Chicken Wontons
Juicy, savory minced chicken wrapped in delicate wonton skins, perfect for frying until golden and crisp or steaming for a lighter bite. A classic Indo-Chinese appetizer that's surprisingly easy to make at home.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Chicken Filling
- b.In a medium mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, ginger garlic paste, finely chopped green chillies, spring onion greens, light soy sauce, white pepper powder, salt, cornstarch, and toasted sesame oil.
- c.Using a spoon or your hands, mix all the ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the filling tough.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Assemble the Wontons
- b.Set up your wonton wrapping station: have your bowl of filling, wonton wrappers, and a small bowl of water ready.
- c.Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond orientation (one corner pointing towards you).
- d.Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of the chicken filling into the center of the wrapper.
- e.Dip your finger in the water and lightly moisten all four edges of the wrapper.
- f.Fold the bottom corner up to meet the top corner, creating a triangle. Press the edges firmly together, ensuring you push out any trapped air bubbles.
- g.Lightly moisten one of the two bottom corners of the triangle. Bring the two corners together, overlapping the wet corner over the dry one, and press firmly to seal. It should resemble a nurse's cap or tortellini.
- h.Place the finished wonton on a tray lightly dusted with cornstarch to prevent sticking. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Wontons (Fried or Steamed)
- b.For Fried Wontons: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully slide 5-6 wontons into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
- c.For Steamed Wontons: Prepare a steamer by lining it with perforated parchment paper or cabbage leaves. Arrange the wontons in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Bring water to a boil in the pot below the steamer. Place the steamer basket over the boiling water, cover with a lid, and steam for 8-10 minutes, or until the filling is fully cooked and the wrappers are translucent.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the wontons immediately while hot and crispy (if fried) or tender (if steamed).
- c.Pair with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1To check the seasoning of the filling, cook a tiny amount in a pan before you start wrapping all the wontons.
- 2Do not overfill the wrappers, as they can burst open during cooking.
- 3Ensure the edges are sealed very well to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- 4When frying, maintain a consistent oil temperature. If the oil is too cool, the wontons will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- 5Uncooked wontons can be frozen for later. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Filling
Substitute ground chicken with minced prawns, pork, or a vegetarian filling of finely chopped mushrooms, carrots, cabbage, and tofu.
FlavorFlavor
Add a teaspoon of finely chopped cilantro or a pinch of Chinese five-spice powder to the filling for a different flavor profile.
Serving StyleServing Style
Boil the wontons and serve them in a clear chicken or vegetable broth with some greens for a comforting Wonton Soup.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Lean Protein
The chicken filling provides high-quality lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and supporting overall body function.
Energy Boosting
The carbohydrates from the wonton wrappers provide a quick source of energy, while the protein offers a more sustained release, making this a satisfying snack or appetizer.
Contains Aromatic Healers
Ingredients like ginger and garlic are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, adding a healthful component to the dish.
Frequently asked questions
The calorie count depends on the cooking method. A single fried wonton has approximately 45-55 calories, while a steamed wonton has about 30-40 calories. A serving of 6 fried wontons is roughly 270-330 calories.