Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Wonton Tacos are a delightful fusion of two beloved dishes—crispy wontons and flavorful tacos—into a bite-sized, crispy, and savory masterpiece. These little tacos bring together the crunchy texture of fried wonton wrappers and the zesty, tender chicken filling, creating a dish that is full of flavor, fun, and excitement. Perfect for appetizer platters, party snacks, or as a casual dinner, Chicken Wonton Tacos are guaranteed to be a hit with guests of all ages.

The beauty of Chicken Wonton Tacos lies in their versatility. You can customize the filling with a variety of seasonings and toppings, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you want to keep it simple with a few fresh ingredients or add a gourmet touch with more complex flavors, these tacos deliver on both taste and presentation. Easy to make and packed with delicious flavors, Chicken Wonton Tacos are sure to become your new favorite go-to dish.

This recipe will guide you through every step, from preparing the chicken filling to frying the wonton wrappers into perfectly crispy taco shells. We’ll also share some creative variations to try, along with tips for perfecting your tacos every time.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Wonton Tacos

• Crispy and Crunchy: The fried wonton wrappers offer a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken filling. The crispiness provides an exciting textural contrast to the tender chicken, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
• Bold Flavor: With a blend of seasonings, fresh cilantro, and tangy lime, the chicken filling is bursting with bold flavors. Add in your choice of toppings—like creamy avocado, tangy salsa, or crunchy slaw—and you have a taco that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
• Fun Fusion: This dish combines the flavors of Asian-inspired wontons with the Mexican classic taco, making it a fun and unique fusion food. It’s the best of both worlds and a surefire crowd-pleaser.
• Quick and Easy: With a relatively short prep time and minimal ingredients, Chicken Wonton Tacos are a breeze to make, even for beginner cooks. The wonton wrappers cook quickly, and the filling comes together in just a few simple steps.
• Customizable: Whether you’re a fan of spicy food, prefer a more subtle flavor profile, or want to add extra toppings, this dish is easily adaptable to your tastes. The taco shells are the perfect base for any filling or garnish you like.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 12 tacos
• Calories per Serving: Around 200-250 calories per taco, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 200-250 kcal
• Fat: 10-12g
• Carbohydrates: 18-20g
• Protein: 12-15g
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Sugar: 2-3g

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Wonton Taco Shells:

• 12 wonton wrappers
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Toppings (optional):

• Sliced avocado
• Shredded lettuce
• Sour cream or Mexican crema
• Salsa (tomato, mango, or your preferred variety)
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Filling

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing it to become fragrant. Add the ground chicken to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.

Once the chicken is cooked through, season it with cumin, chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir the seasonings into the chicken mixture, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Add the soy sauce and lime juice to the chicken mixture, stirring to combine. The soy sauce adds depth of flavor, while the lime juice provides a fresh tanginess that balances the savory elements. Stir in the fresh cilantro, and adjust the seasoning to taste. Once the filling is well-combined and flavorful, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Wonton Taco Shells

In a large, deep skillet or saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll want enough oil to submerge the wonton wrappers and fry them evenly. The oil should reach a temperature of around 350°F (175°C).

While the oil heats up, place a few layers of paper towels on a plate to drain excess oil from the fried wontons. You can also set up a cooling rack if you prefer.

To form the taco shells, gently press the wonton wrappers into the hot oil using tongs or a spoon. Fry the wrappers for 30-45 seconds on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. You’ll need to flip them carefully to ensure both sides cook evenly.

Once the wonton wrappers are fried, use tongs to remove them from the oil and place them on the paper towels or cooling rack to drain any excess oil. Continue frying the remaining wonton wrappers, working in batches if necessary.

Once the wonton shells are fried and crisp, carefully bend them into a taco shape while they’re still hot, creating a little taco shell. You can do this by gently pressing down in the center of the wonton and folding up the sides to form the taco shape. Let the shells cool completely before assembling the tacos.

