If you’re craving a dish that is bursting with flavor, texture, and color, you’ve got to try this Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe. It’s a delightful fusion of crunchy, cheesy, and savory bites that bring the best parts of Mexican-inspired flavors wrapped in a crisp, golden wonton shell. Perfect as a fun appetizer or a casual dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to brighten up your meal with its irresistible crunch and vibrant toppings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and texture, from the crisp wonton shells to the juicy seasoned chicken and melty cheese topping.
- 12 wonton wrappers: These form the crispy taco shells and create the perfect crunchy base.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken: Provides tender, savory protein that’s easy to flavor.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese: Melts to a gooey, rich layer atop the filling, adding creaminess.
- 1/4 cup salsa: Adds bright, zesty notes that bring the chicken filling alive.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to brush the wontons, ensuring they turn golden and crispy in the oven.
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning: Pumps up the bold, smoky spice of the chicken mixture.
- Fresh cilantro: Garnishes the tacos with fresh, herbal brightness.
- Sour cream: A cool, creamy dip that balances the spices perfectly.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Shells
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush each wonton wrapper lightly with olive oil — this is the secret step that helps achieve that signature crunch. Next, press the wrappers into the cups of a muffin tin to shape them like mini taco shells. Bake for 5-7 minutes until they are golden and crispy, then remove and cool slightly so they keep their shape for filling.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken Filling
While the wonton shells are baking, combine the shredded chicken with the taco seasoning and salsa in a bowl. This mix is where the flavor magic happens — the seasoning infuses the chicken with spicy, smoky notes, and the salsa adds fresh, tangy moisture that keeps the filling juicy.
Step 3: Fill and Bake
Spoon the chicken mixture generously into each crispy wonton shell. Then sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each filled taco. Pop the filled wonton tacos back into the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts beautifully and starts to bubble, uniting all those wonderful flavors.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh cilantro sprinkled on top instantly brightens the dish, adding an herbal pop that complements the spices wonderfully. A dollop of cool sour cream on the side or directly on each taco offers a silky balance to the crispy texture and savory filling.
Side Dishes
These tacos pair well with vibrant sides like Mexican street corn, a simple black bean salad, or even a fresh cucumber and tomato salad. These options add even more color and complementary flavors to your meal without overpowering the tacos.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gatherings, serve these Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe creations on a large platter lined with colorful lettuce leaves or cabbage shreds. Garnish the platter with lime wedges for an extra zest kick, and provide small bowls of additional salsa, sour cream, and chopped jalapeños to let everyone customize their tacos.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, keep the chicken filling separate from the wonton shells to prevent sogginess. Store the chicken mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and keep the crispy shells in another container lined with paper towels to maintain their texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the seasoned chicken filling for up to 2 months by placing it in a freezer-safe container. The wonton shells do not freeze well once baked, so it’s best to make those fresh each time for ultimate crunch.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken filling on the stove or microwave until warmed through. For the wonton shells, give them a quick toast in the oven or air fryer to regain their crispness before assembling the tacos again.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken makes this Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe even easier without sacrificing flavor – just shred it and mix with the seasoning and salsa.
What kind of cheese works best for these tacos?
Cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully and complements the taco seasoning well, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a little extra kick.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for seasoned beans or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and onions, then proceed the same way for a tasty vegetarian version of the Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe.
Are these tacos spicy?
The level of spice depends mostly on the taco seasoning and salsa used. You can tone it down with mild options or spice it up with hot salsa to suit your taste.
What is the best way to keep wonton shells crispy?
Brushing them with olive oil before baking and storing leftover shells separately in an airtight container lined with paper towels will help keep them crisp.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe enough for days when you want an exciting, crunchy, and flavorful meal with minimal fuss. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s approachable and endlessly customizable – so grab your ingredients, invite some friends, and dive into this delicious, crispy taco experience!
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 Fusion
Description
These Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos are a delightful fusion of crunchy wonton shells filled with seasoned shredded chicken, melted cheese, and a touch of salsa. Perfect for a quick, flavorful meal or appetizer that combines the crispiness of baked wontons with the zest of classic taco flavors.
Ingredients
Wonton Shells
- 12 wonton wrappers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Filling
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup salsa
Toppings & Garnish
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Sour cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for crisping the wonton wrappers.
- Prepare Wonton Shells: Brush each wonton wrapper lightly with olive oil and place them inside a muffin tin to shape. Bake for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and crisp.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with taco seasoning and salsa, stirring well to evenly coat the chicken with flavors.
- Fill Wonton Shells: Spoon the seasoned chicken mixture into the crispy wonton shells carefully.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheese over each filled wonton shell, then return the muffin tin to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts perfectly.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the tacos from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve alongside sour cream for dipping or topping.
Notes
- You can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- Use any cheese of your choice; cheddar or Monterey Jack work well.
- For extra spice, add a few drops of hot sauce to the salsa mixture.
- Ensure wonton wrappers don’t overlap in the muffin tin to cook evenly.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crispy texture of the shells.
