Crunchy, flavorful, and totally addictive, these Chicken Wonton Tacos with Zesty Slaw Recipe bring a fun twist to taco night. What makes them special is that crispy wonton shell loaded with savory hoisin chicken and a fresh, tangy cabbage slaw that perfectly balances out all the rich flavors.

The image shows a row of six small tacos with a light golden crisp shell, each filled with layers of cooked chicken, shredded white and purple cabbage, thin orange carrot strips, and topped with chopped green herbs like cilantro and sprinkled with sesame seeds. The tacos are arranged on a white marbled surface, with two small white bowls nearby—one with a dark sesame seed mix and the other with fresh green herbs. There are lemon wedges scattered around for garnish. In the bottom right corner, a woman's hand with purple nail polish is dipping one taco into a small white bowl filled with bright red dipping sauce. The scene is bright and colorful with fresh textures visible. 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

When I first made these Chicken Wonton Tacos with Zesty Slaw Recipe, I was hooked on how quickly they come together and the delightful mix of textures and flavors. They’re easy to customize, impressive at gatherings, and just plain fun to eat!

Crisp & Flavorful Shell: Baking wonton wrappers creates a delicate, crunchy taco shell that's a fresh departure from traditional tortillas.
Easy Weeknight Prep: The quick chicken sauté and no-fuss slaw make this recipe doable even on busy evenings.
Zesty Slaw: The tangy coleslaw adds a bright, refreshing bite to balance the savory chicken perfectly.
Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Great for casual dinners, parties, or when you want to impress without hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Chicken Wonton Tacos with Zesty Slaw Recipe plays an important role, from the savory marinated chicken to the crisp and tangy slaw. Here’s why I love them and tips to help you shop smart.

Flat lay of finely diced raw chicken breast, a small white bowl of dark hoisin sauce, a small white bowl of golden sesame oil, a small white bowl of deep brown soy sauce, two whole cloves of garlic, a small piece of fresh ginger root, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with colorful coleslaw mix, four thinly sliced green onions arranged neatly, 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 small pile of fresh chopped cilantro leaves, a small white bowl of scattered white sesame seeds, all items arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed 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: Using finely diced chicken lets it cook quickly and mix well into each taco bite.
Hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet, umami depth to the chicken that’s what makes these tacos pop with flavor.
Sesame oil: Brings a toasty richness and nutty aroma, essential for that Asian-inspired vibe.
Soy sauce: A little saltiness to balance the sweetness and provide umami.
Garlic and fresh ginger: These aromatics give the chicken a fresh, vibrant punch.
Coleslaw mix: Pre-shredded cabbage blends convenience with crunch and color.
Green onions: Sliced thin for a mild onion flavor and a fresh green pop.
Rice vinegar: The acid that wakes up the slaw and keeps it zesty.
Honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the tangy vinegar in the slaw.
Wonton wrappers: The star shell—baking them crisps them just right for tucking in fillings.
Sweet chili sauce: Optional but highly recommended for drizzling; adds a sweet heat finish.
Cilantro: Fresh herb that brightens and elevates each bite.
Sesame seeds: For texture and a subtle nutty crunch as a final sprinkle.

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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

I like to tweak this recipe slightly depending on what’s in the fridge or my mood. The beauty of Chicken Wonton Tacos with Zesty Slaw Recipe is how adaptable they are.

Variation: Once, I swapped the chicken for diced tempeh tossed in the same marinade for a vegetarian take that still packed a punch — just as delicious!
Spice it up: Add a dash of sriracha into the chicken marinade if you like things a little hotter.
Slaw swap: Try napa cabbage or shredded kale mixed into the slaw for different textures and greens.
Shell options: If you’re short on wonton wrappers, small baked tortillas or even lettuce cups work as great alternatives.

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

The image shows six fried crispy taco-shaped wraps standing upright in a row on a white marbled surface. Each wrap has a golden-brown, bubbly textured shell filled with cooked pieces of brown chicken at the bottom layer, topped with colorful shredded cabbage, green herbs, and sesame seeds. Around the wraps, there are four lemon wedges; two near the front and two at the back. To the right side, near the front, there is a small white bowl filled with red dipping sauce, and behind the wraps, there are two small white bowls, one with a green herb and one with black and white sesame seeds. The overall scene is bright and fresh with the food neatly arranged. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare Crispy Wonton Shells

First up, preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray each wonton wrapper lightly with cooking spray or gently brush it with olive oil—this helps them crisp to golden perfection. I drape them over the sides of a 9x13 baking dish so they form a natural cup shape. Bake for 7-8 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning. When they’re soft enough to handle but not fully crisp, gently pull them apart to create more space for the filling. Then pop them back in the oven for another 7-8 minutes until they’re crunchy and ready to hold all the goodness.

