Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce

These Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce are a beautiful medley of flavors – from the umami of shiitake mushrooms to the rich, spicy broth laced with chili crisp and sesame oil. Each wonton absorbs the savory broth, creating a slurpable, delicious experience that is perfect for any night of the week.

The best part? This recipe is so quick and easy to prepare, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in just 15 minutes. Pair it with your favorite greens or enjoy it as is for a hearty, comforting bowl of flavor!

Full Recipe:

3 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
14 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced
1 clove garlic, grated
12-ounce bag frozen chicken wontons (mini wontons recommended)
1–2 cups chicken broth (adjust for desired soupiness)
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
1–2 tablespoons chili crisp (adjust to taste)

Toppings:

Green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds

Directions:

Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add shiitake mushrooms and sauté until softened. Add the grated garlic for the last minute or two of cooking.
Add the frozen chicken wontons, chicken broth, and teriyaki sauce to the skillet. Cover and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the wontons are heated through.
Finish by adding the remaining 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and the chili crisp. Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes

Kcal: Approximately 300 kcal per serving (varies based on brand of wontons) | Servings: 4 servings

Recipe Inspiration & Background

This recipe draws inspiration from traditional Asian wonton dishes, combining the classic flavors of chicken and shiitake mushrooms with a modern twist of spicy chili broth. It’s an easy, quick dish designed to bring a touch of Asian-inspired comfort food to your table in under 15 minutes. The rich flavors of the chili crisp and sesame oil add depth, making it a unique balance between savory and spicy.

Ingredient Insights

Frozen Chicken Wontons: Frozen wontons are the star of this recipe, making it easy to whip up a delicious meal quickly. Chicken and cilantro or chicken and vegetable mini wontons are particularly recommended for their flavor. Brands like Trader Joe’s, Costco, or Bibigo work well, but you can substitute with your preferred wonton brand.
Shiitake Mushrooms: The shiitake mushrooms add a deep, umami flavor to the broth, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. They pair perfectly with the chicken wontons and spicy broth. If shiitake is not available, white button mushrooms or even spinach or bok choy can be used as alternatives.
Chili Crisp: This is a popular condiment in many Asian cuisines, offering a blend of chili oil, spices, and crispy bits of pepper. It gives the broth its vibrant, spicy kick and adds a touch of texture. If you don’t have chili crisp on hand, you can substitute it with any other spicy chili oil or even a mild chili sauce, depending on your spice preference.
Sesame Oil: The sesame oil is key in this recipe for bringing out the nutty, aromatic flavors that pair so well with the mushrooms and wontons. Adding it at the end of the cooking process as a drizzle ensures the oil retains its flavor.

Recipe Tips and Variations

Adjust the Spice Level: This recipe allows you to easily control the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili crisp you use. For a milder dish, start with just one tablespoon or less. For those who love extra heat, increase the amount to your liking.
Customize the Broth: The chicken broth is the base of the sauce, but you can enhance it by adding soy sauce for more depth, or a splash of rice vinegar for some acidity and brightness. For a thicker broth, consider stirring in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water).
Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the chicken wontons with vegetable or tofu wontons, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Toppings and Garnishes: The recipe suggests green onions and sesame seeds as toppings, but you can get creative! Add chopped cilantro for freshness, crushed peanuts for crunch, or even a drizzle of sriracha for more heat.

Serving Suggestions

As a Light Soup or Appetizer: Serve this as a warming appetizer before a larger meal, or alongside other Asian dishes like fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, or spring rolls.
As a Main Dish: For a heartier meal, double up on the wontons, add some greens (like bok choy, napa cabbage, or spinach), and enjoy it as a standalone dish.
Accompaniment: A side of steamed jasmine rice or noodles can also make this a complete meal, absorbing the broth and balancing out the spice.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead: This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the mushrooms and broth mixture in advance. When ready to serve, simply reheat the broth, add the frozen wontons, and cook as directed.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The wontons may absorb some of the broth over time, so you can add a bit more broth when reheating to bring back the soupiness.
Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze the cooked wontons as they may lose their texture and become soggy. However, you can keep the wontons frozen separately and only cook the amount you need each time.

Nutritional Information

This dish is relatively light, with each serving being around 300 calories, though the exact number may vary based on the wonton brand and portion sizes. It’s high in protein from the chicken wontons and contains healthy fats from the sesame oil. To make it even more nutritious, consider adding vegetables like spinach, bok choy, or even shredded carrots.

Pairing Suggestions

Beverages: Pair with a light, crisp drink to balance the spice, such as a cold beer, green tea, or sparkling water with lime.
Condiments: Serve alongside additional chili crisp, soy sauce, or a tangy ponzu sauce for dipping or extra drizzling.

