Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

These teriyaki chicken wonton taco bowls bring together juicy chicken stir fried in a savory sauce with crunchy homemade slaw and golden wonton strips. Finished with sweet chili drizzle, cilantro, lime, and sesame seeds, the dish balances bold flavor with fresh texture. Everything comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick meal that still feels vibrant and satisfying. Whether for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, this dish delivers crunch, sauciness, and plenty of fresh toppings.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Sun, 17 Aug 2025 14:23:20 GMT
A bowl of food with chicken, lime, and vegetables. Bookmark
A bowl of food with chicken, lime, and vegetables. | ioanacooks.com

Teriyaki chicken wonton taco bowls have become one of my favorite quick meals to make at home. They are inspired by the popular Applebee’s appetizer, but turned into a full, protein-packed dinner bowl with saucy chicken, crunchy slaw, crispy wonton strips, and plenty of fresh toppings. The best part is that everything comes together in under 20 minutes, making it the kind of recipe I find myself craving on busy nights when I still want something bold and satisfying.

I first tested this recipe on a weeknight when I had leftover cabbage and some wonton wrappers in the freezer. My family devoured it so quickly that it immediately became part of our regular dinner rotation.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: diced into bite size pieces provide lean protein and soak up the teriyaki sauce beautifully
  • Teriyaki sauce: adds bold sweetness and umami depth, look for one without too much added sugar
  • Sesame oil: gives a nutty richness, a little goes a long way so use sparingly
  • Soy sauce: enhances savory flavor, opt for low sodium if possible
  • Minced garlic and minced ginger: bring brightness and warmth, always worth using fresh if available
  • Purple and green cabbage: shredded for the slaw offer crunch and color, choose heads that feel heavy for their size
  • Carrots: shredded add natural sweetness and vibrant color, fresh carrots are best for crisp texture
  • Green onion: sliced adds sharp freshness to balance the sauce
  • Vinegar and honey: in the slaw dressing keep flavors tangy yet slightly sweet
  • Wonton wrappers: crisp up into golden strips, choose thin square wrappers for the best crunch
  • Sweet chili sauce: adds a finishing touch of sweet heat
  • Sesame seeds, cilantro, and lime wedges: complete the toppings with freshness and balance

Step by Step Instructions

Sauté the Chicken:
Add diced chicken to a pan with sesame oil, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Cook over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through and coated in glossy sauce. This step is where the bold flavor foundation comes from.
Prepare the Wonton Strips:
Cut wonton wrappers into thin strips and spread them in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray with cooking oil and air fry at 350°F or 175°C for 4 to 5 minutes until crisp and golden. Watch closely because they turn from golden to burnt in seconds. If using the oven, bake at 375°F or 190°C for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway.
Mix the Slaw:
In a mixing bowl combine shredded cabbages, carrots, green onion, sesame oil, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Toss well so the vegetables are coated and slightly glossy. Divide evenly into serving bowls.
Assemble the Bowls:
Spoon the hot chicken over the slaw, then scatter crispy wonton strips on top. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce, sprinkle sesame seeds, and finish with cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately so everything stays fresh and crunchy.
A plate of food with meat and vegetables. Bookmark
A plate of food with meat and vegetables. | ioanacooks.com

My favorite part of this dish is the crispy wonton strips. They remind me of when my grandmother used to make fried dumplings from scratch, and I love recreating that crunch in a lighter air fried way.

Storage Tips

Keep leftover chicken and slaw in separate containers for up to three days. Store wonton strips at room temperature in an airtight container so they stay crisp. Reassemble the bowls fresh to keep textures intact.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap chicken with shrimp, ground turkey, rotisserie chicken, or crispy tofu. Use pre-shredded coleslaw mix if you want to save time. For the sauce, hoisin, peanut sauce, or sriracha mayo make fun variations.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bowls as a main dish for two people or double the recipe for family dinner. Pair with jasmine rice or quinoa if you want to bulk it up. They also make a great party dish when set up as a build your own bowl bar.

A plate of food with meat and vegetables. Bookmark
A plate of food with meat and vegetables. | ioanacooks.com

Cultural Context

This recipe takes inspiration from Asian American fusion cooking. The wonton strips and teriyaki chicken nod to familiar takeout flavors, but it is simplified and made weeknight friendly. It shows how home cooks can take restaurant favorites and turn them into wholesome meals at home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I bake the wonton strips instead of air frying?

Yes, simply bake them at 375°F/190°C for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

→ What proteins can I substitute for chicken?

You can use ground chicken, rotisserie chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option.

→ How can I keep the wonton strips crunchy for meal prep?

Store them separately in an airtight container and add just before serving to maintain crispness.

→ Can I use pre-shredded slaw mix?

Yes, pre-shredded slaw saves time and works well. Add extra veggies if you’d like more crunch and color.

→ What sauces work well besides sweet chili?

Sriracha mayo, peanut sauce, hoisin, or sesame dressing are all great alternatives.

→ Is this dish suitable for a low-carb diet?

Yes, skip the wonton strips and serve the chicken and slaw in lettuce cups for a lighter version.

Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

Teriyaki chicken with slaw, crispy wontons, and fresh toppings ready in 20 minutes.

Time Needed to Prep
5 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Overall Time
20 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Medium Difficulty

Type of Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Number of Portions: 2 How Many It Serves

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free Suitable

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Chicken

Ingredient 01 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Ingredient 02 2-3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
Ingredient 03 2 teaspoons sesame oil
Ingredient 04 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Ingredient 05 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
Ingredient 06 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
Ingredient 07 Salt to taste

→ Slaw

Ingredient 08 1/4 cup purple cabbage, shredded
Ingredient 09 1/4 cup green cabbage, shredded
Ingredient 10 1/4 cup carrots, shredded
Ingredient 11 1 green onion, sliced into thin rounds
Ingredient 12 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Ingredient 13 1 tablespoon vinegar
Ingredient 14 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Ingredient 15 1 tablespoon honey
Ingredient 16 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
Ingredient 17 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced

→ Toppings

Ingredient 18 8-10 wonton wrappers
Ingredient 19 Cooking spray
Ingredient 20 Sweet chili sauce (optional)
Ingredient 21 Sesame seeds for garnish
Ingredient 22 Fresh cilantro, chopped
Ingredient 23 Lime wedges for serving

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Add chicken pieces to a pan with sesame oil, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat until chicken is fully cooked and coated in sauce.

Step 02

Cut wonton wrappers into strips and arrange in a single layer in air fryer basket. Spray with cooking oil and air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes until crisp and golden, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 03

In a mixing bowl, toss together all slaw ingredients until well combined. Divide mixture between serving bowls.

Step 04

Spoon cooked teriyaki chicken over slaw in each bowl. Top with crispy wonton strips and drizzle with sweet chili sauce if desired.

Step 05

Finish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges on the side. Serve immediately while components are fresh and crisp.

Extra Tips

  1. For oven method: bake wonton strips at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through
  2. Space wonton wrappers properly in air fryer to prevent sticking together
  3. Use pre-shredded slaw mix as a time-saving shortcut
  4. Store components separately for meal prep to maintain crispness

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Air fryer or baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Serving bowls

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains soy (soy sauce, teriyaki sauce)
  • Contains wheat (wonton wrappers)
  • May contain sesame

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 356
  • Total Fat: 10 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 34 grams
  • Protein Amount: 31 grams