If you are craving a fun, flavorful, and irresistibly crunchy meal, look no further than this Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe. Combining the playful crispiness of baked wonton wrappers with the bold, spicy goodness of seasoned chicken, each bite is like a fiesta in your mouth. This recipe takes traditional tacos to a whole new level by swapping out the usual tortilla for a crunchy wonton shell that holds a savory blend of chicken, cheese, and zesty salsa. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing snack, these tacos deliver outstanding taste and satisfying texture every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward making this delightful dish come alive. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to layer flavor, texture, and color, ensuring your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe is a total winner.
- 12 wonton wrappers: These form the perfectly crispy taco shells when baked.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken: A hearty, protein-packed base that soaks up all the seasoning.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese: Adds a creamy, melty richness that pulls everything together.
- 1/4 cup salsa: Brings freshness, tang, and a touch of spice to the chicken filling.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps crisp up the wontons beautifully in the oven.
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning: Infuses the chicken with classic taco flavors that excite the palate.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish: Adds a bright herbal note and a pop of color.
- Sour cream, for serving: Provides a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy filling.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and prepare wonton shells
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush each wonton wrapper with olive oil to ensure they bake to a golden crisp. Use a muffin tin to shape the wrappers into taco shells, then bake for 5 to 7 minutes until crispy and perfectly golden—this is your crunchy taco foundation.
Step 2: Mix the flavorful chicken filling
While the wonton shells are baking, combine your shredded chicken with the taco seasoning and salsa in a bowl. This simple mixture packs plenty of seasoned flavor and juicy zest that will bring every bite to life in your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe.
Step 3: Fill and top the tacos
Carefully spoon the zesty chicken filling into each crispy wonton shell, filling them generously but without overstuffing. Next, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. The cheese adds a creamy, indulgent layer that melts beautifully in the oven.
Step 4: Melt the cheese and finish baking
Return the filled wonton tacos to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. This step ensures that every taco is warm, gooey, and ready to enjoy.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Once out of the oven, top each taco with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of herbal brightness. Serve immediately with a dollop of sour cream on the side to balance the flavors with its cool creaminess.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the classic go-to garnish, adding both vibrant color and a pop of fresh flavor. You can also add thinly sliced green onions, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra zest and texture. These toppings elevate the dish visually and taste-wise.
Side Dishes
Serve these crispy chicken wonton tacos alongside a fresh corn salad, Mexican street corn, or a simple black bean and corn salsa for a full, satisfying meal. For lighter options, a green salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
To add a fun twist, arrange the tacos on a colorful platter and drizzle with chipotle mayo or a creamy avocado sauce. You can also serve the filling as a taco bowl over greens or rice, with crunchy wonton pieces scattered on top for texture. It’s all about making your Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store any uneaten tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the sour cream separate and add it fresh when serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Since the wonton shells are delicate and crisp, freezing cooked tacos is not recommended because they can become soggy upon thawing. Instead, freeze the chicken filling separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken filling in a microwave or skillet until heated through. Re-crisp the wonton shells in a hot oven or toaster oven for a few minutes before assembling again with melted cheese and toppings. This helps retain the delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other proteins in this Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe?
Absolutely! While shredded chicken is delicious, you can swap in ground beef, turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly to suit your protein choice.
Are there any alternatives to baking the wonton shells?
Yes, if you prefer a faster method, you can pan-fry the wonton wrappers in a little oil until golden and crisp. Just be careful to watch them closely to avoid burning.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level depends mainly on the taco seasoning and salsa you use. For mild heat, choose a mild seasoning blend and salsa; for a kick, select spicy versions or add jalapeños to the filling.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional wonton wrappers contain wheat, so for gluten-free options, look for gluten-free wonton wrappers or use small corn tortillas instead, though you will lose some of the signature crispiness.
What is the best way to shred cooked chicken for these tacos?
Using two forks is a classic and quick method to shred cooked chicken evenly. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer on low speed for an even finer, fluffier texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about how simple ingredients come together to create the Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe. The crunch, the spice, the melty cheese, and fresh garnishes make this a go-to favorite for any occasion. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite taco twist that everyone will ask for again and again.
Print
Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Description
These Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos combine crunchy baked wonton wrappers with savory shredded chicken seasoned with taco spices and salsa, topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro. Perfect as a quick and flavorful appetizer or light meal, they offer a creative twist on traditional tacos using crispy baked shells for extra texture.
Ingredients
Wonton Shells
- 12 wonton wrappers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Filling
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Garnishes and Serving
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Sour cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the wonton shells.
- Make crispy wonton shells: Lightly brush each wonton wrapper with olive oil, then press them into a muffin tin to shape them like taco shells. Bake for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden and crispy, then remove from the oven carefully.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with taco seasoning and salsa, stirring well to evenly coat the meat with flavorful spices and sauce.
- Assemble the tacos: Spoon the seasoned chicken mixture into each crispy wonton shell, filling them generously but not overflowing.
- Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each filled shell. Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts thoroughly and becomes bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the tacos from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, and serve immediately with a side of sour cream for dipping or topping as desired.
Notes
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Wonton wrappers are delicate; handle gently when shaping and assembling.
- Feel free to swap out salsa for pico de gallo for fresher texture.
- These tacos are best served immediately to keep the wonton shells crispy.
