If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and fresh flavors with a delightful crunch, these Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls are exactly what your weeknight dinners have been missing. This recipe brings together tender, juicy chicken glazed in a rich teriyaki sauce, topped with a vibrant, crunchy slaw and crispy wonton strips that add that irresistible texture. Each bite bursts with layers of flavor and color, making Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls not just a meal but an experience that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.

Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with these Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward yet incredibly impactful. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s the tender chicken soaking up bold Asian-inspired sauces, the fresh slaw bringing brightness and crunch, or the crispy wonton strips adding the perfect crisp texture.

Chicken breasts (2): Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and easy eating.
Teriyaki sauce (2-3 tbsp): Gives the chicken that deeply savory and slightly sweet flavor that’s essential.
Sesame oil (3 tbsp total): Adds a toasty, nutty aroma, split between chicken and slaw for clear layers of flavor.
Soy sauce (2 tbsp total): Balances saltiness and umami in both the chicken and slaw.
Fresh minced garlic (2 tsp for chicken + ½ tsp for slaw): Brings pungent, aromatic depth to each bite.
Fresh minced ginger (2 tsp for chicken + ½ tsp for slaw): Offers a subtle zing and warms the flavor profile brilliantly.
Shredded purple cabbage (¼ cup): Adds vibrant color and crunch to the slaw mix.
Shredded green cabbage (¼ cup): Provides a crisp, refreshing contrast in the slaw.
Shredded carrots (¼ cup): Introduces a touch of sweetness and bright orange hue to the bowl.
Green onions (1, thinly sliced): Adds fresh, mild bite for garnish and slaw inclusion.
Vinegar (1 tbsp): Brings essential acidity to the slaw, balancing out the sweetness.
Honey (1 tbsp): Sweetens the slaw naturally and complements the teriyaki chicken.
Wonton wrappers (8-10): Cut into strips and air-fried until golden and crunchy, they’re the taco bowl’s signature texture.
Cooking spray: Needed to crisp up wonton strips without excess oil.
Sweet chili sauce (optional): For a sticky, spicy drizzle that makes each bite pop.
Sesame seeds: Adds a nutty crunch and pretty finish on top.
Chopped cilantro: Fresh herbaceous note that brightens the entire bowl.
Lime wedges: Squeezed over for a zingy citrus lift at serving.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls

Step 1: Cook the Chicken in Flavorful Sauces

Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces in a pan with sesame oil, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger. Cooking over medium heat, the chicken absorbs all those rich, savory flavors while getting perfectly cooked—juicy on the inside and beautifully glazed on the outside. Keep stirring occasionally to coat every piece thoroughly. This step is the heart of your Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls, so savor the aroma as it fills your kitchen.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Wonton Strips

While the chicken is cooking, it’s time to add that crave-worthy crunch. Cut your wonton wrappers into thin strips and lay them out in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Give them a generous spray with cooking oil so they crisp without sticking. Air fry at 350°F (190°C) for 4 to 5 minutes, but watch closely—they can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds. These crispy strips will become the perfect texture contrast in your Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls.

Step 3: Toss Together the Vibrant Slaw

Mix shredded purple and green cabbage, carrots, and sliced green onion in a bowl. Whisk together sesame oil, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, minced ginger, and garlic to create a balanced dressing. Pour this over the veggies and toss well to coat evenly. This colorful slaw adds the fresh, bright crunch that cuts through the rich chicken and savory sauces in the bowl.

Step 4: Assemble Your Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls

Start by dividing the slaw evenly into your serving bowls. Spoon over the warm teriyaki chicken, then sprinkle with those golden wonton strips. For a finishing touch, drizzle with sweet chili sauce if you like a little heat and sweetness, then garnish generously with sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and a wedge of lime for squeezing. Serve immediately for the perfect combination of warm, cold, crunchy, and saucy bites all in one bowl.

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls

Garnishes

The finishing touches on your Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls truly bring the dish to life. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds an unexpected crunch and nuttiness, while fresh chopped cilantro brings brightness and a pop of color. Sliced green onions contribute a mild bite, and lime wedges provide a wonderful citrus splash that wakes up all the flavors. These garnishes turn a simple bowl into something that feels vibrant and special.

Side Dishes

Pair these taco bowls with light and simple sides that won’t overpower their complex layers. Steamed jasmine rice or a fragrant coconut rice makes a perfect, fluffy base if you want to boost the meal. Alternatively, serve with a crisp cucumber salad or some pickled vegetables to complement the tangy, sweet flavors. A side of edamame or miso soup rounds out the meal beautifully and keeps things in that Asian-inspired flavor zone.

Creative Ways to Present

You can have fun customizing your Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls to suit the occasion! Use mini tortilla bowls instead of just serving in regular bowls for a playful, handheld option that doubles as part of the meal. Or serve the components buffet-style and let everyone build their own bowl; this is perfect for casual dinners or entertaining. Wrapping some slaw and chicken inside individual lettuce leaves offers a fresh, low-carb alternative that’s still packed with flavor and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken, slaw, and wonton strips in separate airtight containers to maintain maximum freshness. The chicken and slaw can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, but keep the wonton strips separate as they will lose their crispness if stored together with moist ingredients.

Freezing

The cooked teriyaki chicken freezes well on its own. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers and store for up to 2 months. The slaw and wonton strips don’t freeze well due to their fresh and crispy nature, so it’s best to prepare those fresh when you’re ready to serve again.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, avoiding drying it out. If your wonton strips have softened, you can refresh them by popping them back into the air fryer for a minute or two at 350°F (190°C) until crisp again. Serve immediately with freshly tossed slaw for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can swap chicken for tofu, shrimp, or thin-sliced beef. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your chosen protein is perfectly cooked and well-coated in the teriyaki sauce.

Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh cubes. Marinate and cook them just like the chicken for a delicious vegetarian version. Make sure your teriyaki sauce is vegetarian-friendly as well.

Can I bake the wonton strips instead of air frying?

Definitely! Lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through for even crisping.

What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh ginger or garlic?

Powdered ginger and garlic powder can work in a pinch, but use them sparingly as they have a more concentrated flavor. A quarter to half the amount listed for fresh versions should be sufficient.

How spicy is this dish, and can I make it spicier?

This recipe is mild by default, but adding sweet chili sauce or mixing in some sriracha or chili flakes is a wonderful way to sneak in more heat without overwhelming the bright, balanced flavors.

Final Thoughts

Once you get a taste of these Teriyaki Chicken Wonton Taco Bowls, you’ll understand why they quickly become a standout favorite. They’re vibrant, fun, and offer incredible layers of flavor and texture that simply can’t be beat. Whether you want an easy weeknight meal or a dish to impress friends, give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself craving it again and again.