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Crispy chicken wonton tacos with teriyaki glaze on white plate showing golden wonton shells with chicken and toppings

Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

Juicy chicken wrapped in golden crispy wonton shells, coated with a sticky-sweet teriyaki glaze. A quick, impressive handheld dinner ready in 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12 tacos
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into small bite-sized pieces, thighs recommended
  • 24 wonton wrappers refrigerated, not frozen
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch for coating chicken
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • neutral oil canola or vegetable, enough for 1 inch deep
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce low-sodium preferred
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar light or dark
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water for slurry
  • shredded cabbage optional topping
  • sliced green onions optional topping
  • sesame seeds optional topping
  • sriracha mayo optional topping, mayo mixed with sriracha

Equipment

  • Large frying pan or skillet
  • Small saucepan
  • Candy or deep-fry thermometer
  • Tongs or slotted spoon
  • Mixing bowls
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Heat about 1 inch of neutral oil in large skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F on candy or deep-fry thermometer. Toss chicken pieces in bowl with cornstarch and salt until evenly coated.
  2. Working in small batches of 6-8 pieces, carefully add cornstarch-coated chicken to hot oil. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F. Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining chicken.
  3. Place one crispy chicken piece onto center of each wonton wrapper. Fold wrapper in half like a taco shell. Lightly moisten edges with water and press gently to seal.
  4. Carefully lower assembled tacos into hot oil, working in batches of 4-5. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes per side until wonton wrappers turn deep golden brown and crispy. Drain on fresh paper towels.
  5. Make teriyaki glaze: In small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to gentle simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves.
  6. Stir cornstarch slurry into simmering sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until glaze thickens to coat back of spoon. Remove from heat.
  7. Just before serving, lightly toss fried wonton tacos in warm teriyaki glaze or drizzle over top. Add optional toppings like shredded cabbage, green onions, sesame seeds, or sriracha mayo as desired.

Notes

Use refrigerated wonton wrappers for best crispiness. Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt results. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature. Double-fry for extra crunch if desired. To bake instead: brush assembled tacos with oil and bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Storage: refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days. Reheat in toaster oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Do not microwave. Freeze cooked chicken only (without wontons) for up to 3 months.