Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy, golden-brown wonton, bursting with a savory filling of juicy ground chicken, crunchy cabbage, and aromatic garlic. These Chicken Fried Wontons are not only a delicious appetizer but also a fun dish to make at home. Perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or even just a cozy dinner, these wontons will surely become a favorite in your household.
Making your own wontons may seem daunting, but with the right ingredients and a step-by-step approach, you’ll be whipping up these delightful bites in no time. Let’s dive into why these Chicken Fried Wontons have become my go-to recipe!
Why It’s My Go-To
There are several reasons why I adore making Chicken Fried Wontons. First, they are incredibly versatile. You can customize the filling based on what you have on hand or what flavors you love. Second, they are a crowd-pleaser; whether you’re entertaining guests or just feeding your family, everyone loves a good fried wonton. Lastly, the process of wrapping the wontons can be a fun activity to do with friends or family, creating memories along with delicious food.
What to Buy
Before you get started, here’s a detailed shopping list for your Chicken Fried Wontons:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for added flavor)
- Wonton wrappers
- Water (for sealing)
- Peanut oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
Appliances & Accessories
To make your cooking experience smoother, gather the following appliances and accessories:
- Large mixing bowl: For combining your filling ingredients.
- Frying pan or deep fryer: For frying the wontons to crispy perfection.
- Tongs or slotted spoon: For safely flipping and removing the fried wontons.
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping the vegetables.
Mastering Chicken Fried Wontons: How-To
Now it’s time to get cooking! Follow these steps to create your amazing Chicken Fried Wontons:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, shredded cabbage, chopped onion, sliced green onions, salt, sugar, soy sauce, white pepper, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 2: Assemble the Wontons
Take a wonton wrapper and place about a teaspoon of the filling in the center. Dip your finger in a small bowl of water and moisten the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half to create a triangle, pressing down to seal. Make sure there are no air pockets. You can also bring the two corners of the triangle together and pinch to create a different shape if desired.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a deep frying pan, heat about 2 inches of peanut oil (or vegetable oil) over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of wonton wrapper into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
Step 4: Fry the Wontons
Carefully add the wontons to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them occasionally for even cooking.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once cooked, remove the wontons from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like soy sauce or sweet chili sauce.
Spring to Winter: Ideas
These Chicken Fried Wontons can be enjoyed year-round, and you can switch up your fillings or sauces based on the season. Here are some ideas:
- In spring, add fresh herbs like cilantro and mint to the filling for a refreshing twist.
- In summer, serve with a spicy mango salsa for a fruity kick.
- During fall, incorporate diced apples and cinnamon into the filling for a sweet variation.
- In winter, pair with a warm dipping sauce made with soy sauce and ginger for comforting flavors.
What I Learned Testing
Throughout my cooking journey with Chicken Fried Wontons, I’ve learned a few things that might help you as well:
- Don’t overfill the wontons; a teaspoon of filling is usually perfect to avoid bursting during frying.
- Keep the oil at a steady temperature to ensure even cooking; too hot, and the wontons will burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil.
- Experiment with fillings! You can swap out ground chicken for other proteins like pork or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Storage & Reheat Guide
If you have leftovers (which is rare because they are so delicious!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Allow the fried wontons to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness. Alternatively, you can re-fry them in a little oil over medium heat for a few minutes.
Handy Q&A
Can I bake the wontons instead of frying them?
Yes! To bake the wontons, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the assembled wontons on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush them lightly with oil, and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden and crispy. They won’t be as crunchy as fried, but they’re a healthier alternative!
What can I use instead of chicken?
You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, pork, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the seasoning to your taste.
How do I make sure the wontons don’t burst while frying?
Ensure that you seal the wontons properly by pressing out any air pockets and using enough moisture when sealing the edges. Keeping the filling to a teaspoon also helps prevent bursting during frying.
Can I freeze the wontons before frying?
Absolutely! Assemble the wontons and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be fried straight from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes to the frying time.
If you loved making , here are some recipes to try next:
Serve & Enjoy
Your homemade Chicken Fried Wontons are ready to be devoured! Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce and watch as they disappear in no time. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, these wontons are sure to impress everyone at the table.
With each crispy bite filled with flavorful goodness, these Chicken Fried Wontons will become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the process, share with loved ones, and relish in the joy of homemade cooking!
Chicken Fried Wontons
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Filling - In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, shredded cabbage, chopped onion, sliced green onions, salt, sugar, soy sauce, white pepper, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Step 2: Assemble the Wontons - Take a wonton wrapper and place about a teaspoon of the filling in the center. Dip your finger in a small bowl of water and moisten the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half to create a triangle, pressing down to seal.
- Step 3: Heat the Oil - In a deep frying pan, heat about 2 inches of peanut oil (or vegetable oil) over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of wonton wrapper into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- Step 4: Fry the Wontons - Carefully add the wontons to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Step 5: Drain and Serve - Once cooked, remove the wontons from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Don’t overfill the wontons; a teaspoon of filling is usually perfect to avoid bursting during frying.
- Keep the oil at a steady temperature to ensure even cooking.
- Experiment with fillings! You can swap out ground chicken for other proteins.
