Crunchy, savory, and bursting with flavor—there’s something utterly addictive about these **Chicken Wonton Tacos with Zesty Slaw Recipe**. They blend the crispy charm of wonton wrappers with a juicy chicken filling and a lively slaw that wakes up every bite. Trust me, making these is way easier than they look, and the result? A guaranteed crowd-pleaser every single time.

The image shows a row of six small tacos arranged diagonally on a white marbled surface. Each taco has three layers: the crispy golden-brown taco shell with bubbles on it forms the base, inside there are pieces of cooked chicken with a glossy texture, and on top is a colorful mix of shredded green lettuce, purple cabbage, and orange carrots, sprinkled with sesame seeds and chopped green herbs. At the end of the row, a white round bowl filled with bright red dipping sauce sits on the white marbled surface. A woman's hand with bright purple nails is holding one taco, dipping it into the sauce. There are two lemon wedges and two small white bowls with sesame seeds and chopped green herbs in the background. The scene is bright and fresh with a clean look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Wonton Tacos with Zesty Slaw Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chicken Wonton Tacos with Zesty Slaw Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chicken Wonton Tacos with Zesty Slaw Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first fell in love with these tacos during a casual dinner with friends—something about the crispy wonton shell paired with that punchy, zesty slaw just hits you right in the happy place. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors, plus it’s incredibly fun to make together in the kitchen.

Perfect Texture Contrast: Crispy fried wonton shells meet tender, flavorful chicken and crunchy slaw for a bite that’s anything but boring.
Fresh, Zesty Slaw: The slaw adds brightness and slight tang that balances the savory depth of the chicken beautifully.
Quick and Simple: Despite looking fancy, this recipe comes together quickly with accessible ingredients you likely have on hand.
Customizable: You can easily swap proteins, adjust seasonings, or add your favorite garnishes—making it perfect for any taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This blend of ingredients crafts a harmonious dish where every element shines. The hoisin and soy sauces bring rich umami notes, while fresh ginger and garlic spark that irresistible Asian-inspired zest. The coleslaw and wonton shells deliver essential crunch that elevates this recipe beyond the everyday taco.

Flat lay of finely diced raw chicken breasts, a small white bowl of dark hoisin sauce, a small white bowl of amber sesame oil, a small white bowl of deep brown soy sauce, two whole garlic cloves, a small pile of minced fresh ginger, a mound of fresh coleslaw mix with shredded cabbage and carrots, fresh green onions thinly sliced, a small white bowl of clear rice vinegar, a small white bowl of golden honey, a neat stack of square wonton wrappers, a small white bowl of bright red sweet chili sauce, a bunch of fresh cilantro sprigs, and a small white bowl of light tan sesame seeds, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: I like using chicken breasts for a lean, tender filling that soaks up the sauces beautifully.
Hoisin sauce: Adds a subtle sweetness and complex depth, fundamental to the authentic flavor.
Sesame oil: Just a little imparts that signature nutty aroma and taste that wakes up the whole dish.
Soy sauce: Balances sweetness with salty umami, perfect for marinating the chicken.
Garlic and ginger: Freshly minced gives the recipe a vibrant, aromatic kick.
Coleslaw mix: A mix of shredded cabbage and carrots adds crunch and freshness, while easy to dress up.
Green onions: Thinly sliced for a mild onion bite and a pop of color.
Rice vinegar: Lifts the slaw with its bright acidity.
Honey: Rounds out the slaw dressing with subtle sweetness that softens the vinegar’s sharpness.
Wonton wrappers: The star of the show crispy taco shell—light, delicate, and perfectly crunchy when baked.
Sweet chili sauce: Adds a touch of heat and sweetness as a finishing drizzle to tie everything together.
Cilantro and sesame seeds: For fresh herbal notes and extra texture on top.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This recipe is wonderfully versatile—I often switch up the protein or the slaw ingredients depending on what’s fresh or what mood I’m in. Don’t hesitate to make it your own and experiment! It’s a total crowd-pleaser no matter how you tweak it.