Step 2: Cook the Flavorful Chicken

While your shells bake, toss the diced chicken in a bowl with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and fresh ginger. Heat a skillet over high heat and sauté the chicken for about 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently so it cooks evenly and doesn’t stick. You’re looking for juicy, fully cooked chicken that’s coated in that mouthwatering sauce.

Step 3: Whip Up the Zesty Slaw

In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, thinly sliced green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Give it a good toss so all the flavors meld together while keeping the slaw crisp and vibrant.

Step 4: Assemble Your Chicken Wonton Tacos

Fill each crispy wonton shell with a hearty spoonful of your savory chicken, then pile on the zesty slaw. Top with a drizzle of sweet chili sauce, sprinkle chopped cilantro and sesame seeds for a final pop of flavor and texture. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful crunch and vibrant flavors!

Top Tip

When I started making Chicken Wonton Tacos with Zesty Slaw Recipe, these tips made all the difference in getting that perfect crunch and flavor balance every time.

Don’t skip the oil spray: Brushing or spraying each wonton wrapper lightly not only prevents sticking but helps get that gorgeous golden crisp.
Watch your bake time: Wontons can go from crisp to burnt pretty fast, so keep a close eye during both baking rounds.
Proper chicken dice: Cutting the chicken into small, even pieces helps it cook fast and absorb the sauce flavors evenly.
Make the slaw ahead: Slaw tastes even better if you let it sit for 10-15 minutes before serving—it lets the flavors marinate without wilting the crunch.

How to Serve Chicken Wonton Tacos with Zesty Slaw Recipe

chicken wonton tacos - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish these tacos with a little extra chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Sometimes I like to add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten everything up just before serving. If you love heat, a few thin slices of jalapeño or a dash of sriracha mixed into the sweet chili sauce works wonders.

Side Dishes

I often pair these tacos with a simple cucumber salad or some steamed edamame for added freshness and protein. For a heartier meal, cilantro lime rice or even garlic fries complement the flavors without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to set up a taco bar with all the components – warm wonton shells, chicken, slaw, and toppings – letting everyone build their own. Another fun idea is serving mini wonton boats on a platter for easy finger food that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

For leftovers, I separate the chicken and slaw from the wonton shells and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. The shells lose their crispness quickly, so I suggest only making as many as you plan to eat at once for best texture.

Freezing

I haven’t had much luck freezing the assembled tacos because the wonton shells get soggy, but the cooked chicken freezes well on its own. Just thaw it in the fridge and reheat gently before assembling fresh tacos.

Reheating

To reheat leftover chicken, I use a skillet over medium heat just until warmed through to keep it juicy. For crisping up wonton shells, a quick 2-minute toast in a hot oven or toaster oven does the trick nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground chicken instead of diced chicken breasts?

Yes! Ground chicken is a good alternative and will cook faster. Just make sure to break it up well and cook until no longer pink before mixing with the sauce.

How do I keep wonton shells from getting soggy?

The key is to serve the tacos immediately after assembling. Bake your wonton wrappers just before filling and topping, and avoid pre-filling them too far in advance. If you need to prep ahead, store the shells separately and assemble right before serving.

Can I make the slaw dairy-free and still delicious?

Absolutely! This slaw recipe is naturally dairy-free since it relies on rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey for flavor. Just be sure to check your coleslaw mix ingredients if buying pre-packaged, or make your own with fresh cabbage and carrots.

What can I substitute for sweet chili sauce?

If you don’t have sweet chili sauce on hand, a mix of honey and sriracha or a drizzle of hoisin sauce can provide that sweet and spicy balance. Alternatively, you can use a mild chili garlic sauce adjusted to your heat preference.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Wonton Tacos with Zesty Slaw Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite ways to shake up dinner with something fresh, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, they’re sure to impress without the stress. Give this a try—it’s like a little party in every bite, and I promise you’ll enjoy every crunchy, tangy mouthful.