Chicken Wonton Tacos are a tasty twist on your regular taco night! These crispy wontons hold delicious chicken filling, ready to be topped with your favorite goodies like salsa and avocado.
Making these is a fun way to get everyone involved—who doesn’t love crunch? I love adding a splash of lime for extra zest. It’s always a hit at my gatherings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton wrappers: These are essential for creating the taco shells. If you can’t find wonton wrappers, you can use egg roll wrappers cut into quarters or even tortillas for a different style.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe. However, you can substitute with ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Shredded rotisserie chicken works well too!
Spices: The combination of spices gives the chicken its flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts or swap in taco seasoning if you want a quicker option. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to enhance everything!
Cabbage: I like using a mix of green and purple cabbage for color and crunch. If you don’t have cabbage, try using lettuce or a bagged coleslaw mix for ease. Shredded carrots are a nice touch too!
Why is Shaping Wonton Shells Important?
The first crucial step is shaping the wonton shells. It allows you to create a sturdy vessel for all that savory filling. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly oil a muffin tin to help the shells release easily.
- Press each wonton wrapper into the muffin cups, creating a taco shape.
- Bake for about 8-10 minutes until they’re golden and crisp. Watch them so they don’t burn!
These crispy shells hold the filling well, giving you a fantastic crunch with every bite. Enjoy your cooking!
Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Taco Shells:
- 20 wonton wrappers
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking chicken)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Slaw:
- 1 cup finely shredded cabbage (green and purple)
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- ¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper or carrot for color
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish
For Serving:
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking and baking the wonton shells, totaling around 35 minutes. It’s quick and perfect for a delicious dinner or fun gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Shape the Wonton Shells:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil a muffin tin or any similar shaped baking mold. Take each wonton wrapper and gently press it into the cups of the tin to form taco shapes. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until they become golden brown and crisp. Once done, remove them and set aside to cool.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season it with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken while stirring occasionally until fully cooked through and slightly browned, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Prepare the Slaw:
While the chicken is cooking, grab a medium bowl and combine the finely shredded cabbage, diced red onion, red bell pepper (or carrot), and chopped cilantro. Toss everything lightly together to mix the ingredients well.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to assemble your tacos. Spoon the seasoned chicken evenly into each of the crispy wonton shells. Then, top each taco with a generous amount of the fresh cabbage slaw.
5. Serve:
For final touches, garnish the tacos with extra chopped cilantro and place lime wedges on the side for squeezing. Serve the tacos immediately for the best crunch and enjoy your meal!
These Chicken Wonton Tacos are sure to be a hit with their crispy shells and flavorful filling—perfect for a fun taco night!
Can I Use Store-Bought Wonton Wrappers?
Absolutely! Store-bought wonton wrappers work perfectly for this recipe. Just check the package for any specific cooking instructions.
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
If you’d like a kick of heat, consider adding cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the chicken mix. You can also top the tacos with a spicy salsa or sriracha sauce for extra flavor.
Can I Prepare the Filling in Advance?
Yes! You can cook the chicken filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove before assembling your tacos.
What Should I Do If I Have Leftover Wontons?
If you have leftover wonton wrappers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re great for quick meals; you can fill them with other proteins or veggies and fry or bake them later. But try to use them within a week for the best quality!
