ll be honest—I’ve had a few “oops” moments where I got distracted (thank you, Netflix) and ended up with burnt wontons. So, keep an eye on them!
Assemble the Tacos: Once the wontons are done, quickly lift them out with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to catch any excess oil. Now comes the fun part—filling them! Add a layer of chicken, followed by your coleslaw mixture, and then drizzle with sweet chili sauce.
Garnish: Sprinkle on sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for a pop of color and extra flavor. Oh, and don’t forget to take a moment to admire your handy work. Honestly, you just made something fantastic!

Now that they’re all assembled, take a moment to bask in the glory! When you bite into one of these crispy chicken wonton tacos, you’ll get all the textures and flavors. Crunchy, savory, sweet—just perfection.

Tips for Best Results

Don’t Rush the Marinade: As mentioned earlier, allow enough time for the chicken to marinate. The flavors deepen and make all the difference!
Use Fresh Ingredients: I mean, who wants wilted veggies in their tacos? Fresh ingredients yield fresher flavors!
Watch the Oil Temp: When frying, make sure your oil is hot enough. Too cool and the wontons will soak up oil and become greasy. Too hot, and you’ll have a burnt disaster.
Make it a Family Affair: Get the kiddos or your partner involved! Let them help in assembling the tacos or frying the wonton wrappers for a fun family activity. My kids love to get messy, and it makes for some memorable moments!

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Of course, everyone has different tastes and preferences. Here are some thoughts on making this recipe your own:

Swap the Protein: Boneless chicken breasts are great, but shredded rotisserie chicken or even sautéed tofu can work wonders!
Change Up the Veggies: No coleslaw mix? Use shredded lettuce, bell peppers, or even diced cucumbers for a fresh take.
Keto-Friendly Version: Swap the wonton wrappers for lettuce wraps if you’re on a keto meal plan. Trust me, still delish!
Vegan Option: Use jackfruit or tempeh instead of chicken, and coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a tasty plant-based alternative.
Add Spice: For a kick, incorporate some chili flakes or sriracha in the coleslaw mix. Go wild!

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, coleslaw, and drizzle with sweet chili sauce.
Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro.

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

These crispy chicken wonton tacos are amazing on their own, but let’s take it up a notch! Pair them with a refreshing cucumber salad or a light miso soup for a complete meal. A nice cold drink like iced green tea or ginger lemonade complements the flavors nicely, making it feel like a night out while kicking back at home. And for dessert? Maybe some mango sticky rice—perfectly sweet and totally delightful!

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Leftovers? Yes, please! Store your chicken and coleslaw in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating the chicken, keep it covered to retain moisture. The wonton wrappers? I recommend reheating them in the oven to regain that crispiness. No one likes a sad, soggy taco!

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

You can totally prepare your chicken marinade in advance to get a head start. Just marinate it for up to 24 hours in the fridge. The colder your chicken is, the longer it needs to fry to cook through, so plan accordingly! You can also freeze the cooked chicken for quick meals later—just thaw and reheat. As for wontons, I wouldn’t recommend freezing them after frying, but you can certainly keep unfilled wrappers in the freezer for a quick taco night!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Old Wontons: Check those expiration dates, folks! Wilted wonton wrappers are no good.
Skipping the Oil Temperature Test: Always do a quick test with a tiny piece of wonton to check if the oil is ready. Too cold and they’ll flop; too hot, and they’ll burn.
Crowding the Pan: Frying too many wontons at once can lead to uneven cooking. Fry them in batches, and let them be!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I bake the wonton wrappers instead of frying them?
Absolutely! Just brush them lightly with oil and bake at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes or until golden. They won’t quite have that signature fry-temperature crunch, but they’re still tasty!

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Sure! If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, simply shred it and toss it briefly with the sauce in the pan to heat it through.

What if I don’t have teriyaki sauce?
If you’re in a pinch, mix together some soy sauce with honey, ginger, and garlic for a makeshift marinade.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

A good cutting board and knife for slicing chicken and prepping veggies.
Mixing bowls for marinating and mixing the coleslaw.
A skillet or frying pan for cooking the chicken.
A separate pot or pan for frying the wonton wrappers—trust me, you don’t want to mix those two.
A slotted spoon for lifting out the crispy wontons (and keeping your hands oil-free).

Final Thoughts

Cooking crispy chicken wonton tacos has become one of my favorite go-to meals, and I think it’ll make a fantastic addition to your recipe roster too! I love how it’s so versatile, yet it brings a sense of comfort, like sitting around the table with family and friends. Plus, every bite is an experience bursting with joy.

Next time you’re at a loss for dinner ideas, remember these little crispy wonders. I’d love to hear your stories, too—do you have a mess-up moment, a twist on the recipe you tried? Share your thoughts with me!

And remember, if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend. Happy cooking, my friends!