There is something undeniably thrilling about the way the Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls Recipe brings together vibrant colors, textures, and global flavors in one bowl. Picture tender, juicy chicken glazed in a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce, resting on a crisp and tangy slaw, crowned with airy, golden wonton strips, and finished with bright pops of cilantro and lime. This is not just a meal—it’s a joyful experience that feels fresh and exciting every single time. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch or a fun dinner that will impress, this recipe delivers fast, bold flavor with effortlessly satisfying crunch and freshness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting your Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls Recipe is a breeze with a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role. From the tender, flavorful chicken to the crunchy slaw and crispy wonton toppings, every component adds a special layer of taste, texture, or color that makes this dish so memorable.
- Chicken breasts (2): Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and soak up all the delicious sauces perfectly.
- Teriyaki sauce (2-3 tbsp): Provides that signature sweet and savory glaze that makes the chicken irresistible.
- Sesame oil (2 tsp + 1 tbsp): Adds a rich, nutty aroma and flavor in both the chicken and slaw.
- Soy sauce (1 tbsp + 1 tbsp): Balances saltiness and depth in both the chicken and slaw dressings.
- Garlic (2 tsp minced + ½ tsp minced): Offers a punch of savory warmth across the dish.
- Ginger (2 tsp minced + ½ tsp minced): Introduces a zesty, slightly spicy lift.
- Purple and green cabbage (¼ cup each): Shredded fresh for crunch and vibrant color in the slaw.
- Shredded carrots (¼ cup): Adds natural sweetness and a pop of brightness.
- Green onion (1 sliced): Sharp and fresh, perfect to stir into the slaw and as garnish.
- Vinegar (1 tbsp): Brings tang to balance the sweetness in the slaw.
- Honey (1 tbsp): Sweetens the slaw gently to complement the tartness and spice.
- Wonton wrappers (8-10): Cut into strips and air fried for that essential crispy taco bowl texture.
- Cooking spray: Helps the wontons crisp up beautifully without excess oil.
- Sweet chili sauce (optional): Adds a drizzle of sticky, sweet heat to finish.
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkled for a nutty crunch and garnish appeal.
- Chopped cilantro: Fresh and herbaceous to brighten every bite.
- Lime wedges: A final squeeze of zesty freshness to bring the bowl alive.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Teriyaki Chicken
Start by adding those bite-sized chicken pieces to a pan along with the sesame oil, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and boasts a glossy, saucy coating that’s bursting with sweet and savory goodness. The aroma alone will have your mouth watering.
Step 2: Prepare Crispy Wonton Strips
While the chicken cooks, cut your wonton wrappers into thin strips. Lay them out in a single layer inside your air fryer basket and give them a generous spray of cooking oil. Air fry these at 350°F (190°C) for about 4 to 5 minutes, watching closely so they reach that perfect golden crispness without burning. These crunchy strips add an essential textural contrast that makes the bowls truly sing.
Step 3: Toss and Divide the Slaw
Grab a mixing bowl and toss together the shredded purple and green cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced green onion, sesame oil, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, minced ginger, and minced garlic. The combination yields a fresh, colorful slaw with a balanced tangy and sweet flavor that complements the rich teriyaki chicken beautifully. Divide the slaw evenly into your serving bowls as the foundation for your delicious creation.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Spoon the hot, saucy teriyaki chicken over the slaw in each bowl. Scatter those golden, crispy wonton strips on top for crunch, then if you like, drizzle a little sweet chili sauce over everything for an extra layer of flavor and a hint of heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro for finishing touches. Don’t forget the lime wedges on the side to add brightness and acidity when serving.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro and sliced green onions give the bowls an herbaceous lift and a burst of vibrant green that’s just as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Sprinkling sesame seeds adds nutty texture and a sprinkle of fun. A squeeze of lime right before eating ties all the flavors together with refreshing acidity.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with lightly steamed edamame or a crisp cucumber salad for contrast. If you want to add a bit more hearty flair, steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice works beautifully alongside the taco bowls, soaking up any extra sauce and balancing textures. Pickles like kimchi can add an exciting, tangy bite that complements the sweetness of the teriyaki chicken perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress guests, try serving these bowls on small wooden boards or colorful ceramic dishes for a rustic or vibrant feel. For parties, serve components family-style allowing everyone to build their own bowls—this adds a fun interactive element! You can even swap out the wonton strips for baked tortilla chips or lettuce cups for a fresh twist on presentation while keeping that crunch factor alive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, keep the chicken and slaw stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This prevents sogginess and preserves texture. Wonton strips are best stored at room temperature in a sealed container to maintain crispness, or you can store them apart and re-crisp them before serving.
Freezing
The chicken component of the Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls Recipe freezes well. Store cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the slaw or wonton strips, as they lose texture and freshness when thawed.
Reheating
For the chicken, gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, maintaining that glossy teriyaki coating. Re-crisp wonton strips quickly in the air fryer or oven at a low temperature. Serve slaw fresh from the fridge for a crisp bite that lights up the bowl with brightness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer darker meat with a bit more juiciness. Just cut into bite-sized pieces and cook thoroughly as you would chicken breasts. You might find the flavor even richer with thighs.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
If you 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 crisp and golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh, marinated similarly in teriyaki sauce and then pan-fried or baked until golden. The slaw and wonton strips stay the same, delivering a delicious plant-based alternative.
Can I make the slaw spicier?
Yes! Add a touch of sriracha or a few red pepper flakes to the slaw dressing for a spicy kick that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet teriyaki chicken.
How long does this dish take to prepare?
From start to finish, the Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls Recipe takes about 20 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal when you want something fast but packed with flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that’s quick, bursting with flavor, and offers a delightful mix of textures, I wholeheartedly encourage you to make the Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls Recipe your new favorite. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with just the right balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy, all coming together in one vibrant bowl. Give it a go—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
PrintTeriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls Recipe
These Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls combine tender, saucy chicken with crunchy slaw and crispy air-fried wonton strips, all topped with fresh herbs and a drizzle of sweet chili sauce. This quick and flavorful dish offers a delightful mix of textures and Asian-inspired flavors, perfect for a satisfying main course meal in just 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2–3 tbsp teriyaki sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp garlic, minced
- 2 tsp ginger, minced
For the Slaw
- ¼ cup shredded purple cabbage
- ¼ cup shredded green cabbage
- ¼ cup shredded carrots
- 1 green onion, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp ginger, minced
- ½ tsp garlic, minced
Toppings
- 8–10 wonton wrappers
- Cooking spray
- Sweet chili sauce (optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to a pan along with sesame oil, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the flavorful sauce, about 8-10 minutes.
- Prepare the Wonton Strips: Cut the wonton wrappers into thin strips. Arrange them in a single layer inside your air fryer basket and spray generously with cooking spray to ensure crispiness.
- Air Fry Wonton Strips: Air fry the wonton strips at 350°F (190°C) for 4–5 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning as they can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Slaw: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded purple cabbage, green cabbage, carrots, sliced green onions, sesame oil, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Toss thoroughly until all ingredients are well mixed and coated with the dressing.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the slaw evenly between your serving bowls. Top each with the cooked teriyaki chicken, then sprinkle the crispy wonton strips on top.
- Add Final Touches: Drizzle sweet chili sauce over the bowls if desired, then garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, extra sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges on the side. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors.
Notes
- Keep a close eye on the wonton strips while air frying as they can quickly burn.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Adjust the amount of teriyaki and soy sauce to suit your taste preference.
- Sweet chili sauce is optional but adds a lovely sweet and spicy dimension.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce and wonton wrappers.