Chicken wonton tacos are a fun twist on traditional tacos! Crispy wonton wrappers filled with juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and a zesty sauce make every bite exciting.
They’re perfect for a quick meal or a snack that feels special. I love serving them with a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime—it makes them extra tasty! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton Wrappers: These are essential for the crispy taco shells. If you can’t find wonton wrappers, you can use egg roll wrappers cut into quarters. Alternatively, homemade tortillas can work but will offer a different texture.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to cook and absorb flavors well. If you want to save time, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great substitute. Even tofu or tempeh could work for a vegetarian option!
Cabbage: I recommend using both green and purple cabbage for a crunch and color pop. You can swap them for coleslaw mix if you’re short on time or even use shredded carrots for an extra touch of sweetness.
Sauces: Hoisin sauce adds sweetness and depth. If you’re out, try a mix of soy sauce and a bit of honey or brown sugar. For sriracha, hot sauce can be a fine alternative, just adjust the amount to your spice preference.
How Do I Make Crispy Wonton Taco Shells?
Making wonton taco shells is fun and straightforward! Here’s the best way to ensure they turn out perfectly crispy:
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If you have a taco mold, great! For a makeshift method, drape wonton wrappers over an oven-safe rack, small cups, or even muffin tins to shape them into tacos.
- Lightly spray or brush the wrappers with vegetable oil. This helps them become crispy in the oven.
- Bake for about 8-10 minutes, keeping an eye on them. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and crispy. Let them cool before filling to avoid sogginess!
Enjoy the process—it’s a great way to impress your family or friends with homemade taco shells!
How to Make Chicken Wonton Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 20 wonton wrappers
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
For the Marinade:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
For the Sauce Drizzle:
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and about 10-15 minutes to cook. You’ll have crispy wonton tacos ready in about 35-40 minutes, perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes. Add the chicken pieces and toss until they’re well coated. Let them marinate for at least 20 minutes to soak up all those flavors.
2. Prepare Wonton Taco Shells:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape the wonton wrappers into taco shells by using a taco mold, or draping them over an oven-safe taco rack or small cups. Spray or brush each wonton with a bit of vegetable oil to help them crisp up. Bake for about 8-10 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. Let them cool once done!
3. Cook the Chicken:
While the shells are baking, heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re browned and cooked through. Remember to season with salt and pepper to your liking!
4. Prepare the Sauce Drizzle:
In a small bowl, mix together hoisin sauce, sriracha, and water. This will create a delicious drizzle for your tacos! Adjust the spice level based on your preference.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to fill those crispy wonton shells! Add some cooked chicken to each taco, then top them off with shredded green and purple cabbage. Toss on some sliced green onions and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor!
6. Serve:
Finish off by drizzling the hoisin-sriracha sauce over the assembled tacos. Garnish with extra cilantro if you like, and serve with lime wedges on the side for that extra zesty kick!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful chicken wonton tacos! They’re sure to be a hit! 🌮
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, ground turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.
How Do I Store Leftover Wontons?
If you have leftover wonton taco shells, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their crispiness. The filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat both before serving for the best texture!
Can I Make the Filling in Advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken a day ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just cook it fresh when you’re ready to assemble the tacos for the best flavor and texture.
What Should I Serve with Chicken Wonton Tacos?
These tacos pair wonderfully with a side of rice or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce on the side, like sweet chili sauce or extra hoisin sauce, for a fun twist!