Origins of Wontons and Their Role in Asian Cuisine

Wontons are a type of Chinese dumpling, with origins tracing back over 1,000 years. Traditionally, they consist of a thin dough wrapper filled with seasoned meat, seafood, or vegetable mixture, which is then folded and sealed into a bite-sized parcel. Wontons are popular in many Asian cuisines and can be steamed, boiled, or fried. They are often served in broth as a soup, similar to this recipe, or as an appetizer with dipping sauces. The simplicity and versatility of wontons have made them a staple across Asia and beyond, where they are enjoyed in various forms and flavors.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce recipe is a modern, fusion take on a traditional dish. It merges the comfort of a classic wonton soup with the spicy, flavorful punch of chili oil-based broth, offering a unique balance between the soothing texture of the wontons and the bold, vibrant flavor of the sauce. Here’s why this dish is a winner:

Quick and Convenient: Using pre-made frozen wontons dramatically reduces prep time, making this dish perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a quick, comforting meal.
One-Pan Cooking: Everything is cooked in one skillet, from sautéing the mushrooms to simmering the broth and wontons. Less clean-up, more enjoyment!
Adaptable: This recipe offers plenty of room for customization, so you can make it as simple or elaborate as you like, using any toppings, broth flavor adjustments, or wonton fillings that suit your palate.

Alternative Toppings & Add-Ons

To elevate your wonton dish further, here are some other topping ideas and add-ons that can add flavor and texture:

Nori or Seaweed Flakes: For a touch of umami and a salty contrast.
Chili Threads (Sil-gochu): Thin threads of dried chili pepper can add a beautiful presentation and a touch of heat.
Crushed Peanuts or Cashews: Add a crunchy, nutty element to balance the softness of the wontons.
Crispy Fried Garlic or Shallots: A garnish of fried garlic or shallots brings a deep, aromatic flavor and a crisp bite.
Fresh Lime Wedges: Squeezing lime juice over the finished dish adds a bright, citrusy touch that enhances the broth.

Making the Perfect Spicy Broth

The spicy broth is what truly elevates this dish. It’s both a soup and a sauce, providing a savory bath for the wontons while also delivering bold flavors. Here’s how to make the broth truly shine:

Layer the Flavors: Start by sautéing the mushrooms in sesame oil to release their umami flavor, then add garlic to infuse the oil. Once the broth is added, the mushrooms continue to deepen the flavor.
Balance the Heat: The chili crisp brings the spice, but it’s balanced by the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce and the nuttiness of the sesame oil. If you prefer a sweeter broth, you can add a touch more teriyaki or a teaspoon of honey. For more sourness, add a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice.
Add Fresh Herbs: If you want a more aromatic broth, add fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, or scallions just before serving. These herbs will release their aroma into the broth and add a fresh element to the dish.

Wonton Folding Tips (If Making Your Own)

For those who wish to make their own wontons, here are some quick tips:

Wonton Wrappers: Use square wrappers available in most Asian markets or grocery stores. Brush the edges with water before sealing to ensure they stick.
Filling and Folding: Use about 1 teaspoon of filling for each wonton. Fold them into triangles, then bring the bottom two corners together to create a little “purse” shape. You can also keep it simple by folding them into triangles or rectangles.
Sealing Properly: Make sure there are no air bubbles inside the wontons, as they may burst during cooking.

Health and Dietary Notes

High Protein & Low-Calorie: This recipe is a great source of lean protein from the chicken wontons and mushrooms. Each serving is around 300 calories, making it a light, yet satisfying meal.
Healthy Fats: Sesame oil is a healthier fat option, providing both flavor and a dose of healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. The use of chili crisp can also offer antioxidants from the chili peppers.
Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Versions: Easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting chicken wontons with vegetable-filled wontons. For gluten-free options, make sure to use gluten-free wonton wrappers and teriyaki sauce.

Serving Ideas & Plating Techniques

Soup Bowl Presentation: Serve the dish in a wide soup bowl, with the wontons sitting in the middle and the spicy broth surrounding them. Top with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and chili crisp for a colorful presentation.
Dim Sum Style: Present the wontons on a plate with a small dipping bowl filled with the spicy broth on the side, allowing guests to dip the wontons individually.
As a Party Dish: Serve the wontons in a large communal bowl with the broth and provide small individual bowls for guests. Add extra chili oil, soy sauce, or teriyaki on the side for guests to adjust flavors as they like.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers: When storing leftovers, keep the wontons separate from the broth if possible to prevent them from becoming too soft. Place the wontons in an airtight container and the broth in another, then combine them when reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the broth first to ensure it’s evenly warmed, then add the wontons to heat them through without overcooking. This helps maintain the wontons’ texture.

Flavor Pairings and Sides

This spicy wonton dish pairs well with:

Asian Slaw: A side salad of shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers tossed in a tangy rice vinegar dressing complements the spicy flavors.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with a touch of sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds offers a cooling contrast.
Steamed Greens: Lightly steamed or sautéed greens like bok choy, snow peas, or broccoli drizzled with sesame oil and a touch of soy sauce add a healthy side to the dish.

Conclusion

Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce is a quick, flavorful dish that combines savory wontons, shiitake mushrooms, and a bold, spicy broth. Perfect for a 15-minute meal, this recipe is customizable to suit various tastes, dietary preferences, and spice levels. Whether served as a cozy soup, an appetizer, or the star of your dinner table, these wontons bring together the comforting flavors of Asian cuisine with a modern twist. Easy to prepare, deliciously satisfying, and a sure way to impress family or guests!