Name: Applebee’s Copycat Wonton Chicken Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, finely chopped into small chunks; 2 TBSP hoisin sauce; 1 TBSP sesame oil; 1 TBSP soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp minced fresh ginger; 14 wonton wrappers; Olive oil, for brushing; 1 bag coleslaw mix; 4 green onions, sliced thin; 1 TBSP sesame oil; 1 TBSP rice vinegar; 1 TBSP soy sauce; 1 TBSP honey; Sweet chili sauce, for drizzling; Chopped cilantro, for garnish; Sesame seeds (optional), for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 6 reviews

I absolutely adore the bold, crispy textures and vibrant flavors in the Applebee’s Copycat Wonton Chicken Tacos Recipe. When I make this dish, I feel like I’m bringing the fun, restaurant-style experience right into my own kitchen. The combination of crunchy wonton shells filled with savory, tender chicken and refreshing Asian slaw is truly unbeatable. Every bite bursts with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes, making these tacos an instant favorite for casual dinners or entertaining friends.

Why You'll Love This Applebee’s Copycat Wonton Chicken Tacos Recipe

What really draws me to this Applebee’s Copycat Wonton Chicken Tacos Recipe is the incredible contrast of textures and flavors. The wonton shells bake up perfectly crispy, providing that satisfying crunch that pairs so well with the tender, flavorful chicken inside. The slaw, tossed in a lively mix of sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey, adds a refreshing crunch and a touch of sweetness that brightens the whole dish. It’s such a harmonious blend that keeps me coming back for more.

I also appreciate how simple and approachable the recipe is. I don’t have to hunt down complicated ingredients or spend hours in the kitchen to get restaurant-quality results. Whether I’m cooking for a casual family dinner or preparing appetizers for a party, this recipe holds its own and impresses every time. Plus, I love that it offers a fresh spin on traditional tacos, making it stand out and feel special on the table.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white rectangular baking dish is lined with a thin, pale dough that folds over the edges, forming a neat triangle pattern along the sides. The dough has a smooth, slightly matte texture, and it drapes softly over the rim of the dish. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, and some blurred white bowls are in the background, softening the scene. The image has a close-up focus that highlights the delicate dough detail and its even placement inside the dish, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Applebee’s Copycat Wonton Chicken Tacos Recipe calls for straightforward, essential ingredients that each contribute to the dish’s fantastic flavor and texture. From the tender chicken and crispy wonton wrappers to the zesty Asian slaw, every component plays a crucial role in making these tacos truly memorable.

Tip!

You’ll find all ingredient quantities in the recipe card below.

Chicken breasts: Finely chopped for even cooking and bite-sized pieces perfect for filling the wonton shells.
Wonton wrappers: These create the crispy, golden taco shells that bring the crunch.
Hoisin sauce: Adds rich sweetness and depth to the chicken’s flavor.
Sesame oil: Infuses a toasty, nutty aroma that brightens both the chicken and slaw.
Soy sauce: Gives a salty umami punch essential for authentic taste.
Garlic and fresh ginger: These fresh aromatics enhance the savory profile of the chicken filling.
Sweet chili sauce: Adds a spicy-sweet kick when drizzled on top.
Cilantro: Offers a fresh, herbaceous note that lifts the entire taco.
Sesame seeds (optional): Provide a delicate crunch and visual appeal.
Coleslaw mix: Brings crisp texture and color contrast with the creamy chicken.
Green onions: Add a mild onion flavor and freshness to the slaw.
Rice vinegar and honey: Balance the slaw’s tanginess and sweetness elegantly.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375˚F. Lightly brush each wonton wrapper with olive oil, then drape them over the sides of a baking dish to create little taco shells. Bake them for 7 to 8 minutes, closely watching so they don’t burn.

Step 2: Once they’re soft but baked enough to hold their shape, gently pull the wonton wrappers apart a little while they’re still warm — this helps them bend without cracking. Return them to the oven for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until they become golden and crispy.

Step 3: In a large bowl, toss the finely diced chicken with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and fresh minced ginger until well coated.

Step 4: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken mixture until it’s thoroughly cooked and golden brown, stirring occasionally to cook evenly.

Step 5: For the slaw, combine the coleslaw mix and sliced green onions in a large bowl. Add sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey, then toss everything together so the flavors meld. Let the slaw sit for about 10 minutes to soften and absorb the dressing.

Step 6: Assemble your tacos by filling each crispy wonton shell with a generous scoop of the cooked chicken mixture. Top with a big helping of the slaw, then sprinkle with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds if you like. Finish with a drizzle of sweet chili sauce for that perfect sweet and spicy finish.

Step 7: Serve immediately and enjoy the irresistible crunch and flavor combination that makes this dish so special.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 14 crispy chicken tacos, enough to serve 4 to 6 people as a main course or even more if you’re serving them as appetizers. It takes approximately 20 minutes for prep, including chopping and mixing, and around 15 minutes of cooking time. The total recipe time comes to about 35 minutes, which is perfect for a weeknight or casual get-together. There’s no additional resting time required, so you can dig right in once assembled.

How to Serve This Applebee’s Copycat Wonton Chicken Tacos Recipe

When I serve these wonton chicken tacos, I like to keep the presentation colorful and inviting. I arrange the filled tacos on a large platter with extra cilantro sprigs and sesame seeds scattered around for a pretty, restaurant-style look. Adding lime wedges on the side is a personal favorite, as a little squeeze of fresh lime brightens the flavors beautifully.

I recommend pairing these tacos with light, crisp sides like steamed edamame, a cucumber salad, or simply crunchy pickled vegetables. These additions balance the richness of the chicken and the boldness of the hoisin and chili sauces. For drinks, a cold Asian lager, a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, or even a sparkling water with a hint of citrus complement the meal perfectly.

These tacos are fantastic warm, fresh out of the oven, so I always suggest serving them immediately for the best crunch. They work wonderfully for casual family dinners, game nights with friends, or even upscale appetizers at a party. You can plate them individually for a fun finger-food experience or arrange them all on a sharing tray to keep the vibe cozy and communal.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Applebee’s Copycat Wonton Chicken Tacos Recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. For example, if you prefer a vegetarian twist, I swap out the chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh marinated in similar sauces. It’s just as satisfying and keeps the flavors harmonious. You can also use ground chicken or turkey if you want a different protein texture without losing the flavor.

For gluten-free options, I’ve found using rice paper or corn tortillas as shells works well, though you lose a bit of the classic crunch. Another fun variation is to add shredded carrots and thinly sliced red bell peppers to the slaw for extra color and crunch. For a bolder flavor, a splash of sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.

Instead of baking the wonton wrappers, pan-frying them in a touch of oil creates a golden, crisp shell with a slightly different texture that I really enjoy on occasion. This technique requires careful attention to avoid burning but produces restaurant-quality results every time I try it.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which can be rare in my house), store the filling and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken mixture will keep well for up to 3 days, and the slaw should be eaten within 2 days for best freshness. Avoid storing the crispy wonton shells together with any moist ingredients, as they will lose their crunch quickly.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the assembled tacos since the wonton shells can become soggy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken filling by placing it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, where it will keep nicely for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken filling, I gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, which helps maintain its flavor and texture. The slaw is best served fresh and cold, so I usually prepare a fresh batch or enjoy the leftover slaw cold. The wonton shells should be reheated separately in a hot oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness, but fresh shells are definitely preferred for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling and slaw ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. However, I recommend baking the wonton shells and assembling the tacos just before serving to keep them crispy and fresh.

What can I use instead of wonton wrappers?

If you can’t find wonton wrappers, small flour tortillas or even crispy lettuce leaves can be used as alternative taco shells. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ, but the filling remains delicious.

Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat level?

The recipe is mildly spicy thanks to the sweet chili sauce, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less chili sauce, or incorporating fresh chili peppers or sriracha to your preference.

Can I use dark meat chicken or chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Dark meat like chicken thighs can add more juiciness and flavor to the filling. Just make sure to finely chop and cook them thoroughly just like the breasts.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, swap the chicken for marinated tofu or tempeh, use tamari instead of soy sauce if avoiding gluten, and check that your wonton wrappers don’t contain eggs or opt for rice paper wrappers. The slaw dressing is naturally vegan with just a few tweaks.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Applebee’s Copycat Wonton Chicken Tacos Recipe enough if you’re craving a fun, flavorful meal with plenty of crunch and bright, fresh flavors. It’s comforting yet exciting, easy enough to make any night of the week, and impressive enough to wow your guests. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these tacos as much as I do!