If you are craving a fun twist on tacos that bursts with bold flavors and crispy texture, this Spicy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining tender chicken marinated in an Asian-inspired dressing, crunchy wonton wrappers fried to perfection, and a zesty slaw bursting with jalapenos and cilantro, these tacos deliver a flavorful punch in every bite. Whether you prefer grilling, stir-frying, or baking, this Spicy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe offers an irresistible combination that turns any meal into a party for your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Spicy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role: the chicken provides a juicy base, the wonton wrappers add delightful crunch, and the slaw brings brightness and spice that perfectly complement the savory filling.
- 5 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The main protein, ensure they are fresh for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and richness when stir-frying the chicken.
- 1 package Cole slaw: This is the fresh, crisp topping that lightens the dish.
- 1/4 cup diced red onion: Provides a sharp bite and lovely color contrast.
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced jalapenos: Customizable heat and essential zing for the slaw.
- 1/2 Tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes: Boosts the spice level when cooking the chicken.
- 1 bottle Asian dressing/marinade (such as Kraft Asian Toasted Sesame): This is the secret to that tangy-sweet flavor fusion.
- 1 package square wonton wrappers: The crunchy vessel that holds it all together.
- 1 cup vegetable oil: Perfect for frying the wonton tacos to golden crispiness.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Fresh herbaceous notes that brighten up each bite.
- Limes: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds the perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Spicy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slaw
Start by combining the cole slaw, chopped cilantro, and diced red onion in a large bowl. Drain the jalapenos, then add as many as you can handle for your preferred heat level—it’s okay to start small and adjust later. Pour about a quarter cup of the Asian dressing over the mix, tossing everything well. Cover and refrigerate to let the flavors meld while you work on the chicken. This cool, spicy slaw is essential to balancing the rich, crispy wontons.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and coat them evenly with your chosen Asian dressing/marinade. Let this chill in the fridge for at least an hour, ideally alongside your slaw. The marinade not only infuses the chicken with that signature sweet-savory flavor but also tenderizes it, resulting in juicy, flavorful bites that are the heart of this recipe.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
For the classic grilled version, fire up your grill and cook the chicken breasts for roughly 8 minutes or until cooked through. Then chop them into bite-sized cubes. Alternatively, if a skillet suits you better, heat the sesame oil on medium and stir-fry the cubed chicken with crushed red pepper flakes for a quick, spicy finish. Either way, the chicken should be hot and ready to be tucked into crispy wonton tacos.
Step 4: Fry the Wonton Tacos
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Take two wonton wrappers stacked together—this double layer ensures sturdiness—and place a strip of the cooked chicken along the center. Fold the wrappers up the sides to shape a mini taco. Using tongs, carefully fry each side for about one minute until golden brown and crispy. This process gives the wontons that satisfying crunch that makes these tacos incredibly addictive.
Step 5: Assemble Your Wonton Tacos
Load each crispy wonton taco with a generous scoop of your spicy coleslaw mixture. Finish with a fresh squeeze of lime juice right before serving. The bright acidity cuts through the richness, tying all the flavors together beautifully. Now, your Spicy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe is ready to delight your guests and family.
How to Serve Spicy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Spicy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe, sprinkle extra chopped cilantro or a few thin slices of fresh jalapeno on top. A drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can also add a lovely touch both visually and flavor-wise, delivering those extra layers of complexity in each bite.
Side Dishes
These tacos pair wonderfully with light, fresh sides such as cucumber salad or steamed edamame to keep the meal balanced. For a heartier option, serving alongside fluffy jasmine rice or simple fried rice compliments the Asian flavors without overpowering the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Spicy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe on a decorative platter arranged with lime wedges and small bowls of extra sauce for dipping. Alternatively, stack the tacos standing upright in a taco holder or line them up on a wooden board for a casual party vibe that invites everyone to grab and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cooked chicken and slaw stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. This helps maintain the crunch of the slaw and prevents the wontons from becoming soggy if stored assembled. The fried wonton shells are best eaten fresh but can be kept at room temperature in a sealed container for a day if necessary.
