Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

1. Combine the filling ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, green onions, shredded carrots (if using), and cornstarch. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. The cornstarch helps bind the filling together, ensuring the wontons hold their shape during cooking.
2. Check the seasoning: Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like a little more salt, you can add a splash of soy sauce. For extra heat, feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes or a small amount of chili paste.
3. Fill the wontons: To assemble the wontons, place a small teaspoon of the chicken filling in the center of each wonton wrapper. Be careful not to overfill them, as this will make folding difficult. Wet the edges of the wrapper with a little water, then fold it into a triangle shape, pressing the edges to seal the filling inside. You can also fold the wrappers into an envelope or purse shape, depending on your preference.
4. Set the wontons aside: Once all the wontons are filled and sealed, place them on a tray or plate in a single layer, ensuring they don’t stick together. If you’re not frying them immediately, you can cover them with a damp cloth and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook.

Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Chili Sauce

1. Cook the sauce base: In a small saucepan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
2. Add the liquids: Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or sugar), and chili paste or chili garlic sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves and the sauce becomes smooth.
3. Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a little water or chicken broth and add it to the pan. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. If you like it thinner, you can skip this step and just let the sauce simmer to reduce slightly.
4. Add the heat: For an extra punch of heat, stir in some crushed red pepper flakes. This step is optional, but if you love spicy food, it will really enhance the chili flavor.
5. Finish the sauce: Remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly while you fry the wontons. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

Step 3: Fry the Wontons

1. Heat the oil: Heat a few inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to fully submerge the wontons, so choose a pan that allows for easy frying. The oil should be around 350°F (175°C) for crispy wontons. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of wonton wrapper—it should bubble and sizzle immediately.
2. Fry the wontons: Carefully drop the wontons into the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry them for 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Turn them halfway through to ensure even frying.
3. Drain excess oil: Once the wontons are golden and crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Serve the Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce

1. Plate the wontons: Arrange the fried chicken wontons on a serving platter, making sure they’re not stacked too high, so the sauce won’t make them soggy.
2. Drizzle the sauce: Generously spoon the spicy chili sauce over the wontons. If you prefer, you can serve the sauce on the side for dipping. For an added touch, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro. A few sliced green onions also make for a fresh garnish.
3. Serve hot: These chicken wontons are best served immediately while they’re still warm and crispy, making them perfect for a party appetizer or a savory snack.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce

1. Use Ground Chicken or Chicken Thighs

For the juiciest filling, opt for ground chicken thighs instead of breasts. The extra fat in thighs ensures a moist and flavorful filling. If you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts will work, but you may want to add a little extra moisture (like a touch of broth or oil) to keep the filling tender.

2. Make Ahead and Freeze

You can easily make the wontons ahead of time. Assemble the wontons, then place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about 30 minutes before transferring them to a freezer bag. This will help them keep their shape when frying. When ready to cook, just fry them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

3. Adjust the Spice Level

The beauty of the spicy chili sauce is that you can adjust the heat to your preference. If you like it mild, use less chili paste or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. If you love spice, add more chili paste, or even try a splash of hot sauce for an extra fiery kick.

4. Serve with a Dipping Sauce

If you prefer a more traditional dipping sauce, you can serve the wontons with soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a combination of both. A side of sriracha mayo (mixing mayonnaise with sriracha) also pairs wonderfully with these wontons.

5. Use Different Fillings

While this recipe uses ground chicken, you can customize the filling to suit your tastes. Try adding cooked shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. The wonton wrappers are versatile and can be stuffed with all sorts of delicious fillings.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce

1. Crispy and Flavorful

The crispy, golden exterior of these wontons contrasts beautifully with the savory, juicy chicken filling. The spicy chili sauce adds an irresistible kick that takes the flavor to the next level.

2. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family dinner, or just craving a satisfying snack, these chicken wontons are perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to make in large batches and always disappear quickly.

3. Customizable Heat

The spicy chili sauce can be adjusted to your personal preference, so you can make these wontons as mild or as fiery as you like. It’s an easy way to tailor the dish to suit your tastes or those of your guests.

4. A Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer

These wontons are sure to be a hit at any gathering. They’re easy to eat with your hands, making them ideal finger food for parties, game days, or casual get-togethers.

Conclusion

Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce are a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors, crispy textures, and a little bit of heat. These wontons offer a satisfying combination of tender chicken filling and crispy golden

wrappers, all drenched in a sweet and spicy chili sauce that packs a punch. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the fryer, and get ready to indulge in the mouthwatering goodness of these Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce!