Name: Applebee's Chicken Wonton Tacos
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey (plus more for slaw); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 2 cups coleslaw mix (red & green cabbage, carrots); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 12 wonton wrappers; Chopped green onions, for garnish; Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish; Creamy garlic sauce or ranch dressing, for drizzling; Oil for brushing or frying; Salt, to taste

Crispy, flavorful, and packed with savory goodness, these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a fan-favorite appetizer turned homemade hero. They combine tangy Asian flavors, crunchy slaw, tender chicken, and a creamy drizzle—all inside a crispy wonton shell. This copycat version brings the same restaurant-style delight straight to your kitchen, without the need for a reservation.

Whether you’re hosting a party, planning game day snacks, or just want a new dinner idea, these tacos make the perfect bite-sized indulgence. The balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes keeps you coming back for more. Serve them hot and fresh, and don’t forget a sprinkle of green onions and cilantro for that final punch of flavor.

What Kind of Wonton Wrappers Should I Use?

For the crispy taco shell effect, look for square wonton wrappers in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. Fry or bake them gently over a taco mold or draped across an oven rack to achieve that signature curve. Choose thin wrappers for the best crunch, and avoid egg roll wrappers as they’re too thick for this recipe.

Ingredients for the Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, boneless chicken breast is diced and cooked to absorb all the delicious glaze.

Asian-Style Sauce: A sweet and tangy sauce made with hoisin, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil coats the chicken in bold flavor.

Coleslaw Mix: Crisp red and green cabbage paired with shredded carrots gives the tacos a refreshing crunch.

Wonton Wrappers: These are the signature shell for the tacos—light, golden, and crunchy when cooked.

Green Onions & Cilantro: Fresh herbs bring a pop of color and brightness to contrast the sweet and savory notes.

Garlic & Ginger: These two aromatics infuse the chicken with warmth and depth.

Rice Vinegar & Honey: Adds a balance of sweet and acidic to the slaw dressing.

Ranch or Creamy Garlic Sauce: A drizzle on top brings creaminess that ties everything together.

How To Make the Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Dice boneless chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken in a splash of sesame oil until fully cooked. Once cooked through, add a blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a little honey. Let it simmer until the chicken is well coated and the sauce thickens.

Step 2: Mix the Slaw

In a bowl, toss together shredded red and green cabbage with julienned carrots. Add rice vinegar, a dash of honey, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and let it sit for 10–15 minutes to marinate. This gives the slaw a tangy crunch that balances the richness of the chicken.

Step 3: Crisp the Wonton Shells

Using square wonton wrappers, drape each wrapper over a metal taco mold or the edge of an oven-safe rack. Lightly brush with oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. You can also fry them in oil for about 1 minute per side for an extra crunchy shell.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Fill each crispy wonton shell with a scoop of the glazed chicken. Top with the marinated slaw, a drizzle of creamy garlic sauce or ranch, and finish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

These tacos are best served fresh while the shells are still crispy and the filling is warm. Garnish with extra herbs or a squeeze of lime for a final bright note.

Serving and Storing These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

These tacos are meant to be served fresh and warm—ideally right after assembly to enjoy that perfect crunch. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs just before serving. They make a fantastic party appetizer, light dinner, or weekend snack.

If you need to prep ahead, store the slaw and chicken separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling. Avoid storing filled tacos as the wonton shells will lose their crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?

You can substitute hoisin sauce with a mix of soy sauce, a little peanut butter, honey, and a touch of vinegar to get a similar sweet-savory profile.

Can I bake the wonton shells instead of frying?

Absolutely! Baking is a great way to get them crispy with less oil. Just shape them on an oven-safe rack and bake at 375°F for 5–7 minutes.

How do I keep the wonton shells from getting soggy?

Only fill the tacos right before serving. You can also double-layer the shell or lightly coat the inside with a thin layer of sauce to create a moisture barrier.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works well. Just warm it up in the pan with the sauce mixture until well coated.

What dressing is drizzled on top?

A creamy garlic sauce or ranch dressing is perfect for the final drizzle. You can also mix sour cream with a little lime juice and garlic powder for a quick homemade option.

Are these tacos spicy?

Not inherently, but you can add some chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce if you want a spicy kick.

Want More Appetizer Ideas?

If you’re loving these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, don’t miss these other bold and satisfying bites:

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels for a spicy, creamy twist in every bite.
Baked Jalapeño Popper Dip when you’re craving heat and gooey cheese.
Sweet Chili Chicken Bites to hit that sweet-spicy craving just right.
Mini Taco Cups for a party-friendly handheld treat.
Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp if you’re after a creamy, zesty seafood option.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go the baking or frying route? Add some heat with chili oil? I love seeing your variations and tips.

Questions are always welcome—let’s make the perfect crispy bite together!