Chicken Wonton Tacos with Asian Slaw Recipe
If you’re craving something that’s fun to eat, bursting with flavor, and a little unexpected, you’re in the right place. This Chicken Wonton Tacos with Asian Slaw Recipe is a total game-changer. Imagine crispy wonton shells filled with juicy, teriyaki-marinated chicken, topped with a crunchy, tangy Asian slaw and drizzled with sweet chili sauce. It’s like taco night met Asian street food and they hit it off beautifully. Stick around because I’m sharing all my best tips to help you nail this recipe every time—you’re going to love how easy and delicious it is!
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Texture Contrast: Crispy baked wonton shells meet tender, juicy chicken and crunchy, fresh slaw.
- Bold Umami Flavors: The teriyaki marinade combined with sesame and soy sauce creates irresistible depth.
- Easy to Customize: Swap proteins or add heat to make it your own, perfect for any palate.
- Great for Entertaining: Bite-sized and visually fun; they’re casual yet impressive every time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients in this Chicken Wonton Tacos with Asian Slaw Recipe come together beautifully to balance savory, sweet, tangy, and fresh notes. I like to pick a good quality teriyaki sauce and fresh ginger to keep flavors vibrant. Shopping for fresh green onions and cilantro really lifts the slaw, and don’t skip the wonton wrappers—they’re key to that perfect crunch.
- Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick, even cooking and easy bites in the tacos.
- Teriyaki sauce: Adds sweet umami richness, making the chicken flavorful.
- Sesame oil: Brings a toasty, nutty note that deepens the flavor profile.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Controls saltiness while adding savory depth.
- Fresh garlic and ginger: Classic Asian aromatics that keep flavors bright and fresh.
- Coleslaw mix: A convenient way to get crunchy cabbage and carrots without chopping.
- Green onions: Give a mild onion bite and vibrant color.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a gentle acidity to balance the sweetness.
- Honey: Sweetens the slaw dressing naturally and balances vinegar sharpness.
- Wonton wrappers: The crispy shell that elevates the taco experience.
- Sweet chili sauce: My top pick for a sweet-spicy finish and a bit of sticky goodness.
- Sesame seeds and cilantro: Little touches that add crunch and fresh herbal aroma.
Make It Your Way
This recipe feels like a perfect canvas—you can really dress it up or keep it simple. I love adding a little heat by mixing sriracha into the sweet chili sauce or swapping chicken for shrimp if I want something lighter. Honestly, it’s a recipe I fiddle with all the time based on what I have and who I’m cooking for.
- Variation: When I make this for friends who love spice, I stir some chili garlic sauce into the marinade for the chicken—totally elevates the heat without overpowering the dish.
- Vegetarian Option: Try marinated tofu or crispy tempeh for that same satisfying umami punch.
- Seasonal Twist: Add shredded carrots or thinly sliced radishes in the slaw to brighten it up during spring and summer.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Wonton Tacos with Asian Slaw Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Flavorful Juiciness
Start by slicing your chicken breasts thinly—this helps them cook faster and soak up the marinade evenly. Toss the chicken in a bowl or large ziplock bag along with teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger. Then cover that up and let it hang out in your fridge for at least an hour. I usually prep this part the night before if I can, which really lets all the flavors mingle and develop.
Step 2: Craft Crispy Wonton Shells in a Jiffy
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Here’s a neat trick: flip a muffin tin upside down, and press your wonton wrappers into the spaces between two muffin cups to form a little “V” shape. Bake for about 7-9 minutes, but watch carefully—they brown fast and you want crisp golden edges, not burnt ones. Cooking in batches is totally normal here. This little step earns you irresistibly crisp taco shells without deep frying.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken to Tender Perfection
Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Take your marinated chicken out of the fridge and cook it, tossing frequently so it cooks evenly and stays juicy. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes depending on how thinly you sliced your chicken. Once it’s no longer pink and smells incredible, remove the pan from heat.
Step 4: Toss Together the Asian Slaw
Dump your coleslaw bag and chopped green onions into a large bowl. In a smaller bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey to create a simple but balanced slaw dressing. Drizzle this over your veggies and toss everything gently — you want every bite to have that tangy-sweet crunch.
Step 5: Assemble Your Chicken Wonton Tacos with Asian Slaw Recipe
Gently fill your crispy wonton shells with a layer of the tender chicken, then top with a generous scoop of Asian slaw. Drizzle a little sweet chili sauce over everything, then sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for freshness. Serve these babies right away while the shells are still crisp and the chicken warm!
Tips from My Kitchen
- Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If you’ve got the time, marinate your chicken overnight to get that next-level depth.
