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

Whether youโre whipping them up for a quick dinner, a fun appetizer, or a party snack, these tacos will definitely leave your guests impressed. Plus, theyโre easy to customize with your favourite toppings!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Crispy and delicious: They’re filled with honey-garlic chicken and tangy slaw for the ultimate crunch.
- Great for entertaining: A real crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish that’s perfect for sharing.
Ingredients and substitutions
Chicken
- Chicken breasts โ if you prefer dark meat, you can use boneless chicken thighs instead.
- Hoisin sauce โ 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 โ you can try using a neutral cooking oil like olive oil or avocado oil instead.
- Soy sauce โ tamari or coconut aminos are the best substitutes for soy sauce.
- Garlic โ freshly minced garlic is best but the jarred variety will work as well.
- Ginger โ use 1 tsp. of ground ginger powder if you donโt have any fresh ginger on hand.
Asian-inspired slaw
- Coleslaw โ chop up some red or green cabbage instead (although buying the bagged coleslaw is easier).
- Green onions โ chives or shallots would be the best substitute here.
- Sesame oil โ swap out for a neutral oil like avocado or canola oil.
- Rice vinegar โ white wine vinegar or apple cider would also work.
- Soy sauce โ tamari or coconut aminos are the best substitutes for soy sauce.
- Honey โ try using agave syrup or brown rice syrup instead for a bit of sweetness.
Toppings
- Wonton wrappers โ if you want to make these tacos low-carb, use lettuce wraps instead.
- Sweet chili sauce โ make your own using a blend of hot sauce and honey.
- Chopped cilantro โ leave this out altogether if you donโt have any cilantro.
- Sesame seeds โ 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 9ร13 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. 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.
Saute chicken, 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!

Recipe tips and Variations
Here are my best tips for making these wonton tacos taste just like the restaurant version, along with a few ways to switch them up:
- Crisp the wontons: Bake or air fry the wonton wrappers until golden and crunchy before filling them.
- Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by shredding a store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch.
- Swap the protein: Try ground chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a different filling.
- Play with toppings: Add shredded carrots or diced mango for extra crunch and flavour.
- Change the sauce: Drizzle with sriracha mayo, peanut sauce, or teriyaki glaze for a fun flavour variation.
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 that 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 Applebeeโs 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.

More Applebee’s copycat recipes
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.

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, finely diced
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp minced fresh ginger
Asian-inspired slaw
- 1 (397g) bag coleslaw
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
For tacos + toppings
- 16 Wonton wrappers
- Sweet chili sauce, to serve
- Chopped cilantro, to serve
- Sesame seeds, to serve
Instructions
- 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. Bake for 7-8 minutes, watching closely 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.
- Mix diced raw chicken in a large bowl with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic and ginger. Heat a large skillet over high heat and saute chicken for 7-8 minutes, tossing frequently until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, mix ingredients for coleslaw together in a large bowl.
- 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!
Comments & Reviews
Joanna Gilmore says
What size wrapper are used for this recipe? The package I bought are way to big.
T
Taylor Stinson says
I’d say they should be a couple of inches each side, they should make a perfect square. These are the ones I buy: https://www.wings.ca/product_category/wraps-wonton/
Erica says
This recipe is spot-on!! SO good. I’ve crave them on a regular basis since I first tried them several years ago. Not sure you’d even know the difference! Thanks for sharing !!
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy they’re a favourite of yours! Thank you!
Theresa says
Just like the ones I get at Applebees. Delicious! We actually made it a meal. Paired it with a yummy salad and rice. I found a much easier way to cook the wonton wrappers. I used a metal nonstick taco rack from Walmart and air fried them in my toaster oven and it only took 3 minutes. It made them the perfect shape for filling them.
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed!
JG says
Can’t wait to make these! This shows 4 serving, does that mean 4 total? Want to make sure I make enough for “Happy Hour” at my house! Thank You!!
Taylor Stinson says
The whole recipe makes 16 tacos ๐
Dori says
Loved this recipe! Easy to make and delicious!
Marie says
These were delicious! My husband kept commenting on the flavor combinations and said he could just have eaten these for an entire meal, not just an appetizer. I did take a previous suggestion and made cups on the backs of my mini cupcake pan. I tried the tacos but the would not hold their shape correctly.
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed! Using the back of your mini cupcake pan is a great alternative!
Gregory says
The title of your recipe is how to make Wonton Tacos from Applebee’s yet your recipe doesn’t State the ingredients of Wonton Tacos from Applebee’s and it’s filled with recommendations on substitutions that’s not much about the ingredients of Wonton Tacos from Applebee’s.. and to be honest you’re not the only one who is not giving a recipe for Wonton Tacos from Applebee’s. You’re giving your recipe for Wonton Tacos not The Wonton Tacos from Applebee’s but your Wonton Tacos.
Taylor Stinson says
Lol someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning…
Heidi says
I think he just wanted to say wonton tacos as many times as he could
Natasha says
Lol can you imagine having to put up with this dude on a regular basis? I feel sorry for his wife ๐
Taylor Stinson says
๐
Lisa says
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW!!! This recipe is A-MAZ-ING!!! I actually have not had these at Applebee’s but now that I have the recipe I don’t ever need to have them there! I had a hard time with the “tacos” so wound up making a wonton taco salad. I doubled the sauce for the cole slaw. Also had no rice wine vinegar so used apple cider vinegar with a little bit of sugar. Will totally be making this again!! Thank you for the recipe!!
Lisa says
Forgot to mention I squeezed some lime over my serving
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed!
Christa says
I added a little spoon of mayo and half that of the rice vinegar as white vinegar instead and that made them identical the only thing was the cole slaw wasn’t slightly creamy and that fixed it i only replaced the vinigar because i dont like the taste of rice wine vinegar that much. Dont think you could get any closer than this. Betty crocker would be proud. 10/10
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed!
Crittle T says
Are these tasty if served cold?
Taylor Stinson says
They should be!