Freezing
While the assembled wonton tacos don’t freeze well due to texture changes, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately in freezer-safe bags for up to two months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating gently to retain moisture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of sesame oil to bring back some juiciness. If you want to revive the wonton shells, briefly bake them in a 375°F oven for a few minutes until crisp. Avoid microwaving to keep that irresistible crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I make the Spicy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with crispy tofu cubes or sautéed mushrooms to keep the texture interesting. Use the same marinade and frying technique for that signature flavor boost.
How spicy are these tacos?
The spice level is very flexible. You can adjust the amount of jalapenos and crushed red pepper flakes based on your preference. The coleslaw helps mellow out the heat, making these tacos enjoyable for a wide range of spice tolerances.
Can I bake the wonton tacos instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a great alternative if you want a lighter version. Place the filled wontons on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes until golden and crispy. They won’t be quite as crunchy as frying but still delicious.
What can I use if I don’t have Asian dressing?
You can make a quick substitute using a mix of soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, a little honey, and garlic powder. This will replicate the sweet-savory flavor essential for the marinade and slaw.
How do I keep the wonton tacos from breaking?
Stacking two wonton wrappers together before folding creates a sturdier shell that holds up well during frying. Also, avoid overfilling with chicken to prevent tearing or breakage when folding and frying.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe is a vibrant and satisfying dish that turns everyday ingredients into an unforgettable meal. Whether you make the grilled or baked version, the fusion of spicy heat, crunchy wontons, and fresh slaw is pure joy on a plate. Trust me, once you try these tacos, they will quickly become a beloved go-to recipe for dinner parties or weeknight family meals. So grab your ingredients, invite some friends, and dive happily into this flavor-packed adventure!
Print
Spicy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
These Spicy Chicken Wonton Tacos are a delightful fusion dish combining tender marinated chicken with crunchy coleslaw, wrapped in crispy fried or baked wonton shells. Perfect for a flavorful appetizer or a fun main course, this recipe offers two cooking methods to suit your preference: grilling and frying for a crispy taco shell, or baking for a lighter option. The Asian-inspired dressing and fresh lime add a tangy, spicy kick that will excite your taste buds.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 5 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 bottle Asian dressing/marinade (e.g., Kraft Asian Toasted Sesame dressing/marinade)
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 Tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
Coleslaw Topping
- 1 package cole slaw mix
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced jalapeños
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Approximately 1/4 cup Asian dressing/marinade
Wonton Tacos
- 1 package square wonton wrappers
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- Limes (for squeezing on top)
Instructions
- Prepare the coleslaw mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cole slaw mix, chopped cilantro, and diced red onion. Drain the diced jalapeños and add about one-quarter of the can to the mix (adjust to your heat preference). Pour approximately 1/4 cup of Asian dressing into the bowl, toss well, cover, and refrigerate for at least one hour to blend the flavors.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl and coat thoroughly with your desired amount of the Asian dressing/marinade. Cover and refrigerate for one hour, ideally alongside the coleslaw.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for at least 8 minutes or until fully cooked through. Remove from grill and cut into bite-sized cubes.
- Stir-fry seasoned chicken: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed grilled chicken and crushed red pepper flakes, stir-frying for about 2 minutes until the chicken is heated through and evenly coated. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Heat oil for frying wonton shells: Using the same skillet, add 1 cup of vegetable oil and heat over medium to medium-low heat for frying the tacos.
- Assemble tacos: Place a strip of the stir-fried chicken down the center of two wonton wrappers (double-layering for sturdiness). Fold up the sides to form a taco shape.
- Fry the wonton tacos: Using tongs, carefully fry each assembled taco in the hot oil for about 1 minute, turning to ensure all sides turn golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and drain excess oil on paper towels.
- Add toppings and serve: Top each crispy wonton taco with the prepared coleslaw mixture and finish with a fresh squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately and enjoy your spicy chicken wonton tacos!
- Baked version option: Preheat oven to 375°F. Assemble the tacos by filling uncooked wonton wrappers with the cooked chicken cubes, fold into a taco shape, and place them in a greased 9×13 baking pan. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the wrappers are golden and crispy. Top with coleslaw and lime before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños and red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your taste preference.
- Using two wonton wrappers per taco ensures sturdiness and prevents tearing during frying or baking.
- If frying, be careful with the hot oil and use tongs to avoid burns.
- The baked version provides a lighter alternative, ideal for reducing oil intake.
- Make sure chicken is fully cooked before frying or assembling the tacos.
- Leftover coleslaw and chicken can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
