Mediterranean Chicken Wonton Tacos
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Serves: 4–5
These Mediterranean Chicken Wonton Tacos are a fun and flavorful fusion of Mediterranean and Asian-inspired ingredients wrapped in crispy wonton shells. Tender marinated chicken, tossed in a tangy-sweet sauce, is paired with a light sesame slaw and topped with fresh herbs, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sweet chili sauce. They’re crunchy, colorful, and make the perfect appetizer, snack, or light meal that everyone loves.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Marinade
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast (or ground chicken)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp teriyaki sauce
1 tsp hoisin sauce
1 tsp honey
1 tsp sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp ground ginger (or 1 tsp freshly grated)
For the Slaw
1½ cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Wonton Shells and Toppings
12–15 wonton wrappers
Olive oil or cooking spray
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce (for topping)
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
Make the Chicken Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
Add the chicken (sliced thinly or ground) and toss to coat.
Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes while you prepare the slaw and wonton shells.
Prepare the Slaw
In a mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
Toss until evenly coated.
Refrigerate until ready to serve to let the flavors meld.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil.
Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Wonton Taco Shells
(Oven Method):
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly brush or spray both sides of wonton wrappers with oil.
Drape each wrapper over the side of an inverted muffin tin cup to form a taco shell shape.
Bake for 6–8 minutes, or until crisp and golden. Let cool slightly before filling.
(Air Fryer Method):
Lightly oil wonton wrappers and press them into small taco shapes using foil molds or over a rack.
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes until golden and crisp.
Assemble the Tacos
Fill each crispy wonton shell with a spoonful of the cooked chicken.
Add a small handful of the sesame slaw.
Drizzle with sweet chili sauce, and top with chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, and sliced green onions.
Tips
Don’t over-marinate the chicken:
About 15–20 minutes is enough. Longer than that can make the chicken too salty or affect its texture because of the soy-based marinade.
Cook on high heat:
Searing the chicken quickly over medium-high heat locks in moisture and gives a nice caramelized flavor from the honey and hoisin.
Crisp wonton shells evenly:
If baking, make sure to flip or rotate the pan halfway through so they brown evenly. Keep a close eye—wontons can go from golden to burnt quickly.
Avoid soggy shells:
Let the wonton shells cool slightly before filling them. Also, assemble the tacos right before serving to keep their crispiness.
Balance the flavors:
The marinade is rich and savory, so the slaw adds freshness and acidity. Taste both before combining and adjust the honey or vinegar as needed.
For a lighter option:
Use ground chicken or turkey for leaner protein, and bake or air fry the wonton shells instead of deep frying.
Variations
Mediterranean Fusion Twist: Add chopped olives, diced cucumbers, and crumbled feta to the slaw for a true Mediterranean flair.
Spicy Version: Mix chili flakes or sriracha into the marinade for a little heat.
Sweet & Tangy: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a drizzle of honey over the finished tacos.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas marinated in the same sauce.
Crunch Upgrade: Sprinkle crushed roasted peanuts or crispy fried onions on top for extra texture.
Make-Ahead Tips
Chicken: Cook and refrigerate the chicken mixture up to 2 days in advance. Reheat gently in a pan before assembling.
Slaw: Can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the fridge. Toss again before serving to refresh.
Wonton shells: Bake or air fry ahead of time and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Serving Ideas
Serve as appetizers for parties or game nights.
Turn them into a light dinner with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables.
For a family-style meal, set up a DIY taco bar with separate bowls for chicken, slaw, and toppings.
Q&A
Q: Can I use store-bought cooked chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes. Shredded rotisserie chicken works well. Just toss it in the marinade and warm it briefly in a skillet so the flavors soak in.
Q: How do I keep the wonton shells crispy?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to use. Only fill them right before serving—moist fillings like slaw or sauces will soften them quickly.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the chicken and slaw in advance, but keep them separate and refrigerate. Assemble the tacos fresh for the best crunch.
Q: What if I don’t have a muffin tin for shaping shells?
A: You can drape the wonton wrappers over an oven rack, a small foil tube, or even use ramekins turned upside down to create taco shapes.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes—use gluten-free wonton wrappers (available in some stores) or substitute with small corn tortillas for a soft taco-style version.
Nutrition
(Per 3 Tacos)
(Based on baked wonton shells and chicken breast)
Calories: ~285 kcal
Protein: 24 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 2 g
Total Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg
Sodium: 550 mg
Sugar: 6 g
(Values will vary slightly depending on sauces and toppings used.)
Conclusion
These Mediterranean Chicken Wonton Tacos are the perfect mix of crisp, fresh, and savory. The juicy marinated chicken pairs beautifully with the light sesame slaw, while the crunchy wonton shells add texture in every bite. The sweet chili drizzle and fresh herbs tie everything together, giving a burst of flavor and color. Whether served as a party appetizer, a fun dinner idea, or a snack for sharing, these tacos bring Mediterranean brightness and modern flair to your table.