Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that packs a punch of flavor, texture, and vibrant color all in one bowl, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls. Imagine tender, juicy chicken glazed in a luscious teriyaki sauce, layered atop a crunchy, colorful slaw, and finished off with crispy, golden wonton strips that bring that perfect satisfying crunch. These bowls are not only stunning to look at but bring together a harmony of sweet, savory, tangy, and fresh notes that make every bite an absolute delight. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a fun meal to impress guests, Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls are my go-to for easy, restaurant-quality flavor in less than 20 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To craft these Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls, you only need a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that create layers of complementary flavors and textures. Each element plays a crucial role, from the savory chicken to the crispy wontons and the bright, crunchy slaw that balances it all perfectly.

• Chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and easy eating.
• Teriyaki sauce: The star flavor that coats the chicken with its sweet and savory goodness.
• Sesame oil: Adds a nutty depth that elevates the overall taste.
• Soy sauce: Enhances the umami and balances the sweetness of teriyaki.
• Minced garlic: Gives a fragrant punch that livens up every bite.
• Minced ginger: Brings a slight zing and freshness that complements the chicken beautifully.
• Shredded purple cabbage: Adds vibrant color and crunchy texture.
• Shredded green cabbage: Provides a crisp base for the slaw.
• Shredded carrots: Introduces a subtle sweetness and bright orange color.
• Green onion: Thinly sliced for a fresh, mild onion note to finish the dish.
• Vinegar: Balances the slaw with a tangy kick.
• Honey: Sweetens the slaw dressing just enough to keep things harmonious.
• Wonton wrappers: Cut into strips and air-fried for a crispy taco shell alternative.
• Cooking spray: To achieve that perfect crispy finish on the wontons.
• Sweet chili sauce (optional): Adds a deliciously spicy-sweet drizzle to finish the bowl.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted lightly for a nutty crunch.
• Chopped cilantro: Offers a fresh, herbal brightness.
• Lime wedges: To squeeze over and brighten up the entire dish at the end.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls

Step 1: Cook the Teriyaki Chicken

Start by heating the sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces along with the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly in that savory sauce. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and beautifully glazed, about 7-10 minutes. The aroma at this stage is simply irresistible and sets the tone for the entire dish.

Step 2: Prepare Crispy Wonton Strips

While the chicken is cooking, cut your wonton wrappers into thin strips. Lay them out in a single layer in your air fryer basket and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Air fry at 350°F (190°C) for 4 to 5 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning, until they’re crisp and golden brown. These crispy wonton strips add a delightful texture contrast that will keep you coming back for more.

Step 3: Toss the Slaw

In a mixing bowl, combine shredded purple cabbage, green cabbage, and carrots. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and ginger to create a quick, tangy dressing. Pour this dressing over the shredded vegetables and toss until everything is well coated. The crunchy, tangy slaw is the perfect fresh counterpart to the rich teriyaki chicken and crispy wonton strips.

Step 4: Assemble Your Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls

Divide the slaw evenly between your serving bowls. Spoon the hot teriyaki chicken generously over the slaw, then sprinkle the crisp wonton strips on top. For an extra flavor boost, drizzle some sweet chili sauce over everything if you like a little heat and sweetness combined. Finally, garnish with a scattering of sesame seeds, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges on the side. Serve immediately to enjoy that perfect balance of crisp, warm, tangy, and sweet flavors.

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls

Garnishes

Garnishes complete these bowls beautifully by adding freshness and extra layers of texture. I love using chopped cilantro for its bright herbal notes, sliced green onions for a mild sharpness, and sesame seeds that bring a wonderful nutty crunch. A few fresh lime wedges on the side allow everyone to add a zesty squeeze that lifts all the flavors and adds a delightful pop of acidity.

Side Dishes

These Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls are hearty on their own, but pairing them with light and refreshing side dishes can make your meal even more unforgettable. A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing, steamed edamame with sea salt, or even a bowl of miso soup would all complement the bowls perfectly without overpowering their delicate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual gathering, serve the components separately in a build-your-own style so guests can customize their bowls. Alternatively, try layering the ingredients in clear glass bowls or jars for a beautiful, Instagram-worthy presentation that shows off the vibrant colors and textures in layers. This also lets the visual appeal match the irresistible taste of your Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover teriyaki chicken, slaw, and wonton strips separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping them separate ensures textures stay fresh and crisp, especially saving the wontons from sogginess. The chicken and slaw will generally keep well for up to 3-4 days, making meal prep a breeze.

Freezing

Freezing is best reserved for the cooked chicken only, as the slaw and wonton strips don’t freeze well. Place the cooled teriyaki chicken in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid freezing the wonton strips to maintain their delicate crispness.

Reheating

Reheat the teriyaki chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. To bring back some crunchiness to your wonton strips, quickly air fry or bake them at a low temperature for a few minutes before serving. Refresh the slaw by giving it a quick toss and adding a splash of fresh vinegar or lime juice if needed.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! While chicken works wonderfully here, feel free to swap it for shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein stays juicy and tender.

What if I don’t have an air fryer to make wonton strips?

No worries! You can bake wonton strips in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Toss them with a little oil and bake for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy and golden.

How spicy are these bowls? Can I make them milder?

The recipe itself is mild and packed with sweet and savory flavors, but adding sweet chili sauce introduces a gentle heat and sweetness. You can omit the chili sauce or choose a milder sauce if you prefer less spice.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Traditional soy sauce and wonton wrappers contain gluten. To keep this dish gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari and use gluten-free wonton wrappers or substitute with crispy rice paper strips.

Can I prepare the slaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the slaw a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge. Just toss it again before serving to redistribute the dressing and keep it crunchy and fresh.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls enough if you’re looking for a quick, delightful meal that feels special without a ton of fuss. They bring together the kind of bold flavors and textural contrasts that keep you excited bite after bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing friends, these bowls make a perfect, crowd-pleasing centerpiece. Give them a try – your taste buds will thank you!

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