Crunchy Asian-Style Chicken Tacos Recipe

Zingy Crunchy Asian-Style Chicken Tacos Recipe: A Fusion Feast

Taco night gets a delightful twist with these mouthwatering Asian-style chicken tacos that blend crispy textures and bold flavors.

Succulent chicken, marinated in a zesty blend of seasonings, creates an irresistible centerpiece for this fusion dish.

crunchy vegetables and a tangy sauce add layers of excitement to every bite.

The recipe promises a culinary adventure that breaks free from traditional taco expectations.

Each taco delivers a perfect balance of crisp, savory, and fresh elements that dance on your palate.

Spice up your dinner routine with this crowd-pleasing meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

You’ll want to make these tacos again and again, impressing everyone at the table with your creative cooking skills.

Best Ways to Store Asian Chicken Tacos

  • Store leftover chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep wonton shells in a sealed container at room temperature to maintain crispness.
  • Pack cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
  • Quickly refresh wonton shells in a 350F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore crunchiness before reassembling tacos.

FAQs

  • What makes the wonton shells crispy?

The wonton wrappers are draped over an inverted muffin tin and baked at 375F, which creates a crispy, golden brown shell that holds its shape perfectly.

  • Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced beef. Just adjust the marinating and cooking time accordingly to ensure proper doneness.

  • How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. For deeper flavor, you can marinate up to 4 hours, but avoid marinating overnight as the acids can break down the meat’s texture.

Crunchy Asian-Style Chicken Tacos: What Makes Them a Must-Try

  • Blend Asian and Mexican cuisines in one delightful dish that surprises taste buds with unexpected flavor combinations.
  • Prepare a gourmet-style meal with simple steps that require minimal kitchen skills and deliver maximum taste impact.
  • Swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to match personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different palates and dietary needs.
  • Impress friends and family with restaurant-quality tacos that look stunning and taste incredible, perfect for casual gatherings or adventurous dinner parties.

What Goes into Crunchy Asian Chicken Tacos

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender slices that serve as the main protein for these Asian-inspired tacos.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Teriyaki Sauce, Soy Sauce: Provide deep, savory flavor to the chicken.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a distinctive nutty and aromatic touch.
  • Minced Garlic, Ginger: Bring robust, zesty notes to the marinade.
Taco Shell:
  • Wonton Wrappers: Create a crispy, light shell that replaces traditional tortillas.
Slaw Components:
  • Coleslaw, Green Onions: Offer a fresh and crunchy base for the taco topping.
  • Sesame Oil, Rice Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Honey: Combine to create a balanced and tangy slaw dressing.
Garnish and Finishing Touches:
  • Sweet Chili Sauce: Provides a sweet and spicy flavor drizzle.
  • Sesame Seeds, Cilantro: Add texture and a bright, herbal finish to the tacos.

Tools for Building Crunchy Chicken Tacos

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for marinating chicken and mixing slaw ingredients.
  • Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken to golden brown perfection.
  • Muffin tin: Helps create crispy wonton taco shells with unique shape.
  • Cutting board: Needed for slicing chicken and chopping green onions.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Measuring spoons: Crucial for accurate seasoning and sauce amounts.
  • Tongs: Great for handling and flipping chicken during cooking.

Preparing Asian-Style Chicken Tacos at Home

Step 1: Infuse Chicken with Flavor

Slice chicken breasts into thin strips.

Create a vibrant marinade by mixing:
  • Teriyaki sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Soy sauce
  • Minced garlic
  • Fresh ginger

Submerge chicken in the marinade and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.

Step 2: Craft Crispy Wonton Shells

Preheat oven to 375F (190C).

Transform wonton wrappers into crunchy taco shells by carefully draping them over an inverted muffin tin.

Bake until edges turn golden and shells become wonderfully crisp, about 7-9 minutes.

Allow shells to cool and set.

Step 3: Sear Marinated Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium flame.

Transfer marinated chicken strips and cook until they develop a beautiful golden exterior and are completely cooked through.

The chicken should be tender and packed with Asian-inspired flavors.

