Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
These Chicken Wonton Tacos are a delicious fusion dish combining crispy fried wonton shells filled with tender, flavorful shredded chicken and a refreshing Asian slaw. Marinated chicken is pan-seared for juiciness and topped with sweet chili sauce, fresh cilantro, and green onions for a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Ready in just 35 minutes, they make an impressive appetizer or light meal that’s sure to please a crowd.
- Author: Ava
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 medium breasts)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (divided: 1 tablespoon for marinade and 1 tablespoon for slaw)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
For Cooking Chicken
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Wonton Shells and Frying
- 24 wonton wrappers (square)
- 4 cups vegetable oil for deep frying (enough for about 2 inches depth)
Asian Slaw
- 2 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
To Assemble
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (Thai sweet chili sauce)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Marinate – In a bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and brown sugar. Add the chicken breasts, turning to coat completely, and let marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook Chicken – Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve marinade) and cook the breasts for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare Slaw – In a bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, remaining 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, sugar, and toasted sesame seeds. Toss well and let it sit to meld the flavors.
- Shape and Fry Wontons – Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C) to a depth of about 2 inches for frying. To form taco-shaped shells, drape each wonton wrapper over the handle of a wooden spoon carefully. Fry each wrapper for 30 to 45 seconds per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Shred Chicken – Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board. While still warm, shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Season Shredded Chicken – Toss shredded chicken with any reserved marinade or add a splash of extra soy sauce to add more moisture and flavor.
- Fill Wonton Shells – Place a small handful of the Asian slaw into each fried wonton shell. Be careful not to overfill to keep the shell crispy and intact.
- Finish and Serve – Top slaw with shredded chicken, drizzle generously with sweet chili sauce, and garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions. Serve immediately while shells remain crisp.
Notes
- Make sure oil temperature is steady at 350°F for perfectly crispy wonton shells.
- Do not overfill wonton shells to prevent sogginess and breaking.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
- Wonton shells can be fried in batches and kept warm in a low oven before filling.
- Substitute fresh ginger with ground ginger if needed, but fresh is preferred for flavor.
Keywords: Chicken wonton tacos, fried wonton shells, Asian slaw tacos, sweet chili chicken, finger food, appetizer