If you’re looking for a fun, flavor-packed meal that combines the best of Asian and taco-inspired cuisine, these Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls are an absolute must-try. Imagine tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich teriyaki glaze, perfectly complemented by a crunchy, colorful slaw and crispy air-fried wonton strips for that delightful texture contrast. This dish is vibrant, fresh, and bursting with layers of flavor that come together effortlessly—making it a fantastic weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser whenever you feel like something exciting yet comforting.

Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, readily available ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the vibrant flavors and textures of the Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls. From the tender chicken enhanced by fragrant sesame and garlic to the crisp, tangy slaw that brings a pop of color and crunch, every element is essential to this delicious harmony.

Chicken breasts: Cut into bite-size pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
Teriyaki sauce: The star of the show—provides that savory-sweet glaze everyone craves.
Sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty depth that elevates the chicken and slaw.
Soy sauce: Enhances umami flavor and balances sweetness with a salty punch.
Garlic (minced): Adds aromatic warmth and spice to both the chicken and slaw.
Ginger (minced): Lends a fresh, zesty brightness that complements the teriyaki glaze perfectly.
Purple and green cabbage: Provides crunch and vibrant color in the slaw.
Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and a crisp texture.
Green onion: Offers a mild sharpness and lovely green garnish.
Vinegar: Brings acidity to balance the richness of the sauce and oils.
Honey: Naturally sweetens the slaw dressing, harmonizing flavors.
Wonton wrappers: The crispy “taco shell” element—air-fried to golden perfection.
Cooking spray: Essential for getting those wonton strips perfectly crisp without excess oil.
Optional sweet chili sauce: Adds a subtle heat and extra layer of flavor if you love a little kick.
Sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges: Perfect finishing touches for garnish and brightness.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by heating a pan over medium heat, then add your bite-sized chicken pieces along with sesame oil, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger. This fragrant combo will coat the chicken beautifully as it cooks, locking in flavor and moisture. Stir frequently and cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and glossy with that delicious teriyaki glaze—this is where the savory magic begins.

Step 2: Prepare the Wonton Strips

While the chicken is cooking, cut your wonton wrappers into thin strips. Lay them out in a single layer inside your air fryer basket, then give them a generous spray with cooking spray to ensure they crisp up nicely. Air fry at 350°F (190°C) for about 4 to 5 minutes, keeping a close eye so they turn golden and crunchy without burning. These will add a light, crispy texture crucial for the taco bowl experience.

Step 3: Toss the Slaw

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded purple cabbage, green cabbage, carrots, and sliced green onion. Whisk together sesame oil, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, minced ginger, and garlic to make a flavorful slaw dressing, then toss everything together so the veggies are well-coated and bursting with tangy-sweet flavor. This crunchy slaw is the fresh foundation that balances the savory chicken perfectly.

Step 4: Assemble Your Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls

Divide the vibrant slaw evenly between your serving bowls. Spoon the hot teriyaki chicken right over the slaw, then scatter the crispy wonton strips on top for that amazing crunch. If you love a little extra zing, drizzle on some sweet chili sauce. Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, and sliced green onions, then serve with lime wedges on the side. This layered bowl is colorful, textured, and packed with flavor in every bite.

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls

Garnishes

To truly bring the Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls to life, garnishing thoughtfully is key. Fresh cilantro brightens the dish with its herbaceous notes, while sesame seeds provide a subtle crunch and nuttiness. Lime wedges add a zesty burst of acidity that cuts through the richness of the teriyaki glaze, balancing each bite perfectly. Don’t skip the thinly sliced green onions either, as they bring a mild oniony punch that complements every flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides like steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame seeds. If you want something heartier, sticky jasmine rice or a bowl of miso soup can also complement the flavors while keeping the meal cohesive and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow guests or make your dinner feel extra special? Serve the Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls in individual colorful bowls or on large platters for a family-style feast. You can even turn this dish into a DIY taco bar, letting everyone build their own bowls with extra slaw, sauces, and toppings on the side. Using edible flowers or extra herbs like Thai basil can add an elegant touch, making your meal as visually stunning as it is tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the cooked chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps keep the textures fresh—the slaw stays crisp, and the chicken retains its saucy goodness without getting soggy from the slaw’s dressing.

Freezing

The chicken component can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply cool it completely, then pack it in a freezer-safe container. Avoid freezing the slaw or wonton strips, as they tend to lose their texture once thawed.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the chicken in a pan over medium heat until warmed through to avoid drying it out. The slaw is best served cold, so add it fresh or from the fridge. Re-crisp wonton strips quickly in the air fryer or oven to restore their crunch.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness and richness, making the Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls even more flavorful. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No air fryer? No problem! You can bake the wonton strips in a single layer on a baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through until they’re golden and crisp.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian teriyaki sauce or tamari. The slaw and wonton strips still provide plenty of crunch and flavor.

How spicy is this dish?

The base Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls aren’t spicy, but adding sweet chili sauce or a dash of sriracha can give it a nice gentle heat if you like a bit of a kick.

Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?

You can definitely prep the slaw and chicken sauce mixture in advance to save time on busy days. Just toss the slaw right before serving to keep it crisp, and warm the chicken freshly for best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I promise these Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals, thanks to their irresistible blend of textures and flavors. They bring warmth, freshness, and fun to your dinner table without any fuss. Give them a try, and you’ll find yourself craving these vibrant bowls again and again!