Asian Chicken Wonton Tacos

These Asian chicken wonton tacos bring a burst of flavor and texture that turns taco night into a fresh and exciting meal. The crispy wonton shells hold a savory, caramelized chicken filling paired with a lively, crunchy slaw. It’s a fun fusion dish that comes together quickly yet feels special enough for guests or a weeknight treat.

I first made these tacos when I wanted something different for taco night, and now they are a regular request. Everyone loves the contrast between the warm chicken and fresh slaw.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts finely diced: lean protein that soaks up the marinade flavors quickly
• Hoisin sauce: adds a sweet and spicy depth, look for a good quality Asian brand for best results
• Sesame oil: imparts that nutty aroma essential in Asian cooking, toasted sesame oil works great
• Soy sauce: provides umami richness, low sodium is better if you want to control saltiness
• Fresh garlic and ginger minced: these brighten and lift the flavor profile
• Coleslaw mix: the crunchy base for the slaw, use pre-shredded for convenience or fresh cabbage and carrots if you prefer
• Green onions thinly sliced: add sharpness and freshness
• Rice vinegar: offers acidity that balances the sweetness and richness in the slaw
• Honey: brings a natural sweetness that rounds out the dressing
• Wonton wrappers: crispy and light taco shells when baked, look for fresh or frozen in the Asian foods aisle
• Sweet chili sauce: a sweet heat topping that adds another layer of flavor
• Chopped cilantro and sesame seeds: fresh and toasty garnishes that elevate the dish

Instructions

Prepare Wonton Shells:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. Lightly coat the wonton wrappers with cooking spray or brush them with a little olive or canola oil. Take a 9 by 13-inch baking dish and drape each wonton wrapper over the edges so it forms a taco shell shape. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes, watching carefully so they do not burn. Remove from the oven while they are still soft enough to work with, gently separate them to avoid sticking, then return them to the oven for another 7 to 8 minutes until they turn golden and crisp.

Cook Chicken:

In a large bowl mix together your diced raw chicken with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Heat a large skillet on high heat, then add the chicken mixture and sauté for 7 to 8 minutes. Toss or stir frequently to let the chicken cook evenly and develop a slight caramelization that boosts the flavor.

Make Asian Slaw:

While the chicken cooks, take the coleslaw mix and thinly sliced green onions and combine them in a large bowl. Add the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Toss all the ingredients together thoroughly so the slaw is evenly coated with the tangy and sweet dressing.

Assemble Tacos:

Fill each baked wonton shell with the cooked chicken mixture. Add a generous scoop of the Asian slaw on top. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce to your taste. Finish by garnishing with chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a bright and crunchy contrast. Serve these tacos immediately for the best texture and flavor.

It takes me back to family dinners where simple, fresh ingredients came together in exciting new ways. It’s a dish that gives both comfort and adventure on your plate.

Storage tips

Store any leftover chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers refrigerated up to three days. Wonton shells are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored wrapped tightly at room temperature for a day. To reheat, warm the filling gently and toast shells briefly in the oven to recapture crispness.

Ingredient substitutions

For a vegetarian version swap chicken for diced firm tofu or chopped mushrooms lightly sautéed in the same sauce. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten free option. Maple syrup is a good substitute for honey if vegan.

Serving suggestions

Serve these tacos with extra lime wedges to squeeze over for brightness. A side of steamed edamame or cucumber salad complements the flavors beautifully. To dress it up for guests, add sliced avocado or pickled jalapeños for heat.

Enjoy making this delicious Asian chicken wonton tacos recipe that is quick, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

FAQs about Recipes

→ How do you keep wonton shells crispy?

Lightly oil the wonton wrappers and bake them on a dish’s edge to form shell shapes. Bake at 375°F, checking often to avoid burning, then finish baking until golden and crisp.

→ What marinade ingredients enhance the chicken flavor?

Hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and fresh ginger create a rich, savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully when sautéed.

→ Can I prepare the Asian slaw ahead of time?

Yes, the slaw can be made in advance and kept refrigerated. Toss well before serving to refresh the flavors.

→ What toppings best complement the chicken wonton tacos?

Sweet chili sauce adds a hint of heat and sweetness, while chopped cilantro and sesame seeds contribute freshness and texture.

→ Is it possible to bake wonton shells without special equipment?

Yes, drape the wrappers over the edges of a baking dish or glasses to shape them before baking for crisp, taco-style shells.