If you’ve ever ordered Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos and wished you could recreate that crispy, sweet-and-savory magic at home, you’re in the right place. These addictive little tacos feature crunchy wonton shells filled with juicy hoisin-glazed chicken, topped with fresh sesame slaw, and finished with sweet chili sauce. They’re the perfect appetizer for parties, game nights, or even a fun weeknight dinner.
The best part? This copycat recipe is surprisingly simple and beginner-friendly — yet tastes just like the restaurant favorite.
Let’s break down everything you need to know to make these irresistible wonton tacos from scratch.
Why You’ll Love This Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
These tacos are:
- Crispy and crunchy
- Sweet, savory, and slightly tangy
- Packed with bold Asian-inspired flavors
- Perfect as an appetizer or light meal
- Ready in about 30 minutes
They’re also customizable and easy to scale up for a crowd.
Ingredients for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate this restaurant-style appetizer.
For the Chicken Filling
- 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
For the Sesame Slaw
- 1 bag coleslaw mix
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
For Assembly
- 16 wonton wrappers
- Sweet chili sauce, for serving
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Ingredient Tips for Best Results
Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic
Fresh aromatics add authentic flavor and depth.
Finely Dice the Chicken
Smaller pieces cook quickly and create the signature texture.
Use Store-Bought Coleslaw Mix
It saves time and provides the perfect crunchy base.
Choose Quality Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin is the backbone of the sweet-savory flavor profile.
How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect copycat results.
Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Taco Shells
The crispy shell is what makes these tacos special.
Option 1: Bake for a Lighter Version
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray wonton wrappers with cooking spray.
- Drape each wrapper over two bars of an oven rack to form a taco shape.
- Bake 7–9 minutes until golden and crisp.
Option 2: Fry for Extra Crispiness
- Heat vegetable oil in a small pan.
- Fry each wrapper for 10–15 seconds per side.
- Shape immediately into taco form while warm.
- Drain on paper towels.
Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Cook the Hoisin Chicken
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sesame oil.
- Add diced chicken and cook 4–5 minutes until nearly done.
- Stir in garlic and ginger.
- Add hoisin sauce and soy sauce.
- Cook another 2–3 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and coated.
The chicken should be slightly caramelized and glossy.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Sesame Slaw
In a large bowl, combine:
- Coleslaw mix
- Green onions
- Sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Honey
Toss thoroughly until evenly coated.
The slaw should be lightly dressed, crisp, and slightly sweet.
Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Wonton Tacos
Now the fun part!
- Spoon hoisin chicken into each wonton shell.
- Top with sesame slaw.
- Drizzle with sweet chili sauce.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds.
Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.
Tips for Perfect Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Don’t Overfill
Too much filling can break the delicate shells.
Assemble Just Before Serving
Wonton shells soften if filled too early.
Cook Chicken Over Medium-High Heat
This helps create slight caramelization.
Taste and Adjust Slaw
Add more honey or vinegar to balance sweetness and tang.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Can You Make These Ahead?
You can prepare components separately:
- Cook chicken and refrigerate up to 3 days.
- Make slaw 1 day ahead.
- Store wonton shells in airtight container.
Assemble right before serving.
Reheating Chicken
Warm gently in skillet or microwave before assembling.
What Makes Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos So Popular?
The magic lies in contrast:
- Crunchy shell
- Tender savory chicken
- Fresh, crisp slaw
- Sweet chili drizzle
Each bite delivers multiple textures and flavors at once.
Variations and Customizations
Want to switch things up? Try these ideas:
Make It Spicy
- Add sriracha to chicken.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes.
- Use spicy chili sauce.
Make It Healthier
- Bake shells instead of frying.
- Use ground chicken or turkey.
- Reduce hoisin for lower sugar.
Make It Vegetarian
- Substitute diced tofu.
- Use mushrooms or plant-based crumbles.
Add Extra Crunch
- Crushed peanuts
- Crispy fried onions
Serving Suggestions
These wonton tacos are perfect for:
- Game day appetizers
- Party platters
- Asian-inspired dinner nights
- Potlucks
- Family gatherings
Serve alongside:
- Steamed rice
- Asian cucumber salad
- Spring rolls
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Chicken
Dry chicken ruins texture. Cook just until done.
Dressing Slaw Too Early
It can become soggy. Toss shortly before serving.
Not Crisping Wonton Shells Properly
Undercooked wrappers will be chewy, not crunchy.
Skipping Garnishes
Cilantro and sesame seeds elevate presentation and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do you make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos crispy at home?
Bake or fry wonton wrappers until golden and crisp. Assemble tacos just before serving to prevent sogginess.
2. Can I bake the wonton shells instead of frying them?
Yes! Baking at 375°F for 7–9 minutes creates a lighter, crispy shell.
3. What sauce goes on Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos?
Sweet chili sauce is traditionally drizzled on top for sweet heat and balance.
4. Can I prepare Chicken Wonton Tacos ahead of time for a party?
Prepare chicken and slaw ahead, but assemble right before serving to maintain crunch.
5. How do I store leftover chicken filling?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free wonton wrappers if available.
Why This Copycat Recipe Works
This homemade version captures:
- Sweet hoisin glaze
- Umami depth from soy sauce
- Nutty sesame oil flavor
- Tangy slaw crunch
- Sweet chili finish
The balance of sweet, salty, savory, and fresh flavors mirrors the restaurant favorite beautifully.
Nutritional Overview
These tacos provide:
- Lean protein from chicken
- Fresh vegetables from slaw
- Moderate carbohydrates from wonton wrappers
For a lighter option, bake instead of fry and control sauce amounts.
Final Thoughts on Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
This Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos copycat recipe delivers everything you love about the restaurant appetizer — crispy shells, savory hoisin chicken, refreshing sesame slaw, and sweet chili drizzle — all made easily at home.
Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a party, or simply craving something crunchy and flavorful, these tacos are guaranteed to be a hit.
Now it’s your turn.
Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and make a batch tonight. Once you taste that perfect sweet-savory crunch, you’ll understand why these mini tacos are so irresistible.
-Don’t forget to save this recipe, share it with friends, and add it to your appetizer rotation!
