Crispy, golden-brown wonton shells hold a mouthwatering mix of juicy, sweet-and-savory chicken, crunchy slaw, and a touch of heat. These Wonton Chicken Tacos offer the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite, making them a fun and delicious twist on classic tacos.
Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for an easy appetizer, or simply craving a flavorful snack, these tacos are a hit! Quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any table. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces or enjoy them as they are—either way, you won’t be disappointed!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 wonton wrappers
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Cooking spray
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Press wonton wrappers into the muffin tin to create a cup shape. Bake for 7-10 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Remove and let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Stir well to coat.
- In a separate bowl, toss coleslaw mix with sweet chili sauce and chopped cilantro.
- Fill each crispy wonton cup with a spoonful of the chicken mixture.
- Top with slaw, green onions, and shredded cheese (if using).
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
Applebee’s Wonton Chicken Tacos – A Crispy, Flavor-Packed Delight
Crispy, golden wonton shells filled with savory, juicy chicken and topped with a refreshing slaw—this Applebee’s Wonton Chicken Tacos recipe is a perfect fusion of Asian and Mexican flavors. These bite-sized tacos are not only visually appealing but also bursting with a balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
Originally made famous by Applebee’s, this dish has become a fan-favorite appetizer, loved for its addictive crunch and delicious combination of textures. The good news? You don’t have to visit a restaurant to enjoy them. With this homemade version, you can recreate the same delicious taste right in your kitchen with simple, everyday ingredients.
Background of Applebee’s Wonton Chicken Tacos
Applebee’s, known for its casual American dining, introduced Wonton Chicken Tacos as a unique twist on traditional tacos. Instead of using a tortilla or taco shell, crispy wonton wrappers serve as the base, offering an extra crunch that pairs beautifully with the flavorful chicken filling and tangy coleslaw.
This dish is inspired by Asian cuisine, incorporating elements like soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha to infuse deep umami flavors. The coleslaw topping adds a fresh contrast, making each bite a perfect mix of crispy, savory, and refreshing flavors.
Because of its widespread popularity, many home cooks have attempted to recreate these tacos at home, making small tweaks to suit their preferences. The homemade version allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a fresh and delicious appetizer that is even better than the restaurant version.
Why This Recipe Is the Best
This recipe stands out because of its perfect balance of flavors, textures, and simplicity. Here’s why you should try it:
- Crispy & Crunchy Wonton Shells
The best part of these tacos is the crispy wonton shells, which provide an addictive crunch in every bite. Unlike soft tortillas, the wonton wrappers turn beautifully golden brown when baked or fried, adding an element of texture that makes these tacos stand out. - Savory, Sweet, & Spicy Chicken Filling
The chicken is coated in a savory-sweet glaze made with soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sriracha, creating an irresistible umami-packed taste. This balance of flavors makes it incredibly satisfying. - Refreshing & Tangy Slaw
A crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and sweet chili sauce adds brightness to the dish. It complements the rich chicken filling and enhances the overall eating experience. - Quick & Easy to Make
These tacos are surprisingly easy to prepare. The prep time is just 10 minutes, and they cook in another 10 minutes, making them a great option for busy weeknights, parties, or game nights. - Healthier Alternative to Deep-Fried Tacos
Baking the wonton wrappers instead of frying them makes this dish a lighter alternative while still maintaining that satisfying crunch. Plus, you can adjust the ingredients to make it healthier, such as using lean chicken breast or a sugar-free sweet chili sauce. - Perfect for Parties & Gatherings
These tacos are great finger food for entertaining. They’re small, portable, and easy to eat, making them ideal for game nights, parties, or appetizers before a meal.
Ingredient Breakdown & Substitutions
While the core recipe is already fantastic, there’s always room for creativity! Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and possible substitutions:
1. Wonton Wrappers
These are thin, square sheets of dough traditionally used for dumplings or egg rolls. When baked or fried, they become super crispy, making them an excellent taco shell substitute.
- Substitutions: If you don’t have wonton wrappers, you can use mini flour tortillas, egg roll wrappers (cut into smaller squares), or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.
2. Chicken
The main protein in this recipe, the chicken absorbs all the flavorful sauces and spices, making it juicy and delicious.
- Substitutions: If you’re looking for an alternative, you can swap chicken for shredded turkey, shrimp, tofu, or even pulled pork.
3. Sauce & Seasonings
The combination of soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha is what makes the chicken filling so flavorful.
- Substitutions: You can replace soy sauce with tamari (for a gluten-free version) or coconut aminos (for a lower-sodium option). For a mild version, omit the sriracha.
4. Coleslaw Mix
A crunchy blend of shredded cabbage and carrots adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the rich filling.
- Substitutions: You can make your own slaw using shredded lettuce, red cabbage, or even a mango salsa for a fruity twist.
5. Toppings
To enhance the tacos, green onions, sweet chili sauce, and shredded cheese are used.
- Substitutions: You can swap sweet chili sauce for hot sauce, cheddar cheese for cotija or feta, or even add avocado slices for extra creaminess.
How to Serve Wonton Chicken Tacos
These tacos are best enjoyed fresh while the wonton shells are crispy. Here are some serving ideas:
- As an appetizer – Serve them at parties with extra sweet chili sauce or a soy-sesame dipping sauce.
- As a main dish – Pair with a side of fried rice, garlic noodles, or a light soup.
- With extra toppings – Garnish with sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, or pickled jalapeños for added flavor.
For a restaurant-style presentation, arrange them on a serving platter, drizzle with extra sauce, and sprinkle some fresh cilantro or sesame seeds on top.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken filling and slaw in advance and store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake the wonton shells just before serving for the crispiest texture.
2. Can I fry the wonton wrappers instead of baking them?
Absolutely! If you prefer an extra crispy texture, deep-fry the wonton wrappers in hot oil (350°F/175°C) for about 30 seconds per side. Drain on paper towels before filling them.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken and slaw separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. The wonton shells may become soggy over time, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh.
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the wonton wrappers for gluten-free tortillas and use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Final Thoughts
Applebee’s Wonton Chicken Tacos are a fantastic restaurant-style appetizer that you can easily make at home. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, game night, or a casual get-together, they’re guaranteed to impress. The combination of crispy wonton shells, sweet and savory chicken, and refreshing slaw makes this dish a flavor-packed favorite.
By making them at home, you get the freedom to customize ingredients, control portion sizes, and enjoy a fresh, homemade version that’s just as delicious—if not better—than the restaurant original.
Give these a try, and let us know how they turn out! What’s your favorite way to customize them? Leave a comment below!
Conclusion
Applebee’s Wonton Chicken Tacos are the perfect fusion of crispy, savory, and refreshing flavors, making them a must-try for any food lover. The combination of crunchy wonton shells, sweet and spicy glazed chicken, and tangy slaw creates a well-balanced dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make at home. Whether you’re looking for a fun appetizer, a quick dinner option, or a party-friendly snack, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
By making these tacos yourself, you can customize the ingredients to your liking, control the level of spice and sweetness, and enjoy a fresh, homemade version that rivals the restaurant classic. Plus, they’re quick to prepare, requiring only 20 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Give these Wonton Chicken Tacos a try and experience the delightful crunch, bold flavors, and restaurant-quality taste in every bite. Let us know how you enjoyed them and any creative twists you added! Happy cooking!