Ingredients
The Base
- 10–12 wonton wrappers
- Oil, for frying
The Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
The Slaw
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For Serving
- Sweet chili sauce, sriracha, or hoisin sauce
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions on the next page 👇👇
Directions
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Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is crucial as it will ensure your wonton wrappers fry to a beautiful, golden crisp.
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Prepare the Shells: Carefully fry the wonton wrappers by draping them over a utensil or taco mold. This technique will create the shell shape as they fry. Cook until they are golden and crisp. Once done, drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
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Season the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, toss the cooked chicken with cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This coating will give your chicken a tremendous crunch when fried.
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Fry the Chicken: In the hot oil, fry the prepared chicken until it is crispy and golden. Once it reaches that perfect golden hue, remove it from the oil and drain it on paper towels.
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Make the Slaw: In another bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Toss everything until well-mixed, making sure the flavors meld together beautifully.
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Assemble the Tacos: Begin filling each crispy wonton shell with a generous portion of the crispy chicken. Top with the prepared slaw, then drizzle your preferred sauce over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra touch.
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Garnish and Serve: Add a sprig of cilantro if desired and a squeeze of lime over the top. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.
Continue reading on the next page 👇👇
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving the Perfect Crisp
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Use Fresh Wonton Wrappers: Always opt for fresh wonton wrappers for best results. Fresh ones tend to crisp up better and provide that satisfying crunch.
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Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain the right oil temperature. If the oil is too cool, the shells won’t crisp up properly. If it’s too hot, they’ll burn before cooking through.
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Batch Frying: If making a large batch, fry the wonton shells in small batches. This ensures they fry evenly and crisply, allowing you to monitor their cooking closely.
Perfecting the Chicken
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Chicken Prep: Shredded or chopped chicken should be cooked and cooled before adding cornstarch. This ensures the coating adheres well and results in superior texture.
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Spice it Up: Feel free to get creative with the spices. Adding chili powder, cumin, or even a dash of cayenne can elevate the flavor profile tremendously.
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Avoid Overcrowding: When frying the chicken, avoid crowding the pan. This allows each piece to fry evenly and maintain that glorious crispy texture.
Storing and Serving
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Storage Tips: Cooked wonton shells can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven for maintaining crispness.
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Fresh Slaw: Prep the slaw just before serving to retain its freshness and crunch. Don’t make it too early, or it may become limp.
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Keep Sauces Separate: Serve sauces on the side rather than drizzling them on top right away if you’re not serving immediately. This keeps the tacos nice and crisp until ready to enjoy.
Storage and Freshness
Keep any leftover crispy chicken tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume them within two days to ensure freshness. Reheat by placing them in a toaster oven for optimal crunch—microwaving can lead to a soggy shell.
If you want to store the filling separately, the chicken and slaw can each be held in individual containers in the fridge. This makes it easy to assemble them during meal prep or for a quick snack.
If you’re making the tacos ahead for a gathering, consider frying the wonton shells first and keeping everything else separate until serving time. This way, your guests will enjoy them as if they were just made.
Final Thoughts
Enjoying Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos is more than just a delicious meal; it’s about the joy of bringing people together and creating cherished memories. The tremendous crunch and delightful flavors of these tacos are sure to impress any guests at your table.
As you serve and relish them, think about what variation you might try next or what delicious filling you could create. What’s your favorite way to enjoy these little delights?