Get ready for a fun twist on dinner with these Chicken Wonton Tacos! Crispy wonton wrappers filled with juicy chicken and tasty toppings make each bite a crunchy delight.
They’re super easy to whip up, and I love watching everyone grab them at the table—it’s like a delicious game of taco bingo! 😂 Pair them with your favorite salsa for a real treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton wrappers: These are essential for that crunchy taco shell texture. If you can’t find wonton wrappers, egg roll wrappers work too. Just cut them smaller for tortillas.
Chicken: I prefer chicken thighs for their juicy flavor, but chicken breasts work well too. For a quicker option, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut!
Panko breadcrumbs: This is where the extra crunch comes from! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will do, but they won’t be as crispy.
Shredded cabbage: This adds a nice crunch. Opt for green cabbage or napa; both are perfect. For a twist, try using coleslaw mix!
Mayonnaise or sour cream: I like using mayonnaise for richness, but you can choose Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative. Toss in some lime juice for an extra zing!
How Do You Create a Crispy Wonton Taco Shell?
Making those crispy wonton taco shells is key for this recipe! It’s a simple process, but you need to keep an eye on the oil temperature.
- Heat your oil in a deep pan to about 350°F (175°C). A thermometer helps, but you can drop a tiny piece of wonton in to check if it sizzles.
- Carefully fry the wonton wrappers for about 1-2 minutes until they’re golden and bubbly. Don’t overcrowd the pan; it lowers the oil temperature!
- Remove them and drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil. If you want, while they’re warm, gently shape them into taco shells over a small bowl!
Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfectly crispy wonton taco shells every time!
How to Make Delicious Chicken Wonton Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 20 wonton wrappers
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced or in small pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
For Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or napa)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
- Sriracha or favorite hot sauce, to taste
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Optional garnish: fried garlic or shallots
Time Needed:
This recipe will take you about 30 minutes from start to finish. That includes around 10 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes for cooking! Best of all, you’ll have a fun and tasty dish perfect for sharing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
First, season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor! This step is super important because you want your chicken to be delicious right from the start.
2. Bread the Chicken:
Now, let’s create a breading station! Set out three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Take each piece of chicken, coat it lightly in flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally roll it in the panko breadcrumbs until it’s evenly coated. Set these aside for frying.
3. Shape the Wonton Wrappers:
Next up, the fun part! Take each wonton wrapper and gently fold it in half to make it look like a taco shell. You can help create the shape by molding it over the edge of a small glass or bowl. Alternatively, you can fry the wrappers flat and then shape them while warm.
4. Fry the Wonton Taco Shells:
Heat up the oil in a deep pan to around 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop a few wonton wrappers into the hot oil and fry them until they’re golden and crispy, usually about 1-2 minutes. Make sure to keep an eye on them to avoid burning! Once fried, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to catch any excess oil.
5. Fry the Chicken:
In the same oil, it’s time to fry your breaded chicken! Cook the pieces until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through, which will take about 3-4 minutes. Again, drain them on paper towels to keep them crispy. Yum!
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Now comes the tasty part! Take your crispy wonton taco shells and fill each one with a piece of chicken. Next, add a handful of shredded cabbage, a drizzle of mayo or sour cream, a sprinkle of sliced green onions, and finish it off with a squirt of Sriracha or your preferred hot sauce. You can add fried garlic or shallots for an extra crunch if you’d like!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Place your delightful chicken wonton tacos on a serving platter and add lime wedges for that zesty touch. Squeeze fresh lime juice over your tacos just before you take a bite for added freshness!
Enjoy your crunchy, flavorful Chicken Wonton Tacos with family and friends as a fantastic appetizer that’s sure to impress everyone!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure the chicken is completely thawed before cooking. The best way to thaw is overnight in the fridge or by placing it in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for quicker results. Pat it dry before seasoning and breading.
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep them crispy, store the chicken and wonton shells separately. Reheat chicken in a skillet for best results, and assemble fresh tacos just before serving!
Can I Make the Wonton Shells in Advance?
Absolutely! You can fry the wonton shells a day ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container to keep them crispy. Just make sure to let them cool completely before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.
What Can I Use Instead of Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs work as a substitute, but your tacos won’t be as crunchy. For extra flavor and texture, consider crushing some cornflakes or using crushed crackers as an alternative!
