If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug on a plate—and packs a punch of flavor—you’ve got to try my Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe. It’s an absolute favorite in my kitchen because it’s quick, satisfying, and combines tender chicken-filled wontons with a bold, spicy sauce that’s just downright addictive. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing friends at your next gathering, this recipe hits all the right notes, and I’m excited to share it with you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy: You’ll have this on the table in just 15 minutes—which is perfect for busy nights.
- Bold Flavor Combo: The mingling of shiitake mushrooms, garlicky sauce, and spicy chili crisp creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of ingredients, it’s straightforward but feels so special.
- Crowd-Pleasing: My family goes crazy for this, and it’s a guaranteed hit whenever I bring it to potlucks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe thrives on a simple but flavorful set of ingredients that work beautifully together. Keeping good-quality frozen wontons on hand makes this dish a breeze, and the shiitakes add an earthy depth that’s hard to beat.
- Sesame oil: This oil is the star for Asian dishes; use toasted sesame oil to get that rich, nutty aroma.
- Shiitake mushrooms: I like them fresh and sliced for their deep umami flavor, but dried ones rehydrated also work well.
- Garlic: Freshly grated is best to give that punchy, aromatic lift.
- Frozen wontons: Mini chicken cilantro ones from Trader Joe’s or Costco are my go-to for convenience without sacrificing taste.
- Chicken broth: Adjust between 1 to 2 cups depending on whether you want a soupy or saucy finish, I usually go with 1 ½ cups.
- Teriyaki sauce: Adds sweetness and depth, so choose a good-quality one or homemade for extra flavor.
- Chili crisp: This is your spicy kick and crunch—don’t skip it! It’s the magic finishing touch.
- Green onions: Thinly sliced, they add freshness and a mild bite as garnish.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted, for that extra nutty crunch on top.
Variations
I love that this recipe lets you play around with flavors and textures easily—plus it’s super forgiving, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Add veggies: When I want a heartier meal, I toss in some chopped bok choy or snap peas for a fresh crunch and color.
- Protein swap: I’ve tried shrimp or pork wontons instead of chicken, and they turned out delicious—feel free to swap depending on what you have.
- Heat level: If you like it extra spicy, I bump up the chili crisp or add a splash of hot chili oil; if not, just dial it back.
- Gluten-free tweak: You can use gluten-free wonton wrappers and tamari instead of teriyaki sauce—for anyone watching gluten, it works great.
How to Make Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Toss in the shiitake mushrooms and sauté them until they’ve softened and turned beautifully golden—this usually takes about 5 minutes. The mushrooms release their rich, earthy flavor here, so make sure to give them a good stir. In the last minute or two, add the grated garlic and cook just until fragrant; this keeps the garlic tasting fresh and bright without burning it.
Step 2: Simmer the Wontons in Broth and Sauce
Next, add your frozen wontons right into the pan—no need to thaw them first, which is such a time-saver. Pour in the chicken broth and teriyaki sauce, then cover with a lid. Let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes, or until the wontons are cooked through and tender. You’ll want to check once or twice to make sure there’s enough liquid and that it’s not boiling too hard; a gentle simmer melds all the flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Finish with Sesame Oil and Chili Crisp
Once the wontons are heated through, drizzle in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and the chili crisp. Stir gently to combine—this gives the sauce a glossy finish and layers in that irresistible spicy crunch. Then, sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions right before serving. The pop of color and texture here makes it look as good as it tastes!
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When sautéing mushrooms, give them space to brown instead of steam—it amps up their flavor amazingly.
- Use Quality Chili Crisp: I learned that a good chili crisp transforms this dish from tasty to unforgettable—don’t settle for the generic stuff.
- Adjust Broth Amount to Your Liking: For a soupier meal, add more broth; for dipping-style sauce, keep it minimal.
- Seal the Lid During Simmering: It helps the wontons cook evenly and soak up all those sauces without drying out.
