If you’re craving something that’s bursting with flavor but comes together fast, you’re going to love this Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe. Seriously, it’s one of those dishes I keep going back to when I want something comforting yet exciting. Imagine tender wontons swimming in a savory, slightly spicy broth with shiitake mushrooms and that addictive chili crisp finish—trust me, this is fan-freaking-tastic and perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without a lot of fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, perfect when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Bold Flavors: The combination of sesame oil, teriyaki sauce, and chili crisp creates a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy that your taste buds will adore.
- Versatile: You can easily swap mushrooms or adjust the spice level to fit your mood or what’s in your pantry.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for these wontons, and I bet yours will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic here comes from using simple, store-bought ingredients that pack serious flavor when combined. Shopping tip: Look for quality frozen wontons—Trader Joe’s mini chicken cilantro ones are my go-to for ease and flavor.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a toasty, nutty richness that ties everything together beautifully.
- Shiitake Mushrooms: Their meaty texture and earthy flavor really elevate this dish beyond your average wonton soup.
- Garlic: Freshly grated garlic gives that aromatic punch without overpowering.
- Frozen Wontons: Convenient and flavorful, choose chicken-based for this recipe.
- Chicken Broth: The base of your sauce; adjust the amount depending on how soupy you want things.
- Teriyaki Sauce: Brings a lovely sweet and salty depth.
- Chili Crisp: The star of the spicy element—if you love crunch and heat, this is your secret weapon.
- Green Onions: Fresh, crisp, and perfect for garnish.
- Sesame Seeds: Adds texture and a nutty note to finish.
Variations
I love personalizing this Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or the season. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—sometimes mixing it up keeps this dish exciting and fresh!
- Mushroom Swap: I sometimes use cremini or baby bella mushrooms when shiitakes aren’t available—they soften beautifully and still lend great flavor.
- Protein Alternatives: You can swap the chicken wontons for pork or vegetable wontons if you want a twist or cater to different diets.
- More Heat: Add a dash of Sriracha or fresh chili flakes if you like it extra spicy—I’ve done this often for guests who crave fire.
- Broth Variation: Using vegetable broth works too if you want a lighter or vegetarian twist, just pick veggie wontons in that case.
How to Make Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
First, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced shiitake mushrooms and sauté until they start to soften and smell incredible—about 4 to 5 minutes. Just as they’re about done, add the grated garlic and cook for another minute or two. This step builds a deeply savory foundation that flavors the whole dish, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Add Wontons, Broth, and Teriyaki Sauce
Next, add your frozen wontons directly to the skillet along with 1 to 2 cups of chicken broth (depending on how soupy you want your final dish) and ½ cup of teriyaki sauce. Give everything a gentle stir, then cover and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This cooks the wontons through while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Finish with Sesame Oil, Chili Crisp, and Toppings
Once your wontons are cooked and the sauce has warmed through, swirl in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sesame oil—this adds a wonderful aromatic finish. Then, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of chili crisp, adjusting based on your love for heat (I usually go for 2 tablespoons!). Top with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra pop of color and texture. Look at you, serving up restaurant-quality wontons at home!
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your mushrooms enough space to brown nicely instead of steaming—the flavor boost is worth it.
- Chili Crisp Control: I learned to add chili crisp gradually and taste as I go—you can always add more heat but can’t take it away once mixed in!
- Use a Nonstick Skillet: It makes cooking and cleanup easier since the wontons can stick if your pan’s not nonstick.
- Keep Wontons Frozen Until Use: Don’t thaw the wontons beforehand; adding them frozen helps keep them intact as they cook evenly in the broth.
How to Serve Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I always top these wontons with plenty of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds—it adds freshness and a little crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky wontons and rich sauce. Sometimes, I add a splash of lime juice if I want a zesty twist or even some chopped fresh cilantro.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple steamed jasmine rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. I’ve also served it alongside quick sautéed greens or a crunchy cucumber salad for a nice textural balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I like serving the wontons in individual small bowls with garnishes arranged artfully on top—green onion curls, sesame seeds, and a tiny spoonful of chili crisp. It looks gorgeous and feels special without extra work.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because of the sauce, the flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even better the next day—just be aware the wontons absorb some of the broth and get a bit softer.
Freezing
While the wontons themselves freeze well uncooked, I don’t recommend freezing this fully cooked dish because the texture can suffer after reheating. If you want to freeze, cook the wontons fresh and then freeze leftover broth/sauce separately.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat to keep the wontons from breaking apart. I usually add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce thickened too much in the fridge. Microwave works in a pinch, but stovetop keeps the best texture.
FAQs
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Can I make Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken wontons for vegetable or mushroom-filled wontons and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can keep all the other flavors intact, and the dish will still be deliciously satisfying.
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How spicy is this Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe?
The spice level depends on how much chili crisp you add. It brings a balanced heat with a crunchy texture, but if you’re sensitive to spice, start with less and add more gradually.
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Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce without the wontons a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just heat it and toss in the wontons to cook fresh—the mushrooms and garlic flavor will be even more developed.
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What’s the best way to avoid wontons sticking together?
Make sure to add the frozen wontons directly to plenty of simmering liquid. Stir them gently to separate them at first, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Using a nonstick skillet helps big time too!
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both comforting and exciting every time I make it. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but bold enough to feel special. I love how the spicy chili crisp adds that perfect kick and crunch, turning simple frozen wontons into a star-worthy meal. Give this recipe a try—I promise you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds and maybe even thirds!
Print
Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Delicious Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce featuring tender shiitake mushrooms, savory wontons simmered in a flavorful broth with teriyaki and finished with a bold chili crisp and sesame oil sauce. This easy skillet dish delivers a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and umami flavors, topped with green onions and toasted sesame seeds for texture and freshness.
Ingredients
Wontons and Sauce
- 1-2 cups chicken broth (depending on how soupy you like it)
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons chili crisp
- one 12-ounce bag frozen wontons (mini chicken cilantro preferred)
Mushrooms and Garnish
- 14 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
- green onions, sliced
- sesame seeds
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 they are softened and flavorful, about 5 minutes. Add the grated garlic during the last 1-2 minutes and cook until fragrant.
- Simmer Wontons: Add the frozen wontons, chicken broth, and teriyaki sauce to the skillet with the mushrooms. Cover and simmer gently for 5 minutes, until the wontons are fully heated through and tender.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and the chili crisp to coat everything in the bold sauce. Transfer to plates or bowls, then garnish generously with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and freshness.
Notes
- This dish is packed with big, beautiful flavors from the earthy shiitake mushrooms and savory chicken wontons.
- The brothy sauce is perfectly balanced with teriyaki sweetness and spicy chili oil that can be adjusted to your heat preference.
- Using mini chicken cilantro wontons adds an extra layer of herby flavor and tender texture.
- Finishing with sesame oil and chili crisp creates a luxurious and aromatic sauce that ties the whole dish together.
- Perfect for a quick and elegant weeknight meal ready in just 15 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 12.1 g
- Sodium: 1489 mg
- Fat: 21.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17.1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34.5 g
- Fiber: 4.5 g
- Protein: 21.5 g
- Cholesterol: 29.6 mg