Step 4: Create Zesty Asian Slaw

Combine coleslaw mix with:
  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame oil
  • Rice vinegar
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey

Toss ingredients until the slaw is evenly coated and bursting with tangy, sweet notes.

Step 5: Build Flavor-Packed Tacos

Assemble by placing seared chicken into crispy wonton shells.

Crown with a generous spoonful of Asian slaw.

Drizzle sweet chili sauce over the top.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh chopped cilantro.

Serve immediately for maximum crunch and flavor.

Tips for Crispy, Flavor-Packed Chicken Tacos

  • Let chicken soak longer than an hour for deeper flavor absorption and tenderness.
  • Watch shells closely while baking to prevent burning; golden brown means perfect crunch.
  • Prepare slaw just before serving to maintain fresh, crisp texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
  • Swap sweet chili sauce with sriracha or chili garlic sauce for extra heat and personal kick.
  • Replace wonton wrappers with corn tortillas or lettuce wraps for alternative dietary needs.

Creative Variations for Asian-Style Chicken Tacos

  • Vegetarian Tofu Tacos: Replace chicken with firm tofu, marinated in the same Asian-inspired sauce for a plant-based alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Rice Paper Shells: Swap wonton wrappers with rice paper rounds, baked or fried to create crispy, gluten-free taco shells.
  • Spicy Korean-Style Tacos: Use gochujang sauce instead of teriyaki, add kimchi to the slaw for an extra kick of heat and fermented flavor.
  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Skip the shells entirely, serving the marinated protein and slaw inside crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter option.

Serving Suggestions for Crunchy Chicken Tacos

  • Flavor Fiesta: Top the tacos with extra crispy wonton strips for added crunch and texture.
  • Asian Fusion Feast: Serve alongside steamed edamame or a light miso soup to complement the taco's bold flavors.
  • Dipping Delight: Prepare a quick dipping sauce with mayo, sriracha, and lime juice for an extra flavor kick.
  • Drink Pairing: Enjoy with a cold Asian-inspired cocktail like a lychee martini or a crisp sake to balance the meal's spiciness.
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Crunchy Asian-Style Chicken Tacos Recipe

Crunchy Asian-Style Chicken Tacos Recipe


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4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy Asian-style chicken tacos blend Mexican and Asian flavors in one delightful dish. Zesty seasonings and quick assembly make these tacos a perfect weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Marinade:

  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) teriyaki sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) fresh ginger, minced

Slaw Ingredients:

  • 1 bag coleslaw mix
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) green onions, diced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey

Shell & Toppings:

  • 16 wonton wrappers
  • Sweet chili sauce, for topping
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Chopped cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken by slicing breasts thinly and combining with teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger in a mixing container. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for 60-90 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
  2. Create crispy wonton shells by preheating oven to 375F. Carefully drape wonton wrappers over inverted muffin tin cups, ensuring even positioning. Bake for 7-8 minutes until shells turn golden and maintain a crisp texture. Remove and let cool completely.
  3. Cook marinated chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning. Sauté until chicken reaches golden color and is fully cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes.
  4. Craft Asian-inspired slaw by blending coleslaw mix with finely chopped green onions. Whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey to create a vibrant dressing. Toss ingredients until thoroughly combined and vegetables are evenly coated.
  5. Construct tacos by placing warm chicken into crispy wonton shells. Layer generously with prepared slaw, creating a colorful presentation. Enhance flavor by drizzling sweet chili sauce over the filling.
  6. Finish tacos with garnishes of toasted sesame seeds and fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately to maintain shell crispness and maximize flavor profile.

Notes

  • Customize Marinades by swapping teriyaki for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos for a more allergen-friendly option.
  • Prep Wonton Shells ahead of time and store in an airtight container to maintain crispiness for quick assembly later.
  • Enhance Flavor by toasting sesame seeds before sprinkling for a deeper, nuttier taste that elevates the overall dish.
  • Create Vegetarian Version by replacing chicken with crispy tofu or marinated jackfruit for a plant-based alternative that maintains the recipe’s Asian-inspired profile.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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