If you’re looking to impress friends and satisfy your own cravings, Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce is about to become your go-to dish. Each plump, delicate wonton is filled with savory chicken, seasoned aromatics, and all the umami you could wish for, then draped in a lip-tingling, garlicky chili sauce. It’s a party of textures and flavors: silky wrapper, juicy filling, punchy heat, and fresh green onion on top. Whether you’re prepping a family feast or simply treating yourself, the combination of familiar comfort and vibrant zing will keep you coming back for “just one more.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Delightfully, the ingredient list for Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce is straightforward, yet each item is essential in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. You’ll find every element works harmoniously—no fillers, just pure deliciousness.
- Ground chicken: Gives the filling a juicy, light texture and absorbs all the seasoning beautifully.
- Green onions (finely chopped): Add fresh, mild onion flavor and a gentle pop of color.
- Soy sauce: Infuses savory, salty depth right into the filling and the sauce.
- Sesame oil: A drizzle brings toasty, nutty richness that makes these wontons unmistakably aromatic.
- Garlic (minced): Delivers sharp, warm pungency—don’t skip it for maximum flavor!
- Grated ginger: Adds zingy brightness and balances the richness of the chicken.
- White pepper: Offers subtle heat and an earthy undertone, different from black pepper’s bite.
- Wonton wrappers: The delicate, paper-thin dough that transforms your filling into irresistible little pillows.
- Small bowl of water: Essential for sealing the wontons securely (think culinary adhesive!).
- Chili oil with flakes: The flavor bomb that delivers spice, aroma, and lively red color to the sauce.
- Chinese black vinegar: Complex, malty tang—a splash balances all the savory notes in your sauce.
- Sugar: Just a pinch rounds out the spice and salt, giving the sauce depth.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Little pops of crunch and a nutty garnish that steal the show visually.
- Finely chopped green onions (for garnish): Sprinkled at the end, this adds fresh brightness to every bite.
How to Make Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce
Step 1: Make the Chicken Filling
Start by combining the ground chicken, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and white pepper in a medium bowl. Give everything a good stir—your hands might be your best tool here—to ensure the seasonings are distributed evenly. The filling should be aromatic and slightly sticky, so it holds together well inside the wrappers.
Step 2: Wonton Assembly Time
Take a wonton wrapper and arrange it in front of you like a diamond. Scoop about a teaspoon of chicken filling into the center. Dip your finger into the water and lightly moisten the edges of the wrapper—this is what helps seal your wontons so they don’t burst open while cooking. Fold the wrapper over to make a triangle, press out the air, and firmly seal the edges. For an extra-classy touch, bring the two bottom corners together and pinch to form the classic wonton shape.
Step 3: Boil Those Wontons
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop the assembled wontons into the hot water, trying not to overcrowd the pot. Stir gently so they don’t stick. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the wontons float and the filling is cooked through. They should look slightly translucent and feel firm yet tender.
Step 4: Whip Up the Spicy Chili Sauce
While the wontons cook, it’s time to make that craveable sauce! In a bowl, mix the chili oil with flakes, soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, sugar, and minced garlic. Stir well until the sugar dissolves. This sauce shouldn’t be shy—it should be bright, tangy, garlicky, and just the right amount of spicy for your taste.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Drain your cooked wontons and arrange them in a shallow serving bowl. Drizzle generously with your spicy chili sauce. Shower the top with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. This is the moment when everything comes together—serving the Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce piping hot, sauce pooling at the bottom, and garnishes glittering on top.
How to Serve Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce
Garnishes
The final flourish is what takes your Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce from good to unforgettable. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds nutty crunch, while fresh green onions give a pop of color and brightness. For extra sparkle, you can add a few cilantro leaves or even a light dusting of crushed red chili flakes if you’re feeling adventurous!
Side Dishes
Balance the full-bodied flavors of your wontons with simple accompaniments. Lightly steamed bok choy or broccoli make a crisp, refreshing counterpoint. For a heartier meal, serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or a delicate, clear broth. Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce pair beautifully with pickled vegetables too, cutting through the heat and richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Next time you serve Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce, try presenting them in a shallow bowl with extra sauce drizzled around the edges for a restaurant-style effect. You could thread a few on small skewers for a party platter, or serve individual portions in Chinese soup spoons for an impressive bite-sized appetizer at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce (lucky you!), keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The wontons will soak up that delicious sauce, making them even more flavorful the next day. Just know that the wrappers may soften further after chilling, so they’re best enjoyed soon.
Freezing
For easy weeknight meals, assemble the wontons but don’t boil them. Arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then pop them into a freezer bag. This way, you can boil as many as you like, straight from the freezer, whenever a Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce craving strikes!
Reheating
Reheating is easy: for best results, steam or gently simmer refrigerated wontons in a little water until heated through. If they’re already sauced, microwave on medium in short bursts, stirring gently between each round. Add a splash more chili oil or soy sauce if they need to be revived.
FAQs
Can I use ground pork or turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground pork is a popular, classic alternative, lending a rich flavor and juicy bite. Ground turkey works well too, just make sure to season it generously for maximum taste.
How spicy will the chili sauce be?
That’s the beauty of homemade Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce—you control the heat! Start with the called-for amount and adjust. If you’re a spice lover, add more chili oil or even a pinch of crushed red pepper. For a milder option, halve the chili oil and omit chili flakes.
Can I make the wontons ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the wontons a few hours in advance, keeping them covered with a damp towel in the refrigerator to prevent drying out. For longer storage, freeze them uncooked then boil straight from frozen when ready to eat.
What if I don’t have Chinese black vinegar?
Rice vinegar is a decent substitute if that’s what you have. It’s a little milder and less complex, but will still give your sauce a great tang. For a bit more depth, add a tiny splash of balsamic vinegar, but go easy—it can be strong!
How do I keep the wontons from sticking together?
The trick is to stir gently right after adding them to the boiling water, and avoid overcrowding the pot. Also, transferring them straight into the sauce rather than letting them sit together for too long keeps them from clumping.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce really is one of those dishes that makes you feel like a superstar in your own kitchen. Each step is doable, every bite is pure reward, and your home will be filled with the most irresistible aroma. Don’t wait for a special occasion—dive in and treat yourself to this flavor-packed favorite any night of the week!
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Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce are a delicious Chinese appetizer that packs a flavorful punch. Juicy ground chicken seasoned with aromatic ingredients, wrapped in delicate wonton wrappers, and served with a spicy chili sauce.
Ingredients
For the Wontons:
- 1/2 pound ground chicken
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 24 wonton wrappers
- Small bowl of water for sealing
For the Spicy Chili Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons chili oil with flakes
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Wonton Filling: In a bowl, combine ground chicken, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and white pepper. Mix well.
- Fill the Wonton Wrappers: Place filling in the center of each wonton wrapper. Moisten edges with water, fold, and seal tightly.
- Cook the Wontons: Boil a pot of water, add wontons, cook for 4-5 minutes until done.
- Make the Spicy Chili Sauce: Mix chili oil, soy sauce, black vinegar, sugar, and garlic in a bowl.
- Serve: Drain wontons, place in a bowl, drizzle with sauce, sprinkle sesame seeds, and garnish with green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can freeze uncooked wontons for later use.
- Adjust chili oil for spice preference.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or broth for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 wontons with sauce
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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