As a child, I remember my mom always experimenting in the kitchen. She loved taking familiar flavors and giving them a fun, unexpected twist. One dish that always stood out were her homemade tacos; she made sure to tweak the recipe often so they tasted different each time.
These crispy chicken wonton tacos remind me of those carefree days. They capture that same spirit of playful experimentation and delicious results. I can almost smell mom’s cooking now!
It’s a beautiful way to honor her creativity and create new memories with my own family, one taco at a time. If you’re looking for more quick meals, you should take a look at this white chicken chili recipe.
Why you’ll love this Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos
- These chicken wonton tacos are incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer.
- The crispy wonton shells provide a delightful crunch that complements the savory chicken filling.
- The combination of Asian-inspired flavors with classic taco toppings creates a unique and satisfying taste experience.
- They’re endlessly customizable, so you can easily adapt the fillings and toppings to suit your preferences.
- This recipe for crispy chicken wonton tacos is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties or family gatherings.
- Using ground chicken makes this a lighter and healthier alternative to traditional beef tacos.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 36 wonton wrappers
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Chicken wonton tacos makes every moment feel uplifting. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin.
Step 2
In a medium bowl, combine ground chicken, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3
Press each wonton wrapper into a muffin tin cup to form a taco shell shape. Brush lightly with olive oil. This will help them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Step 4
Bake the wonton shells for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
Step 5
While the wonton shells are baking, cook the seasoned ground chicken in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and browned (about 8-10 minutes). Use a spatula to break up the chicken as it cooks. Drain any excess grease. This step is essential for preventing soggy tacos.
Step 6
Carefully remove the crispy wonton shells from the muffin tin. They’ll be delicate, so handle them gently.
Step 7
Fill each shell with the cooked ground chicken, shredded lettuce, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions. Don’t overfill the shells to prevent them from breaking.
Step 8
Drizzle sweet chili sauce over the tacos and sprinkle with sesame seeds (if using). Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground chicken with crumbled tofu or finely chopped mushrooms. Season the tofu or mushrooms with the same spices for a similar flavor profile. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers, bean sprouts, or water chestnuts to the chicken mixture for extra texture and flavor. A sprinkle of crushed peanuts adds a nice crunch.
If you like a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture while it’s cooking. Alternatively, you can use a spicier chili sauce or add a few drops of your favorite hot sauce to each taco before serving. A drizzle of sriracha mayo would also be delicious.
Consider different cheese options. While this recipe doesn’t call for cheese, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a little crumbled feta would be a tasty addition. You can also try using a plant-based cheese alternative.
Pairings
These crispy chicken wonton tacos are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the savory tacos. Consider a salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
For a heartier meal, serve the tacos with a side of steamed rice or quinoa. The grains will help to soak up the delicious flavors of the chicken and sweet chili sauce. A side of edamame is another great option, offering a healthy and flavorful complement to the tacos. These tacos would also go well with egg rolls or dumplings.
To complete the meal, consider serving a light and refreshing beverage. Iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water with a squeeze of lime are all excellent choices. Check out Cook Reel for more delicious meal ideas, like this cozy Mexican street white chicken chili, to round out your meal.
Serving ideas
Arrange the tacos on a platter for an appealing presentation. Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor.
For a fun twist, set up a taco bar with all the ingredients and let your guests assemble their own tacos. This is a great way to customize the tacos to everyone’s liking. Offer a variety of toppings and sauces for a truly interactive dining experience. For another fun meal idea, see how Cook Reel put together these cranberry turkey sliders; they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Consider serving the tacos as appetizers at a party. Their small size and delicious flavor make them perfect for snacking. Serve them with small plates and napkins for easy handling. These tacos would also be a hit at a potluck or picnic.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Wonton tacos are best served immediately to maintain their crispiness. However, if you have leftovers, store the wonton shells separately from the filling to prevent them from getting soggy. Place the wonton shells in an airtight container at room temperature.
Store the cooked chicken filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken filling in a skillet over medium heat before serving. Do not microwave the wonton shells as they will become soggy.
We don’t recommend freezing the wonton shells or the filled tacos as they will lose their texture. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken filling for up to 2 months. Thaw the chicken filling in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Make-ahead
You can bake the wonton shells a few hours in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will save you time on the day you plan to serve the tacos. The wonton shells should stay crisp for several hours if stored properly.
The chicken filling can also be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more. Simply reheat the chicken filling before assembling the tacos.
Chop all the vegetables (lettuce, carrots, and green onions) ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. This will make the assembly process even quicker. You can also prepare the sweet chili sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
Common mistakes when making Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos
- Not greasing the muffin tin properly: This can cause the wonton shells to stick and break when you try to remove them. Make sure to grease the muffin tin thoroughly with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Overfilling the wonton shells: Overfilling the shells can make them soggy and prone to breaking. Be careful not to add too much filling to each taco.
- Baking the wonton shells for too long: Baking the wonton shells for too long can cause them to burn. Keep a close eye on them while they’re in the oven and remove them as soon as they turn golden brown.
- Not draining the excess grease from the chicken: Excess grease can make the tacos soggy. Be sure to drain any excess grease from the chicken after it’s cooked.
- Serving the tacos too far in advance: The wonton shells will lose their crispness if they sit for too long after being filled. Serve the tacos immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Final notes
These crispy chicken wonton tacos are a delightful and easy way to add some fun to your next meal. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to be a hit with everyone. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and sauces to make these tacos your own!
Remember to bake the wonton shells until they are perfectly golden brown and crispy. This is key to achieving the perfect taco texture. And don’t forget to drain the excess grease from the chicken to prevent soggy tacos.
So go ahead, give this recipe a try! You’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious these crispy chicken wonton tacos are. Enjoy the process and have fun creating your own unique taco masterpiece.
Loved this Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos? Try these next
- White chicken chili cozy Mexican street
- Cranberry turkey sliders recipe
- Apple cinnamon pancakes
- Easy chocolate cake
- Lemon blueberry muffins
Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos
These Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos are a fun and flavorful twist on classic tacos, featuring seasoned chicken and fresh toppings nestled in crispy wonton shells. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or appetizer!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 36 wonton wrappers
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin.
- In a medium bowl, combine ground chicken, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Press each wonton wrapper into a muffin tin cup to form a taco shell shape. Brush lightly with olive oil.
- Bake the wonton shells for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- While the wonton shells are baking, cook the seasoned ground chicken in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and browned (about 8-10 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
- Carefully remove the crispy wonton shells from the muffin tin. Fill each shell with the cooked ground chicken, shredded lettuce, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions.
- Drizzle sweet chili sauce over the tacos and sprinkle with sesame seeds (if using). Serve immediately.
Notes
For spicier tacos, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture. Wonton tacos are best served immediately to maintain their crispiness. To store, keep the wonton shells separate from the filling to prevent them from getting soggy. You can bake the wonton shells a few hours in advance and store them in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg