If you are looking for a fun and irresistible way to enjoy your chicken, the Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish combines golden, crunchy wonton shells with a flavorful blend of shredded chicken, zesty salsa, and melty cheese. Every bite delivers an exciting texture and taste explosion that feels both comforting and fresh. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just craving a quick twist on tacos, these crispy chicken wonton tacos will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe is surprisingly simple to make, relying on a handful of ingredients that each play an important role in shaping the final flavor and texture. From the crispy wonton wrappers that form the taco shells to the savory seasoned chicken filling, each component adds its own magic.
- Wonton wrappers: These thin squares crisp up beautifully to create the perfect crunchy taco shell.
- Cooked, shredded chicken: A quick protein that easily absorbs the taco seasoning and salsa flavors.
- Shredded cheese: Melts over the chicken for gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Salsa: Adds a bright, spicy kick that livens up the chicken filling.
- Olive oil: Helps crisp the wonton shells to golden perfection in the oven.
- Taco seasoning: Infuses the chicken with classic southwestern spices for authentic taco flavor.
- Fresh cilantro: Provides a fresh, herbal finish for garnish.
- Sour cream: Offers a cool, creamy contrast on the side.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Shells
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush the wonton wrappers with olive oil — this little step is key to getting that crave-worthy crunch. Place each wrapper into the cups of a muffin tin so they hold their taco shape, then bake them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them because those wrappers crisp up quickly and you want that perfect crunch without burning.
Step 2: Make the Chicken Filling
While the wonton shells are in the oven, mix your cooked, shredded chicken with taco seasoning and salsa. This step is where the flavors get vibrant and come together. The taco seasoning brings a lovely warmth and spice, while the salsa adds a juicy, tangy element that keeps the filling moist and exciting.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
Once your wonton shells are crisp and ready, carefully spoon the chicken mixture into each shell. Be generous — these tacos shine with a hearty filling. Then sprinkle shredded cheese on top. The cheese not only adds creamy texture but also helps bind everything together once melted.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese and Finish Baking
Pop the assembled tacos back into the oven for another 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted into bubbly, golden perfection. This final heat melds all the flavors and textures, making every bite a delightful mix of crispy, savory, and cheesy goodness.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is your best friend here. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top right before serving to add a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the cheese and chicken. A dollop of cool sour cream on the side offers a creamy break and balances the spicy, savory flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
These crispy chicken wonton tacos pair wonderfully with simple sides like Mexican street corn, a fresh avocado salad, or even some black beans and rice. These choices keep the meal vibrant and satisfying without overpowering the star dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange the tacos standing upright in a taco holder or even a muffin tin to keep them neat and easy for guests to grab. You can also serve them on a wooden board garnished with lime wedges and extra salsa for a colorful, inviting display that makes these crispy chicken wonton tacos recipe a conversation starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover crispy chicken wonton tacos are best stored with the filling separate from the shells to keep everything from getting soggy. Place the chicken mixture in an airtight container in the fridge and store the baked wonton shells in another container lined with paper towels to keep them crisp.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken filling for up to 3 months, making future quick meals a breeze. Just thaw thoroughly in the fridge before reheating. It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled tacos since the crispness of the wonton shells can be compromised.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken filling, warm it gently in a saucepan or microwave until hot. For the wonton shells, a quick 3-4 minute re-crisping in the oven at 350°F (175°C) will refresh their texture nicely before filling and serving again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked shredded chicken?
Absolutely! You can cook and shred chicken breast or thighs fresh for this recipe. Just make sure to cook it fully and shred it before mixing with taco seasoning and salsa.
What can I use if I don’t have wonton wrappers?
If wonton wrappers are unavailable, you can try small flour tortillas or even crispy baked tortillas cut into taco shapes, though the unique crunch of wonton wrappers is hard to replicate exactly.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe?
Yes, you can swap out chicken for seasoned black beans, roasted vegetables, or even spiced tofu to create a satisfying vegetarian filling that maintains great flavor and texture.
Can I make these tacos spicy?
Definitely! Use a spicy salsa or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture to give your tacos a pleasant kick.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect option when you want a quick but delicious meal your whole family will love.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about biting into a Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe that perfectly balances crunchy, savory, and cheesy elements all in one bite. It’s quick to make, fun to serve, and guaranteed to please both kids and adults alike. I hope you have just as much fun making and enjoying this dish as I do — it might just become your next go-to taco recipe!
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 are a delightful fusion of crispy wonton shells filled with seasoned shredded chicken, melted cheese, and fresh garnishes. Perfect for a quick and flavorful appetizer or light meal, they combine the crunch of baked wonton wrappers with classic taco flavors for an irresistible bite.
Ingredients
Wonton Tacos
- 12 wonton wrappers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Filling
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup salsa
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Sour cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the wonton wrappers crispy.
- Prepare Wonton Shells: Brush each wonton wrapper lightly with olive oil. Place them in a muffin tin to shape, then bake for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden and crispy, forming taco shells.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with taco seasoning and salsa to infuse the mixture with rich, zesty taco flavors.
- Assemble Tacos: Spoon the seasoned chicken mixture evenly into each crispy wonton shell, making sure they’re generously filled.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the filled tacos, then return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese melts completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the tacos from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately with a side of sour cream for dipping.
Notes
- You can customize the filling by using beef or vegetables to suit dietary preferences.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the chicken mix.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute wonton wrappers with gluten-free wraps or shells.
- Using a muffin tin helps the wonton wrappers hold their taco shape during baking.
- Leftover cooked chicken can be used to save prep time.
