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Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are one of those restaurant favorites that feel both indulgent and light at the same time. Crispy wonton shells, savory Asian-inspired chicken, and a fresh, crunchy slaw come together in a bite-sized dish that’s packed with flavor and texture. While they’re often ordered as an appetizer, these tacos are satisfying enough to shine as a main course when paired with the right sides.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons this recipe deserves a place in your regular rotation. First, it captures the essence of the restaurant classic while using simple, accessible ingredients. Nothing here feels complicated, yet the final result tastes layered and thoughtfully prepared.

Finally, the balance of textures makes this dish especially appealing. You get crispy shells, tender chicken, and refreshing slaw all in one bite. The contrast keeps each taco interesting and satisfying from the first bite to the last.

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Filling

2 chicken breasts, finely diced
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger

For the Slaw

1 bag coleslaw mix (397 g)
4 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey

For Assembly and Serving

16 wonton wrappers
Cooking spray or olive/canola oil, for baking
Sweet chili sauce, for serving
Chopped cilantro, for serving
Sesame seeds, for serving

Let’s Get Started

Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a muffin tin with cooking spray. Gently press one wonton wrapper into each cup, forming a taco shape. Lightly spray or brush the wonton wrappers with oil to encourage even browning. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before removing from the pan.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the sesame oil. Once warm, add the diced chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mostly cooked through. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in the hoisin sauce and soy sauce, coating the chicken evenly. Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Slaw

In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix and sliced green onions. In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss until evenly coated. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Fill each baked wonton shell with a spoonful of the warm chicken mixture. Top with a small amount of slaw. Drizzle lightly with sweet chili sauce and finish with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds.

Servings and Pairing Variations

These wonton tacos are incredibly flexible. Serve them as a starter with four tacos per person, or as a main dish with six to eight tacos alongside a side. They pair well with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or a simple cucumber salad.

For variations, you can swap chicken for shrimp or ground turkey. Adding shredded carrots or red cabbage to the slaw adds extra color and crunch. If you prefer more heat, a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil complements the sweetness of the hoisin sauce beautifully.

Storage Tips

If you plan to store leftovers, keep the components separate. Store the chicken filling and slaw in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. The wonton shells are best eaten fresh but can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for one day.

When reheating, warm the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave and assemble fresh tacos to maintain their crisp texture.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, the chicken and slaw can be prepared a day in advance. Assemble the tacos just before serving to keep the wonton shells crispy.

Are wonton wrappers fried or baked in this recipe?

They are baked, which makes them lighter while still delivering plenty of crunch.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Using gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free wonton wrappers where available will help adapt the recipe.

What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?

A mix of soy sauce, a little honey, and a splash of rice vinegar can work in a pinch, though the flavor will differ slightly.

Final Thoughts

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a perfect example of how restaurant-inspired dishes can be recreated at home without sacrificing flavor or presentation. With crispy baked shells, flavorful chicken, and a refreshing slaw, each bite feels balanced and satisfying.