Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls Recipe

Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite crowd-pleasers: Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls. This dish is a colorful festival of textures and flavors, perfectly balancing the savory, slightly sweet teriyaki chicken with crisp, golden wonton strips and a vibrant, crunchy slaw. It’s that kind of meal you can enjoy any day of the week, whether for a quick lunch or a fun dinner that feels special. The combination of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and zingy garnishes brings such joy with every bite, making it impossible not to smile while eating.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Putting together Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls is surprisingly simple when you have the essentials ready. Each ingredient plays its part, from the juicy chicken and umami-packed sauces to the crisp veggies and crunchy wonton strips, all coming together to create an unforgettable harmony of flavors and textures.

• Chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and soak up the teriyaki glaze beautifully.
• Teriyaki sauce: The sweet-savory star that gives the chicken its irresistible flavor.
• Sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty depth to the chicken and dressing.
• Soy sauce: Enhances the umami in both the chicken and slaw dressing.
• Garlic (minced): Provides a fragrant punch in the chicken and dressing.
• Ginger (minced): Brings a fresh, slightly spicy note to keep things lively.
• Shredded purple and green cabbage: Adds crunch and vibrant color to the slaw.
• Shredded carrots: Sweetness and a pop of orange brighten the bowl.
• Green onion (sliced): Offers fresh sharpness and pretty green color.
• Vinegar: Balances sweetness with acidity in the slaw dressing.
• Honey: Mild natural sweetness to complement the tangy slaw.
• Wonton wrappers: The secret to that addictive crunch in taco form.
• Cooking spray: Keeps wonton strips crisp and lightly golden when air fried.
• Sweet chili sauce (optional): A drizzle adds a hint of heat and extra sweetness.
• Sesame seeds: Tiny bursts of nuttiness sprinkled on top.
• Chopped cilantro: Fresh herbaceous brightness that wakes up the whole bowl.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of citrus cuts through the richness for balance.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls

Step 1: Cook the Teriyaki Chicken

Start by adding those juicy chicken pieces to a pan along with sesame oil, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger. Cook everything over medium heat, letting the chicken absorb all those saucy, flavorful notes. This step is where the magic begins, as the chicken turns tender and beautifully coated in that glossy, irresistible glaze.

Step 2: Prepare Crispy Wonton Strips

While your chicken cooks, grab your wonton wrappers and cut them into strips. Lay them out in a single layer in your air fryer basket and give them a good spritz with cooking spray. Air fry at 350°F (190°C) for 4 to 5 minutes until they’re crisp and golden. Keep a close eye here—wonton strips can go from perfectly crisp to burnt in a flash, so remove them as soon as they achieve that ideal crunch.

Step 3: Toss the Slaw

While the wontons crisp and the chicken bubbles away, mix together shredded purple cabbage, green cabbage, carrots, and sliced green onions in a bowl. Whisk up your dressing with sesame oil, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, minced ginger, and garlic, then toss it with the veggies. This slaw adds a refreshing, crunchy contrast to the warm, saucy chicken and crunchy wontons.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Divide the slaw evenly between your serving bowls. Spoon the piping hot teriyaki chicken over the top, then scatter those crispy wonton strips generously. For an extra touch, drizzle some sweet chili sauce over everything. Finish with a shower of toasted sesame seeds, a handful of fresh cilantro, and lime wedges on the side. Serving right away is key to keeping all textures delightful.

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls

Garnishes

The final touches really bring your Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls to life. I love sprinkling toasted sesame seeds for nuttiness and visual appeal, tossing on chopped cilantro for that fresh, herbaceous pop, and slicing green onions for a bit of bite. Don’t forget those lime wedges—their bright citrus squeeze cuts through richness and adds a lively zing that makes each bite sparkle.

Side Dishes

To keep the meal balanced and exciting, side dishes like steamed edamame, miso soup, or a simple cucumber salad work beautifully. These light accompaniments complement the bold flavors of the bowls without overwhelming them. They also add variety in texture and cool contrast, perfect for a well-rounded dining experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to get a little fancy with presentation? Serve your Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls in stylish individual glass bowls or mini cast iron skillets for a rustic vibe. Adding edible flowers or extra lime slices around the edges of your serving dish can elevate the visual appeal. For a fun twist, try wrapping your ingredients inside large lettuce leaves to create handheld “tacos” inspired by the bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of these Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls (which would be rare, honestly), store the chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers. This approach prevents the wonton strips and slaw from getting soggy. Chicken can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, while the slaw maintains its crunch if stored properly.

Freezing

Because of the fresh slaw and crisp wonton strips, freezing Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls isn’t ideal. However, you can freeze the cooked teriyaki chicken on its own in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw and reheat it, then assemble fresh bowls with newly made wonton strips and slaw for the best experience.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to keep it moist and saucy. Avoid reheating wonton strips—they’ll lose their crispness—so crisp up a fresh batch quickly in the air fryer or oven while the chicken warms. Toss the slaw fresh or refrigerate until ready to serve to keep everything lively and crisp.

FAQs

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef if you want a different twist. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your protein is cooked perfectly.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries! You can bake the wonton strips in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning halfway through, until they’re crisp and golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, swap the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos and use gluten-free wonton wrappers or crisped corn tortilla strips instead. These tweaks maintain the delicious profile while being gluten-friendly.

Can I prep any parts of this recipe in advance?

Definitely! You can make the slaw and dressing a day ahead to let the flavors meld. The chicken is best cooked fresh but can be prepped and marinated the night before for convenience.

How spicy is this dish?

This dish is naturally mild with a touch of sweetness. If you enjoy heat, adding some extra chili sauce or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes on top can give it a spicy kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a vibrant, fun meal that balances sweet, savory, and crunchy elements in every bite, you absolutely have to try these Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for sharing with friends or family. Once you dive into that medley of textures and flavors, I guarantee they’ll become a regular favorite in your kitchen too!

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