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.