Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are the perfect copycat, filled with honey-garlic chicken and zesty slaw in a crispy wonton shell.

Whether you’re whipping them up for a quick dinner, a fun appetizer, or a party snack, these tacos are sure to impress. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite toppings!

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Crispy and delicious: These golden wonton shells are filled with honey-garlic chicken and tangy slaw for the ultimate crunch.
• Great for entertaining: A fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish perfect for sharing!

Ingredients and substitutions

Chicken

• Chicken breasts – if you prefer dark meat, you can use boneless chicken thighs instead.
• Hoisin sauce – if you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can use bean paste or 2 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp soy sauce mixed together.
• Sesame oil – you can try using a neutral cooking oil like olive oil or avocado oil instead.
• Soy sauce – tamari or coconut aminos are the best substitutes for soy sauce.
• Garlic – freshly minced garlic is best but the jarred variety will work as well.
• Ginger – use 1 tsp. of ground ginger powder if you don’t have any fresh ginger on hand.

Asian-inspired slaw

• Coleslaw – chop up some red or green cabbage instead (although buying the bagged coleslaw is easier).
• Green onions – chives or shallots would be the best substitute here.
• Sesame oil – swap out for a neutral oil like avocado or canola oil.
• Rice vinegar – white wine vinegar or apple cider would also work.
• Soy sauce – tamari or coconut aminos are the best substitutes for soy sauce.
• Honey – try using agave syrup or brown rice syrup instead for a bit of sweetness.

Toppings

• Wonton wrappers – if you want to make these tacos low-carb, use lettuce wraps instead.
• Sweet chili sauce – make your own using a blend of hot sauce and honey.
• Chopped cilantro – leave this out altogether if you don’t have any cilantro.
• Sesame seeds – both white and black sesame seeds would work here.

How to make Applebee’s chicken wonton tacos

Step 1: Make the coleslaw.

Mix ingredients for coleslaw together in a large bowl.

Step 2: Prep the wonton wrappers.

Preheat oven to 375 F. Spray wonton wrappers with cooking spray or brush with a bit of olive/canola oil, then drape over the side of a 9×13 baking dish.

Step 3: Bake until crispy.

Bake for 7-8 minutes, watching closely so they don’t burn. Take wonton shells out of the oven, then gently pull them apart while they are still pliable so that they are more easily filled with toppings. Bake another 7-8 minutes until crispy.

Step 4: Marinate the chicken.

Mix diced raw chicken in a large bowl with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic and ginger.

Step 5: Cook the chicken.

Heat a large skillet over high heat and saute chicken for 7-8 minutes, tossing frequently until cooked through.

Step 6: Assemble your tacos and serve!

Add chicken mixture to wonton shells, then top with coleslaw, drizzle with sweet chili sauce and sprinkle with cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Just toss pre-cooked chicken in the sauce mix and warm it in a skillet before filling the wontons.

Is baking better than frying the wonton shells?

Baking is a lighter option and still delivers crunch. Frying gives extra crispness but adds a bit more oil.

How can I make these low carb?

Try using lettuce wraps in place of wonton shells. Still fun to eat, but much lower in carbs.

Topping ideas for this chicken wonton tacos

These Applebee’s wonton tacos are appetizer-sized, but you can level them up with extra toppings if you have a sharp knife and a little time to mince:

• Minced mushrooms: Add earthy flavour and a bit more texture.
• Minced bamboo shoots: A crunchy, fresh addition with a mild taste.
• Grated carrot or parsnip: Brightens the tacos with a touch of sweetness.
• Kohlrabi matchsticks: Crisp and refreshing, almost like a radish or cabbage.
• Plum sauce: A sticky-sweet drizzle that pairs perfectly with the chicken filling.
• Sriracha sauce: A spicy kick for anyone who loves heat.

How to store and reheat

Make ahead: Prepare the chicken and slaw up to a day in advance, then crisp the wonton shells just before serving.

Store: Keep leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, though the shells may soften. Store the leftover chicken in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Reheat: Warm the chicken filling in the microwave or a skillet, then assemble with freshly crisped wonton shells for best results.

Freeze and reheat from frozen: Freeze the chicken filling separately for up to 3 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet before assembling.

Meal prep tools

• Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on storing any leftover chicken.
• I get all my free-range chicken from Butcher Box, conveniently delivered to me frozen.