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What happens when crispy Asian-inspired shells meet zesty taco fillings? Culinary magic! These Chicken Wonton Tacos are the crunchy, savory, sweet-and-spiny handhelds your weeknights have been missing. Perfect for taco Tuesday upgrades or impressing dinner guests without slaving in the kitchen!
Why These Ingredients Work
The genius lies in the harmony: Hoisin-glazed chicken brings umami depth, sesame-kissed slaw adds bright crunch, and those golden wonton shells create addictive texture contrasts. Every bite balances salty, sweet, and tangy notes for true fusion perfection.
The Essential Ingredients
| Ingredient | Measurement | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 2, finely diced | Chicken |
| Hoisin sauce | 2 tbsp | Chicken |
| Sesame oil | 1 tbsp + 1 tbsp | Chicken/Slaw |
| Soy sauce | 1 tbsp + 1 tbsp | Chicken/Slaw |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced | Chicken |
| Fresh ginger | 1 tsp minced | Chicken |
| Coleslaw mix | 1 (397g) bag | Slaw |
| Green onions | 4, thinly sliced | Slaw |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tbsp | Slaw |
| Honey | 1 tbsp | Slaw |
| Wonton wrappers | 16 | Tacos |
| Sweet chili sauce | To serve | Toppings |
| Cilantro | Chopped, to serve | Toppings |
| Sesame seeds | To serve | Toppings |
Helpful Tools
- Non-Stick Skillet: Prevents chicken sticking during high-heat searing
- Microplane Grater: For effortless ginger and garlic mincing
- Kitchen Tongs: Safely shape hot wonton shells without breaking
Pro Tips for Success
- Double-Layer Wontons: For extra-sturdy shells, bake two wrappers per taco cup
- Velvet Your Chicken: Marinate diced chicken with 1 tsp baking soda for 15 mins before cooking for ultra-tender results
- Slaw Secrets: Let dressed slaw sit 10 minutes before serving to soften cabbage slightly
- Fusion Flair: Love creative mashups? Try our Birria Tacos Recipe Best Fast Dinners featuring another global twist
- Batch Freezer Hack: Freeze baked cool wonton shells in ziplock bags for 2-minute meal prep later
How to Make Chicken Wonton Tacos
- Heat oven to 375°F. Arrange wonton wrappers over inverted muffin tin cups or 9×13 baking dish edges. Lightly spray with oil or brush with neutral oil.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes until pliable but not browned. Carefully separate overlapping edges before second bake.
- Return to oven for another 7-8 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool slightly before filling.
- Meanwhile, toss diced chicken in bowl with hoisin, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic and ginger until coated.
- Sauté chicken mixture in hot skillet over high heat for 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently until cooked through and caramelized.
- While chicken cooks, combine coleslaw mix, green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey in large bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Assemble tacos: Fill shells with hot chicken, top with slaw, drizzle with sweet chili sauce. Garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds for the final flavor boost!
Creative Variations
- Seafood Swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp or chopped imitation crab tossed in yum yum sauce
- Spicy Upgrade: Add sriracha mayo drizzle or pickled jalapeños to slaw mixture
- Vegetarian Twist: Use crispy tofu or sautéed mushrooms instead of chicken, boost protein with edamame slaw
APPLEBEE’S CHICKEN WONTON TACOS
These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a spot-on copycat of the popular appetizer. Crispy, golden baked wonton shells are stuffed with tender chicken tossed in a savory honey-garlic stir fry sauce, then topped with a zesty Asian slaw and fresh cilantro. They are fun to eat, bursting with texture, and ready in just 30 minutes.
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 12 tacos
Ingredients
— The Wonton Shells —
12–15 square wonton wrappers
1 tablespoon olive oil (or cooking spray)
— The Chicken Filling —
2 large chicken breasts, finely diced into small cubes
1/4 cup Hoisin sauce (or Teriyaki sauce)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 tsp dried)
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
— The Zesty Slaw —
2 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon honey
— Toppings —
Sweet chili sauce (for drizzling)
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
1. **Prep Shells:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush both sides of the wonton wrappers lightly with olive oil (or spray with cooking spray).
2. **Shape & Bake:** Drape the wrappers over the sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish (or use a taco stand if you have one) to create a taco shape. Bake for 8–10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Watch closely so they don’t burn. Remove and set aside.
3. **Make Slaw:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp honey. Add the coleslaw mix and green onions. Toss to coat and refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. **Cook Chicken:** In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the finely diced chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
5. **Sauce Chicken:** Reduce heat to low. Stir in the Hoisin sauce, 2 tbsp soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, and honey. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.
6. **Assemble:** Place a spoonful of the saucy chicken into each crispy wonton shell. Top with a generous pinch of the slaw.
7. **Garnish:** Drizzle with sweet chili sauce and sprinkle with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while the shells are crisp.
Notes
Chicken Texture: The key to the authentic Applebee’s texture is dicing the chicken very small—almost like a coarse ground chicken. This ensures every bite fits perfectly in the delicate shell.
Shell Tip: If you don’t have a baking dish to drape them over, you can mold foil into log shapes on a baking sheet and drape the wrappers over the foil.
Make Ahead: You can bake the shells and cook the chicken 1-2 days in advance. Store shells in an airtight container (room temp) and chicken in the fridge. Reheat chicken before assembling.
Spicy Variation: Add a teaspoon of Sriracha or red pepper flakes to the chicken sauce for a kick.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Bake & Sauté
- Cuisine: Asian-Fusion
FAQ
- Can I make these ahead?
- Prep components separately – store baked shells airtight for 2 days, chicken/slaw refrigerated in sealed containers. Assemble just before serving to maintain crunch.
- Are wonton tacos gluten-free?
- Traditional wonton wrappers contain wheat, but rice paper wrappers make great GF alternatives when baked similarly.
Best reheating method?
Re-crisp shells in 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes. Microwave makes them soggy – always reheat chicken/slaw separately.
These Chicken Wonton Tacos prove that some of the best culinary innovations happen at the flavor crossroads. With their satisfying crunch, vibrant toppings, and effortless customization, they’re guaranteed to become your new favorite fusion quick-fix. Just try stopping at one!
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