These Chicken Wonton Tacos are a fun twist on taco night! Crunchy wonton wrappers hold tasty chicken and fresh toppings, making each bite a delightful crunch.
Who knew tacos could come in such a crispy package? They’re great for sharing, but I often find it hard to not eat them all myself! 😄 Just pile on the toppings for extra yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton Wrappers: These are key for that crispy taco shell. If you’re in a pinch, wonton wrappers can be substituted with egg roll wrappers cut into quarters. Just remember they’ll need a longer fry time!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast works perfectly here. However, ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu could be great alternatives for a different protein or a vegetarian option!
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. Tamari is a gluten-free option that works just as well. Don’t have soy sauce? A splash of teriyaki can give you a similar flavor.
Sriracha: This adds a nice kick, but you can swap it for your favorite hot sauce or omit it for a milder taco. You might also try a dash of chili powder for some added spice.
Veggies: Iceberg lettuce is crunchy and refreshing, but you can also use romaine or even shredded cabbage for a unique twist. Feel free to mix in other toppings like avocado or tomatoes!
How Do I Make Sure My Wonton Shells Are Crispy?
A common issue is achieving that perfect crispy texture for your wonton shells. Here’s how to nail it:
- Heat your oil to the right temperature (about 350°F/175°C). A test is to drop in a small piece of wonton wrapper; it should sizzle immediately.
- Shape your wrappers over a taco rack or the inverted side of a wire rack before frying. This helps them keep their taco shape.
- Fry each shell for about 1-2 minutes, turning until both sides are golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches for the best results.
- After frying, let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain crispiness.
With these tips, your Chicken Wonton Tacos will be a crunchy hit!
How to Make Chicken Wonton Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 12 wonton wrappers
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or other hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for cooking chicken)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes preparing and cooking the chicken, along with about 10-15 minutes to fry the wonton wrappers and assemble the tacos. A quick and easy meal that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Shape Wonton Shells:
Start by heating vegetable oil in a small frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully take each wonton wrapper and drape it over a metal taco rack or the inverted side of a wire rack to shape it into a taco shell. Fry the wonton wrappers for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Once fried, remove them and let them drain on paper towels. Set these aside for later.
2. Cook Chicken:
In a skillet, heat sesame oil (or vegetable oil) over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and sauté them for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the diced chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
3. Add Sauce:
Once the chicken is cooked, stir in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sriracha or hot sauce. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the chicken and thicken slightly. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Assemble Tacos:
Now comes the fun part! Spoon the cooked chicken mixture into each crispy wonton shell you made earlier. Make sure to fill them generously and make these tacos hearty!
5. Add Toppings:
Top each taco with a handful of shredded iceberg lettuce, some diced red bell pepper, and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. Feel free to get creative with your toppings—avocado or cilantro can be great additions too!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Chicken Wonton Tacos immediately while the shells are still crisp. For an extra kick, you can drizzle a bit more sriracha or soy sauce on top. Enjoy each crunchy, flavorful bite!
Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious tacos!
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Diced Chicken Breast?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great alternative and cooks a bit quicker. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to 3-5 minutes until it’s nicely browned and cooked through.
How Can I Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftovers, keep the chicken mixture and wonton shells separate. Place the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Wonton shells can be stored at room temperature but will lose their crispiness. Reheat the chicken before assembling the tacos again!
Can I Bake the Wonton Wrappers Instead of Frying Them?
Yes, you can! Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the wonton wrappers lightly with oil and bake them for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy. This is a healthier option!
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! Options like diced tomatoes, avocado, jalapeños, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro can all enhance your tacos. Just remember to keep the toppings light and fresh to maintain that delicious crunch!
