Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos: A Weeknight Win (Print Version)

Make crispy chicken wonton tacos at home! This recipe turns simple ingredients into a fun, flavorful dinner. Get my tips for crunchy shells and juicy filling.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Asian-Fusion
Dietary: Contains Meat, Dairy-Free Option

# Ingredients:

→ Wonton Taco Shells

01 - 1 (12 oz) package square wonton wrappers
02 - 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying

→ Spicy Chicken Filling

03 - 1 lb ground chicken
04 - 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
05 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
06 - 1 tsp sesame oil
07 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1-2 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)

→ Crunchy Slaw & Toppings

10 - 2 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage & carrots)
11 - 2 green onions, sliced thin
12 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
13 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

→ Sauce Drizzle

14 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
15 - 1 tbsp sriracha (or more, to taste)
16 - 1 tsp fresh lime juice

# Instructions:

01 - First up, let’s get that chicken feeling flavorful! In a medium bowl, combine your ground chicken with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha. Use your hands to really get in there and mix it all up – honestly, it’s the best way to ensure every bit of chicken gets coated. I usually let it sit for about 10 minutes while I get everything else ready; it really helps those flavors meld. You can just smell all that yummy ginger and garlic already!
02 - Now, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add your seasoned ground chicken. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, stirring until it's browned and cooked through, no pink bits left! This usually takes me about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if there’s a lot, but usually, with lean ground chicken, it’s not too much. This is where the kitchen starts to smell absolutely amazing, making your stomach rumble, oops!
03 - This is the fun part, but also where I messed up the first time! Pour about an inch of vegetable oil into a separate skillet and heat it to around 350°F (175°C). Carefully drape a wonton wrapper over two chopsticks or the sides of a metal spoon, holding it gently to create a taco shape. Fry for about 30-60 seconds per side until golden brown and crispy. They cook so fast! Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Don't overcrowd the pan, work in batches!
04 - While your wontons are cooling, let’s get the slaw ready. In a bowl, toss together the coleslaw mix, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro. It’s a super simple mix, but it adds such a necessary fresh crunch to the Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos. I sometimes add a little shredded carrot if I have it hanging around, just for extra color and sweetness. This step is easy peasy, no real room for disaster here, thank goodness!
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth. Taste it! Does it need more kick? More tang? This is your sauce, so make it perfect for you. I often add a tiny bit more lime; I love that bright zing. This sauce is what ties all the flavors of the Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos together, so don't skip it!
06 - Alright, time for the grand finale! Take a crispy wonton shell, fill it with a generous spoonful of the spicy chicken mixture. Top that with a pile of your fresh slaw. Drizzle generously with the sriracha mayo. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. What a sight! They look so vibrant and inviting, and that first bite? Pure bliss. You've earned this, friend!

# Notes:

01 - Don't walk away from the wontons while frying; they turn from perfect to burnt in seconds, trust me on this!
02 - Store the chicken filling and slaw separately for best leftover quality—fried wontons get soggy.
03 - If you don't have fresh ginger, you can use 1/2 tsp ground ginger, but fresh is honestly so much better.
04 - Serve immediately for maximum crunch, perhaps with a side of cool cucumber salad.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet
02 - medium bowl
03 - small bowl
04 - whisk
05 - paper towel-lined plate
06 - tongs or chopsticks

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 25g