3. Assemble the Chicken Wonton Tacos

Once the taco shells have cooled and hardened, it’s time to assemble your Chicken Wonton Tacos.

Spoon a generous amount of the chicken filling into each fried wonton taco shell. Be sure to fill the shells to the top, but leave enough space to add your desired toppings.

Once the chicken filling is in place, add any toppings of your choice. Some great options include sliced avocado, shredded lettuce, sour cream, salsa, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. The toppings will add freshness, crunch, and creaminess, balancing the richness of the chicken filling.

Once all the tacos are assembled, they’re ready to serve!

4. Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the assembled Chicken Wonton Tacos on a serving platter and garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges for a pop of color and flavor. Serve these tacos immediately while the wonton shells are still crispy and the filling is warm.

These tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. If you have leftovers, you can reheat the chicken filling and serve it with freshly fried wonton wrappers.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Wonton Tacos

• Don’t Overcrowd the Oil: When frying the wonton wrappers, be sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches to ensure each wrapper cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
• Filling Variations: Feel free to get creative with the chicken filling. Add diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different spices to suit your taste.
• Taco Shell Shape: If you prefer a larger taco shell, you can use egg roll wrappers instead of wonton wrappers. Simply follow the same frying technique, but fold the wrappers into larger taco shapes.
• Crispiness: For maximum crispiness, make sure the wonton wrappers are properly fried and cooled completely before assembling the tacos. The shells will stay crisp longer if they are allowed to cool properly.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve these tacos with a side of Mexican street corn, roasted vegetables, or a simple avocado salad for a complete meal. You can also pair them with a refreshing drink like a margarita or a cold beer.

Variations of Chicken Wonton Tacos

• Spicy Chicken Wonton Tacos: Add chopped jalapeños or a spicy hot sauce to the chicken filling for an extra kick. Top with a drizzle of sriracha or spicy mayo for added heat.
• Buffalo Chicken Wonton Tacos: Use cooked shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce for a tangy and spicy version of these tacos. Add blue cheese crumbles and celery for that authentic buffalo flavor.
• BBQ Chicken Wonton Tacos: Substitute the soy sauce and lime juice in the filling with BBQ sauce for a smoky, sweet flavor. Top with coleslaw and pickles for a delicious Southern-inspired twist.
• Vegetarian Wonton Tacos: Skip the chicken and use seasoned beans or roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini for a satisfying vegetarian option.
• Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos: If you prefer chicken with a crunchy coating, try breading and frying chicken tenders or pieces before adding them to the wonton shells for extra texture.

Storage and Shelf Life

Chicken Wonton Tacos are best enjoyed immediately after assembly when the wonton shells are at their crispiest. However, you can store the components separately:

• Fried Wonton Shells: Store the fried wonton shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They may lose some of their crispiness, but they’ll still hold up well.
• Chicken Filling: Store the chicken filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before assembling the tacos.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken filling and wonton shells separately. The filling can be frozen for up to 3 months, while the wonton shells can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw both before assembling.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Chicken Wonton Tacos

• Mexican Street Corn: This grilled corn on the cob, coated with a creamy sauce, chili powder, and fresh cilantro, makes a perfect side dish to complement the tacos.
• Guacamole and Chips: A classic Mexican appetizer, guacamole with crispy tortilla chips is a great accompaniment to the tacos.
• Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato, onion, cilantro, and lime make a refreshing topping or side dish for your tacos.
• Margaritas: Pair your Chicken Wonton Tacos with a refreshing margarita or your favorite cocktail for a festive meal.

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Conclusion

Chicken Wonton Tacos are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos, offering a crispy and flavorful bite that’s perfect for any occasion. With a satisfying combination of crispy wonton shells, tender seasoned chicken, and flavorful toppings, these tacos are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, Chicken Wonton Tacos offer endless possibilities for flavor experimentation and are guaranteed to impress your family and friends. So grab some wonton wrappers, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy these amazing tacos!