Chicken Wonton

Authentic Chicken Wonton Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken wontons are a popular appetizer in many Asian cuisines, known for their delicious filling wrapped in a thin dough. These crispy and flavorful bites are perfect for parties or as a snack. In this recipe, we will show you how to make homemade chicken wontons that are sure to impress your guests.

History

Wontons have a long history in Chinese cuisine, with origins dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Originally, wontons were filled with pork and served in a clear broth. Over time, variations of wontons with different fillings and cooking methods have emerged, including the popular chicken wontons we know today.

Ingredients

2 tbsp finely chopped shallot
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 green onions
8 oz (227 g) chicken breast
3 tbsp peanut butter or sesame paste
3 tbsp shredded carrot
1 tsp green curry paste
2 tbsp soy sauce
1.5 tsp granulated sugar
2 tsp lime juice
oil for deep-frying and stir-frying, as needed

How to prepare

Heat the wok over medium-high to high heat. Add 2 tbsp of oil, drizzling it down the sides of the wok. When the oil is hot, add the shallots, garlic, and green onion. Stir-fry briefly, then add the chicken meat and stir-fry on high heat until the chicken changes color and is nearly cooked through.
Stir in the remaining ingredients. Remove the wok from the burner and allow the mixture to cool. Set out the wonton wrappers with a small bowl filled with water. Lay out 1 wonton wrapper and place approximately 1 tbsp of the chicken mixture in the middle. Dip your finger in the water and run it along the edges of the wonton wrapper to wet. Take another wonton wrapper and place it on top in a way that forms a star shape (i.e. the top wrapper looks like a diamond instead of a square). Continue with the rest of the mixture.
To deep-fry, heat 3 to 4 cups of oil to between 360 and 375°F (191°C). Deep-fry the wontons a few at a time, sliding them carefully into the wok so that the oil doesn't splatter. Deep-fry until they turn golden. Drain on paper towels. Serve with sweet and sour sauce or the dipping sauce of your choice.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with ground pork or shrimp for a different flavor.
Add chopped water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for added crunch in the filling.
Experiment with different dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce or soy sauce with vinegar.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to finely chop the shallots, garlic, and green onions to ensure even distribution of flavors in the filling.

- Use sesame paste to add a nutty flavor to the chicken mixture.

- When deep-frying the wontons, make sure the oil is hot enough to ensure a crispy exterior.

- Serve the wontons with a dipping sauce of your choice for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken wontons with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-fry the chicken mixture on high heat to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly.

- Deep-fry the wontons in hot oil for a crispy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or tofu as a substitute for chicken.

- Substitute peanut butter for sesame paste if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and cook the wontons.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cooked wontons on a platter and garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the chicken wontons with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a bowl of hot and sour soup for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover chicken wontons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven until crispy and heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of chicken wontons contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of chicken wontons contains approximately 12 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of chicken wontons contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of chicken wontons contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken wontons are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and sesame, which are common allergens.

Summary

Chicken wontons are a balanced dish with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals for a well-rounded meal.

Summary

Chicken wontons are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. With a flavorful filling and crispy exterior, these homemade wontons are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Chicken Wonton. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mei Ling in her cozy kitchen. Mei Ling was a master in the art of Chinese cuisine, and I always looked forward to learning new recipes from her.

On that particular day, Mei Ling invited me to help her make Chicken Wonton, a dish that she learned from her grandmother many years ago. As we gathered the ingredients and prepared the filling, Mei Ling shared the story of how she first learned to make this delicious dish.

Mei Ling's grandmother was a renowned chef in their village, known for her exceptional cooking skills and her ability to create mouthwatering dishes from simple ingredients. Mei Ling spent countless hours in the kitchen with her grandmother, watching and learning as she cooked.

One day, Mei Ling's grandmother decided it was time for her to learn how to make Chicken Wonton, a family recipe that had been passed down for generations. She showed Mei Ling how to prepare the filling, a combination of ground chicken, finely chopped vegetables, and a secret blend of spices.

As Mei Ling watched and listened, she could feel the love and dedication that her grandmother put into every step of the cooking process. She learned how to fold the wonton wrappers into delicate little parcels, sealing them with a dab of water to ensure they stayed closed during cooking.

When it was time to cook the wontons, Mei Ling's grandmother demonstrated the art of steaming them to perfection. The steam rose from the pot, carrying with it the tantalizing aroma of the chicken filling and the delicate wonton wrappers.

As Mei Ling took her first bite of the Chicken Wonton, she knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of her culinary repertoire. She continued to make the dish for her family and friends, passing down the tradition to future generations.

After hearing Mei Ling's story, I was eager to try my hand at making Chicken Wonton. With Mei Ling's guidance and encouragement, I carefully assembled the ingredients and followed her instructions to create the delicious dish.

The moment I took my first bite of the Chicken Wonton, I was transported back to that warm summer day in Mei Ling's kitchen. The flavors of the tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and aromatic spices blended together perfectly, creating a dish that was both comforting and satisfying.

From that day on, Chicken Wonton became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I shared the recipe with my own family and friends, passing down the tradition that Mei Ling had shared with me.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover this wonderful recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the friendships and experiences that have enriched my life. Cooking has always been a source of joy and connection for me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue learning and sharing new recipes with those I love.

And so, as I prepare to make another batch of Chicken Wonton, I am reminded of the love and tradition that are woven into every dish I create. Each bite is a reminder of the stories and memories that have shaped my culinary journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share them with others.