Variation: I’ve tried swapping chicken for shrimp or even tofu, and both are fantastic. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Spice it up: Add a dash of Sriracha or chili flakes into the sauce or slaw if you like some heat.
Veggie-packed: Toss in shredded carrots or jicama into the slaw for crunch and color.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and wonton wrappers to suit dietary needs.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Wonton Tacos with Zesty Slaw Recipe

The image shows a group of six golden-yellow taco shells standing up, each filled with three layers: the bottom layer has chunks of cooked light brown chicken, the middle layer contains colorful shredded vegetables including green cabbage and purple cabbage, and the top layer is sprinkled with fresh green chopped herbs and white and black sesame seeds. The tacos are arranged in a line on a gray textured surface with lime wedges scattered around. To the right is a small white bowl filled with red sauce and behind the tacos are two small white bowls, one with a sesame seed mix and one with more green herbs. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Crispy Wonton Shells – The Crunch Factor

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. I like to lightly spray the wonton wrappers with a touch of cooking spray or brush with olive oil—it helps them crisp up beautifully without drying out. Then, drape them carefully over the edge of a 9x13 baking dish. Bake for about 7-8 minutes and watch closely to make sure they don’t burn. While still warm and pliable, gently pull apart the wontons to make room for fillings, then pop them back in the oven for another 7-8 minutes until perfectly golden and crispy. This step really makes the difference between a floppy taco and a satisfying crunch!

Step 2: Flavor-Packed Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, toss the finely diced chicken breasts with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. This combo infuses the chicken with so much flavor right from the start. Heat a large skillet over high heat, then sauté the chicken mixture for about 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking. You’re aiming for the chicken to be cooked through but still juicy and tender. The sizzling of the garlic and ginger in the pan is one of my favorite smells!

Step 3: Toss Together the Zesty Slaw

While the chicken cooks, mix together the coleslaw bag, sliced green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey in a large bowl. This slaw is refreshingly tangy and slightly sweet—the perfect counterbalance to the savory chicken. I like to give it a good toss and let it sit a few minutes to marry the flavors while the chicken finishes.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Once your crispy wonton shells are ready, fill them with the hot chicken mixture, then top generously with the zesty slaw. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce and sprinkle chopped cilantro and sesame seeds on top for that extra burst of flavor and texture. Serve immediately while the shells are still crisp—this is when these stunning tacos really shine.

Top Tip

After making these Chicken Wonton Tacos with Zesty Slaw Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few tricks that can take your version from great to unforgettable.

Wonton Shell Handling: Gently pulling the wontons apart while still warm ensures they won’t crack when you fill them.
Marinate Briefly: If time allows, let the chicken sit in the sauce mixture for 10-15 minutes before cooking for deeper flavor.
Don’t Skip the Slaw Dressing: Tossing the slaw and letting it rest slightly really lifts the freshness and brightness.
Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed so it sears instead of steams—this keeps it tender and flavorful.

How to Serve Chicken Wonton Tacos with Zesty Slaw Recipe

Chicken Wonton Tacos - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing these with plenty of freshly chopped cilantro—it adds such a fresh herbal lift. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds provides a lovely nutty crunch. And don’t forget the sweet chili sauce drizzle for that touch of heat and sweetness—absolutely essential in my book!

Side Dishes

These tacos stand out on their own but I often serve them alongside simple steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad to keep things fresh and balanced. Even some roasted edamame makes a delightful side for extra protein and crunch!

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special dinner, I like to arrange the wonton tacos on a wooden board with small bowls of extra chili sauce, chopped herbs, and lime wedges. It turns this casual dish into a stunning appetizer spread that’s both interactive and visually inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover chicken filling and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge. That keeps the slaw crisp and the chicken juicy. The wonton shells don’t hold up well stored once crisped, so I only assemble what you’re ready to eat.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the fully assembled tacos because the shells soften when thawed. However, you can freeze the chicken mixture separately to have on hand for quick dinner solutions.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken filling gently in a skillet or microwave. For the wonton shells, a quick pop back in the oven for a few minutes crisps them right back up. Assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Chicken Wonton Tacos with Zesty Slaw Recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken filling and slaw in advance and store them separately in the fridge. However, it’s best to assemble the tacos just before serving to keep the wonton shells crispy.

What makes the slaw zesty in this recipe?

The slaw gets its zesty flavor from the combination of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey in the dressing, which balances tangy, salty, and sweet notes perfectly.

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Shrimp or tofu are great alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked through and well-seasoned.

How do I keep wonton shells crispy after baking?

Lightly oiling the wonton wrappers before baking helps them crisp up nicely. Also, try not to touch or assemble them until they’re completely cooled and crispy to avoid sogginess.

Final Thoughts

I love how this Chicken Wonton Tacos with Zesty Slaw Recipe feels like a special dinner but is simple enough for any weeknight. That crispy shell, juicy chicken, and lively slaw combo always gets rave reviews from my family and guests. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s a playful, flavorful dish that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat! Can’t wait to hear how you make it your own.