If you are looking for an irresistible appetizer or a delightful snack, the Teriyaki Chicken Wontons with Crispy Wonton Shells and Sweet Chili Drizzle Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. These wontons perfectly balance tender, savory teriyaki chicken with the satisfying crunch of golden wonton shells, all tied together by a luscious sweet chili drizzle that adds just the right amount of zing. This dish brings together flavors and textures that are constantly exciting to your palate, making every bite a mini celebration of tastes. Whether for a casual get-together or a special treat, these wontons will impress both your friends and your family without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, simple ingredients is the best way to ensure every component of this dish shines through. Each ingredient plays a role in crafting that perfect blend of savory, sweet, tangy, and crispy textures you’ll adore.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced to cook quickly and fit perfectly inside the wontons for juicy bites.
- Teriyaki sauce: Provides the signature sweet and savory flavor that marinates the chicken deeply.
- Sesame oil: Divided use adds a subtle nuttiness both in the marinade and the coleslaw mix.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Enhances the umami without overpowering with saltiness.
- Garlic and fresh ginger: Minced and grated for that punch of aromatic, fresh heat.
- Coleslaw mix: A crunchy cushion of cabbage and carrots adds color and freshness inside the wontons.
- Green onions: Thinly sliced to bring a mild oniony crispness.
- Rice vinegar and honey: Combined to create a bright, tangy-sweet dressing for the slaw.
- Wonton wrappers: The crisp, golden shell that holds everything together and provides a satisfying crunch.
- Sweet chili sauce: The drizzle that gives the perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat on top.
- Sesame seeds and cilantro: Finishing touches for added texture and a fresh herbaceous note.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Wontons with Crispy Wonton Shells and Sweet Chili Drizzle Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the thinly sliced chicken breasts with teriyaki sauce, ½ tablespoon of sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Let this marinate for about 10 minutes to allow those vibrant flavors to seep into the chicken. This brief marinating step is crucial for that deep, savory-sweet foundation that makes each bite irresistible.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken until it’s fully cooked through and slightly caramelized, about 5 to 7 minutes. Cooking it properly ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender, which is the perfect filling base for your wontons.
Step 3: Prepare the Coleslaw Mix
While the chicken is cooking, toss the coleslaw mix with sliced green onions, rice vinegar, honey, and the remaining ½ tablespoon of sesame oil. This quick coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the savory chicken inside the wonton shell.
Step 4: Fry the Wonton Wrappers
Lightly fry each wonton wrapper in hot oil for 20 to 30 seconds per side until they turn beautifully golden and crispy. Don’t rush this step — the crispy wonton shells provide the perfect texture contrast against the tender chicken and fresh slaw.
Step 5: Assemble the Wontons
Once your wonton shells have cooled slightly, gently fill each one with a spoonful of the cooked chicken and a small amount of the coleslaw mixture. Then, drizzle a hint of sweet chili sauce on top for that wonderful kick. The combination of flavors in every bite is pure bliss.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish off your Teriyaki Chicken Wontons with Crispy Wonton Shells and Sweet Chili Drizzle Recipe by sprinkling sesame seeds and chopped cilantro on top. These simple garnishes add a delightful crunch and fresh herbaceous aroma that enhances the entire dish’s appeal.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Wontons with Crispy Wonton Shells and Sweet Chili Drizzle Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of fresh cilantro leaves right before serving elevates the visual appeal and flavor complexity. The sesame seeds add a subtle nuttiness, while cilantro introduces a refreshing brightness that keeps things lively on your palate.
Side Dishes
Pair these wontons with light and crisp sides such as a cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar or steamed edamame for a healthy, crunchy complement. For a more filling meal, jasmine rice or a simple stir-fried vegetable medley works beautifully by balancing textures and flavors without overshadowing the main star.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the wontons on a beautiful platter lined with banana leaves or parchment for that restaurant-quality presentation. Offering a small bowl of extra sweet chili sauce on the side invites guests to customize their dipping experience. You can even stack the wontons in a layered, bite-sized tower for a fun and elegant party appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Teriyaki Chicken Wontons with Crispy Wonton Shells and Sweet Chili Drizzle Recipe can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the sauces separate until serving to maintain the crispiness of the wonton shells.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these wontons later, freeze the cooked chicken filling and the fried wonton shells separately for up to a month. Assemble the wontons fresh after thawing to prevent sogginess and preserve their delightful crunchy texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken filling gently in a skillet or microwave, and crisp up the wonton shells again in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving the crispy shells directly to keep that snap and crunch you fell in love with.
FAQs
Can I make these wontons vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with tofu or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and veggies. Just marinate your choice in the teriyaki sauce, and proceed with the same cooking steps for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Is it necessary to fry the wonton wrappers?
Frying gives the wonton shells their distinctive crispiness, which contrasts beautifully with the soft chicken filling. However, for a lighter version, you can bake them until crispy, though they won’t have quite the same crunch.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the chicken filling and coleslaw ahead of time. Just assemble the wontons close to serving for the freshest texture and best flavor.
What if I can’t find wonton wrappers?
Egg roll wrappers can work as a substitute, but they are usually thicker and chewier. Just adjust the frying time accordingly, and you’ll still have a fantastic base for this recipe.
How spicy is the sweet chili drizzle?
The sweet chili sauce used here offers a mild to moderate heat with a lovely sweet undertone, making it accessible for most everyone. If you prefer more heat, you can add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Teriyaki Chicken Wontons with Crispy Wonton Shells and Sweet Chili Drizzle Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re planning a party appetizer or a fun snack, this recipe is sure to put smiles on faces and requests for seconds on the table. Give it a try and watch how quickly these wontons disappear!
Print
Teriyaki Chicken Wontons with Crispy Wonton Shells and Sweet Chili Drizzle Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 wonton cups
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
These crispy chicken wonton cups are a delightful appetizer featuring marinated teriyaki chicken paired with a tangy coleslaw mix, all crisped up in golden wonton wrappers and finished with sweet chili sauce and fresh garnishes.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (divided)
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
Coleslaw
- 2 cups coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil (from the divided amount above)
Wontons & Garnishes
- 12 wonton wrappers
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- oil for frying wontons
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine sliced chicken breasts with teriyaki sauce, 1/2 tbsp of sesame oil, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Mix well to evenly coat the chicken and let it marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken pieces for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Coleslaw: In another bowl, toss together the coleslaw mix, thinly sliced green onions, rice vinegar, honey, and the remaining 1/2 tbsp of sesame oil. Mix well until the dressing is evenly distributed over the vegetables.
- Fry the Wonton Wrappers: In a pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Fry each wonton wrapper lightly for 20-30 seconds on each side until they become crispy and golden. Remove them and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Assemble the Wonton Cups: Place cooked chicken and a small amount of coleslaw into each crispy wonton wrapper. Drizzle each cup with sweet chili sauce for a spicy and sweet kick.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped cilantro over the top of each wonton cup to add texture and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while crispy.
Notes
- Be careful not to over-marinate the chicken to prevent it from becoming too salty due to soy sauce and teriyaki.
- You can bake the wonton wrappers at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes if you prefer a less oily version.
- Adjust honey and sweet chili sauce to taste depending on your preferred sweetness and heat level.
- For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like cashews or peanuts as garnish if desired.