- Don’t Overbake Wontons: Keep a close eye while baking—they go from golden to burnt super fast.
- Use Fresh Herbs for Brightness: Cilantro is a must-have topping—it really wakes up the whole dish.
- Serve Immediately: Wonton shells get soggy if they sit with wet ingredients too long, so assemble just before serving.
How to Serve Chicken Wonton Tacos with Asian Slaw Recipe
Garnishes
I’m all about keeping things fresh and vibrant here. I always top with chopped cilantro and sprinkle on toasted sesame seeds for a little nutty crunch. Sometimes I add thinly sliced red chilies or a squeeze of lime juice if I want an extra zing. These small touches make the tacos feel restaurant-level special.
Side Dishes
These tacos pair so well with a cool cucumber salad or even some steamed edamame for an easy, healthy side. On casual nights, I love serving them alongside some sticky jasmine rice or simple fried rice to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I’ve served these on a long platter lined with banana leaves for a tropical vibe. You can also stack them in mini taco holders or arrange them around a small bowl of extra sweet chili sauce for dipping—it always gets people chatting and sharing. Presentation is half the fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep the chicken and slaw separate in airtight containers to prevent sogginess. The wonton shells are best stored at room temperature in a sealed container to stay crisp. This way, when you’re ready to eat leftovers, everything feels fresh and delicious.
Freezing
The cooked chicken freezes well on its own—freeze in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag to avoid clumping. I don’t recommend freezing the wonton shells or slaw since the texture doesn’t hold up. Thaw chicken overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To keep the chicken juicy, gently reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth. Resist microwaving the shells—if they soften, just pop them back into a hot oven for a couple of minutes to get that crispiness back.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save you time. Just shred it and toss with a bit of teriyaki sauce and sesame oil before assembling. It won’t have quite the same fresh marinade flavor but it still makes a delicious shortcut.
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How do I keep the wonton shells from getting soggy?
The key is to bake the shells crisp and assemble tacos right before serving. Keep the cooked chicken and slaw separate until the last minute to maintain optimal texture.
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Can I make the Asian slaw from scratch?
Definitely! You can thinly slice cabbage, carrots, and even snap peas, then toss with the same dressing ingredients for a fresh, homemade slaw. It adds an extra layer of brightness to your Chicken Wonton Tacos with Asian Slaw Recipe.
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Is there a gluten-free alternative for wonton wrappers?
Gluten-free wonton wrappers are available at many specialty stores or online. Alternatively, you could serve the chicken and slaw over crispy lettuce leaves for a naturally gluten-free twist.
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What’s the best way to add extra spice?
Mix chili garlic sauce into your chicken marinade or drizzle some sriracha alongside the sweet chili sauce when serving. Adding thinly sliced fresh chilies to the slaw also amps up the heat in a fresh way.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Wonton Tacos with Asian Slaw Recipe holds a special place on my weeknight dinner rotation—it’s just so fun and satisfying to eat, and it impresses every time without being complicated. If you want to shake up taco night or try something with vibrant Asian flavors that’s approachable and quick, give this recipe a go. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become your go-to when you want a meal that feels a little festive but comes together with ease. Enjoy every crunchy, flavorful bite!
Print
Chicken Wonton Tacos with Asian Slaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
Delightful Chicken Wonton Tacos featuring tender marinated chicken, crisp Asian slaw, and crispy baked wonton shells, topped with sweet chili sauce, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. A perfect fusion appetizer or snack with vibrant flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons fresh garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)
Asian Slaw
- 1 bag coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup green onions (diced)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
Shell & Toppings
- 16 wonton wrappers
- Sweet chili sauce (to drizzle)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into long thin strips. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken with teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, low sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare Wonton Shells: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Turn a muffin tin upside down and press a wonton wrapper between two muffin cups to create a ‘V’ shape. Place in the oven and bake for 9 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. Remove and set aside. Repeat for remaining wrappers in batches.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a large pan over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil. Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and sauté in the hot oil, tossing frequently, until fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Asian Slaw: In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix and diced green onions. In a separate bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, low sodium soy sauce, and honey to create the dressing. Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Assemble Tacos: Take a baked wonton shell and add a layer of cooked chicken. Top with a generous spoonful of Asian slaw. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped fresh cilantro. Repeat with remaining shells.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chicken wonton tacos immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, bake wonton shells individually and watch closely to prevent burning.
- Marinating chicken overnight can deepen the flavor for a more intense taste.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control sodium content in the recipe.
- Sweet chili sauce can be substituted with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for a spicier version.
- Leftovers are best stored separately: keep chicken and slaw chilled and reheat chicken before assembling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg