If you’re craving something that’s quick, comforting, and packs a punch, this Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe is about to become your new best friend. I absolutely love how these tender chicken wontons bathe in a savory, spicy broth with earthy shiitake mushrooms, and that finishing drizzle of sesame oil and chili crisp? Total game changer. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or impressing friends with minimal effort, this dish hits all the right notes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick & Easy: You can make this from frozen wontons in about 15 minutes – perfect for busy nights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combo of teriyaki, sesame oil, and chili crisp delivers bold, layered flavors without complicated prep.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this dish, especially how the spicy chili sauce kicks things up a notch.
- Flexible & Adaptable: Easy to tweak based on your spice tolerance or ingredient availability.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s balanced with savory, spicy, and umami vibes. I like to keep the wontons simple and let the mushrooms and sauce shine through. Plus, grabbing frozen wontons from Trader Joe’s or Costco cuts down on prep big time.
- Sesame oil: Using it both for sautéing and finishing gives a rich, nutty aroma.
- Shiitake mushrooms: They add a meaty texture and earthy depth that perfectly complement the chicken wontons.
- Garlic: A must for that lovely punch—grate it finely so it blends in rather than overpowering.
- Frozen wontons: Mini chicken cilantro ones work best – easy to find and cook through quickly.
- Chicken broth: Controls the sauciness—add more if you want a soupy dish, less if you like it thick and sticky.
- Teriyaki sauce: Brings both sweetness and savoriness for that irresistible flavor base.
- Chili crisp: This spicy oil with crunchy chili bits adds texture and heat; adjust amount to your spice preference.
- Green onions: Fresh, bright garnish to balance the richness.
- Sesame seeds: For that final nutty crunch and pretty sprinkle.
Variations
One of the best parts about this Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I love experimenting depending on what mood I’m in or what’s in my fridge.
- Vegetarian swap: Replace chicken wontons with veggie-filled ones and use vegetable broth; the shiitakes keep it hearty enough.
- Heat level: If you’re not into spicy food, dial down chili crisp or swap for a mild chili oil; if you want extra heat, add fresh sliced chilies on top.
- Brothiness: Sometimes I add a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of sugar to balance the spice or bring more umami.
- Herbal twist: Fresh cilantro or Thai basil sprinkled on top gives a fresh punch that brightens each bite.
How to Make Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sauté those mushrooms and garlic
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Toss in your sliced shiitake mushrooms and let them cook until they become tender and golden—this usually takes about 5-6 minutes. Then, add the grated garlic and cook for one or two more minutes. Garlic burns easy, so keep it moving in the pan and watch for that lovely aroma instead of browning too much.
Step 2: Add wontons, broth, and teriyaki sauce
Now, pour in your frozen wontons right over the mushrooms with 1 to 2 cups of chicken broth—depending on if you want your dish more soupy—and the teriyaki sauce. Stir gently to coat everything. Then cover with a lid and let it simmer on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes until the wontons are cooked through and soft. This steamy environment makes the wontons plump and juicy.
Step 3: Finish with sesame oil, chili crisp, and toppings
Turn off the heat and swirl in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sesame oil along with 1 to 2 tablespoons of chili crisp. Give it a gentle mix, then spoon into bowls. Top with freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This last step is where the magic happens — the oil brings a beautiful sheen and richness while the chili crisp adds crunch and that addictive spicy kick. Yum!
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sauté mushrooms in a single layer for best caramelization and flavor development.
- Use Good Quality Chili Crisp: I discovered a brand with balanced heat and crunch that made all the difference—try a few to find your favorite!
- Adjust Broth Amount to Taste: If you prefer a saucier dish, go heavier on broth; less if you want it more like glazed wontons.
- Seal the Lid Well: Trapping steam cooks the wontons perfectly; avoid lifting the lid too often or it slows down cooking.
How to Serve Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I never skip the sliced green onions and a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top—both add that fresh crunch and nuttiness you just can’t beat. Sometimes, I like to toss on a few thinly sliced fresh red chili rings for extra color and heat.
Side Dishes
This chicken wonton dish is delicious on its own or paired with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a crunchy Asian slaw for balance. When I want something lighter, a quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar brightens the whole meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, I’ve served these wontons in small bowls topped with microgreens or crispy shallots. You can also use a wide shallow bowl and drizzle extra chili crisp oil around the edges for a restaurant-style presentation that wows every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken wontons in spicy chili sauce store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious.
Freezing
I’ve frozen cooked wontons in their sauce before, and they thaw well in the fridge overnight. Just reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce from separating.
Reheating
When reheating, I recommend warming the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat rather than microwaving—it keeps the wontons tender and revives the sauce nicely. Add a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade wontons for this Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade wontons can be even better if you have time to prepare them. Just make sure to cook the wontons fully in the broth so they’re tender inside. Adjust simmering time accordingly if your homemade ones are larger or thicker.
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What if I don’t have chili crisp—can I substitute it in this recipe?
If you don’t have chili crisp on hand, you can substitute with chili oil or a combination of chili flakes and a drizzle of sesame oil. Keep in mind chili crisp adds texture with its crunchy chili bits, so adding a sprinkle of toasted chili flakes helps mimic that crunch.
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How spicy is this Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe?
The heat level is moderate and easily adjustable. Start with 1 tablespoon of chili crisp if you prefer mild spice and increase as you like. The sesame oil and teriyaki balance the spiciness nicely, so it’s full-flavored without being overwhelming.
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Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
Yes! Use veggie wontons or dumplings and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. The shiitake mushrooms add a wonderful umami depth that keeps this dish satisfying even without meat.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight rotation because it’s so fast, flavorful, and feels a little fancy without any fuss. I hope you’ll love making it as much as I do—whether it’s solo dinners, feeding the family, or sharing with friends. Once you get that balance of savory mushrooms, juicy wontons, and fiery chili crisp down, it’s hard to go back. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, too!
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
A flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken wontons and shiitake mushrooms simmered in a savory teriyaki and chicken broth sauce, finished with spicy chili crisp, sesame oil, and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. This easy skillet recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious meal with bold Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Wontons and Mushrooms
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
- 14 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- One 12-ounce bag frozen wontons (mini chicken cilantro ones recommended)
Broth and Sauce
- 1-2 cups chicken broth (depending on desired soupiness)
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
Garnishes
- 1-2 tablespoons chili crisp
- 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 4-5 minutes. Add the grated garlic during the last minute or two to release its aroma without burning.
- Simmer Wontons: Add the frozen wontons, chicken broth, and teriyaki sauce to the skillet with the mushrooms. Cover with a lid and let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes, or until the wontons are heated through and tender.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the lid and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sesame oil along with 1-2 tablespoons of chili crisp to add richness and heat. Top the dish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a fresh and nutty finish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use mini chicken cilantro wontons for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of chicken broth depending on whether you prefer a soupier or thicker consistency.
- Chili crisp quantities can be modified based on your heat tolerance.
- This dish can be prepared quickly, making it great for a fast weeknight dinner.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and mushroom-based wontons.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