How to Serve Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top mine with green onions and toasted sesame seeds. The green onions add a peppery freshness that balances the rich sauce, while the sesame seeds bring a lovely crunch and nuttiness. Sometimes, I’ll sprinkle a little fresh cilantro or even a squeeze of lime for an extra zing—it wakes everything up!
Side Dishes
I love serving these wontons alongside steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice noodles to soak up that spicy, savory sauce. A simple Asian-style cucumber salad or some steamed bok choy with garlic makes a refreshing, light complement that keeps the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve arranged these wontons in a shallow bowl and drizzled extra chili crisp in pretty swirls on top, sprinkled with edible flowers and finely sliced red chilies. It turns a humble dish into a party centerpiece that always surprises and delights guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens a bit overnight, so before reheating, I add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it back to that perfect silky consistency.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, I recommend freezing just the wontons separately from the sauce. Wontons freeze beautifully on their own, and you can quickly reheat and toss them in freshly made sauce later for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
When reheating, I use a skillet on medium-low heat and add a few tablespoons of broth to rehydrate the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through to keep the wontons tender and the sauce shiny. Microwave works too, but watch out for overcooking the wontons—you want them soft, not rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I make this Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe with homemade wontons?
Absolutely! Homemade wontons add a lovely fresh touch, but they do require more prep. Just cook them in boiling water until tender before adding to the sauce, or simmer them directly in the broth as you would frozen ones, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
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What if I don’t have chili crisp? Can I substitute it?
If you don’t have chili crisp, a drizzle of chili oil paired with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can work in a pinch. It won’t have the same crunchy texture, but it will still add great heat and flavor.
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Is this recipe very spicy?
The spiciness mainly comes from the chili crisp, so you can control heat by how much you add. I usually start with 1 tablespoon and add more if I want a bigger kick. It’s flavorful, with spicy warmth, but not overwhelmingly hot.
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Can I prepare the wontons and sauce separately ahead of time?
You sure can! Prepare the sauce and mushrooms ahead and refrigerate separately. When you’re ready, quickly reheat the sauce, add fresh or thawed wontons, and simmer until warmed through—making weeknight dinners that much easier.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings so much comfort and excitement to the dinner table without any fuss. I’ve served it countless times, and it never fails to please both picky eaters and spice lovers alike. If you want a dish that’s quick, full of flavor, and feels like a warm, satisfying treat, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this recipe a go—you’re going to love it as much as I do!
PrintChicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
Delight in savory chicken wontons cooked in a fragrant, spicy chili sauce brimming with shiitake mushrooms, garlic, and teriyaki. This quick and comforting skillet dish blends tender wontons with a rich broth, finished off with aromatic sesame oil, chili crisp, sesame seeds, and green onions for a bold, flavorful experience perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
- 14 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen wontons (mini chicken cilantro preferred)
- 1-2 cups chicken broth (adjust for desired soupiness)
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons chili crisp
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and sauté until softened and aromatic, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the grated garlic during the last 1-2 minutes of sautéing to release its flavor without burning.
- Simmer Wontons: Add the frozen wontons to the skillet along with chicken broth and teriyaki sauce. Cover with a lid and simmer gently for about 5 minutes, or until the wontons are heated through and tender.
- Finish with Flavors: Remove the lid and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and the chili crisp, adjusting the amount according to your heat preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving hot to enhance texture and flavor complexity.
Notes
- This dish provides bold, complex flavors combining earthy shiitake mushrooms and savory chicken wontons with a spicy, umami-packed broth.
- Adjust the amount of chicken broth for a more soupy or saucy consistency depending on your preference.
- Chili crisp adds both heat and crunch, but can be reduced or omitted for a milder dish.
- Using mini chicken cilantro wontons from Trader Joe’s or Costco is recommended for authenticity and convenience.
- For gluten-free adaptation, verify teriyaki sauce and wontons are gluten-free or substitute accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg