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If you’ve ever been to Applebee’s and ordered their famous Chicken Wonton Tacos, you already know the magic: crisp wonton shells filled with tender, Asian-inspired chicken, topped with crunchy slaw, sweet chili sauce, and finished with sesame seeds and cilantro. It’s the perfect bite—sweet, savory, crunchy, and fresh.

And yes, they’re just as good as the original—maybe even better.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a reason these tacos are one of Applebee’s most popular appetizers, and the homemade version might become a household favorite too. Here’s why you’ll love making them:

Bold Flavor, Simple Ingredients: Each element packs a punch, from hoisin-glazed chicken to tangy slaw and spicy-sweet chili drizzle.
Fun to Make & Eat: These tacos are perfect for date night, family dinners, or game-day spreads. Interactive and Instagram-worthy.
Lighter Than the Original: You bake the wontons instead of deep-frying them, keeping it crisp but lighter.
Customizable: Adjust the spice, sweetness, or toppings to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleaser: These mini tacos always impress guests and disappear quickly.

If you’re craving something that’s both satisfying and fun, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

Here’s everything you need to make these flavor-packed mini tacos at home:

For the Chicken:

2 chicken breasts, finely diced
(Use boneless, skinless breasts; thighs work too if you prefer dark meat)
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
(Adds a sweet-savory glaze to the chicken)
1 tbsp sesame oil
(Nutty, aromatic, essential for that Asian-inspired flavor)
1 tbsp soy sauce
(For umami depth)
2 cloves garlic, minced
(Fresh and pungent—don’t skip it)
1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
(Adds a warm, zesty kick)

For the Slaw:

1 bag (397g) coleslaw mix
(Shredded cabbage and carrots make it quick and easy)
4 green onions, thinly sliced
(Adds sharpness and color)
1 tbsp sesame oil
(Used again to coat the slaw with rich flavor)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
(Bright and tangy—balances the sweetness of the sauce)
1 tbsp soy sauce
(Ties the flavors together)
1 tbsp honey
(Adds sweetness to round out the slaw)

For the Shells and Toppings:

16 wonton wrappers
(Your crispy taco shells—baked to perfection)
Cooking spray or olive/canola oil
(To crisp up the wontons while baking)
Sweet chili sauce, for drizzling
(Optional but highly recommended for that final flavor kick)
Chopped cilantro, to serve
(Adds freshness and color)
Sesame seeds, to serve
(For crunch and that classic Asian finish)

Let’s Get Started

Ready to recreate a restaurant favorite in your kitchen? Let’s walk through the steps to make your own Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos.

Step 1: Bake the Wonton Taco Shells
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray or brush both sides of each wonton wrapper with oil. To shape them into taco shells, drape each wrapper over the side of a baking dish or muffin tin so they form a “U” shape. Bake for 6–8 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Chicken Filling
In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp sesame oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds, then add the diced chicken. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Stir in hoisin sauce and soy sauce, then cook another 1–2 minutes until the sauce coats the chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Slaw
In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, green onions, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Toss well until evenly coated. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors blend.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
Fill each baked wonton shell with a spoonful of the hoisin chicken mixture. Top with a generous amount of slaw. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro.

Step 5: Serve Immediately
These are best served fresh while the wonton shells are crisp. Prepare just before serving to keep that crunch intact.

Servings and Pairing

This recipe makes 16 mini tacos, enough for 4–6 servings depending on how hungry your crowd is.

Perfect Pairings:

Appetizer Style: Serve alongside egg rolls or potstickers.
As a Meal: Add a side of jasmine rice, Asian cucumber salad, or miso soup.
For Drinks: A crisp white wine, light beer, or even sparkling water with lime pairs perfectly.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on these tacos? Here are a few fun ideas:

Spicy Version: Add sriracha to the chicken or spicy mayo on top.
Low-Carb Swap: Use lettuce cups instead of wontons.
Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or sautéed mushrooms.
Add Crunch: Sprinkle crushed peanuts or fried onions for extra texture.
Tropical Vibe: Add diced mango or pineapple to the slaw.

Storage Tips

These tacos are best served fresh, but here’s how to manage leftovers:

Chicken Filling: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Slaw: Best fresh but can be stored for 1–2 days (it softens over time).
Wonton Shells: Store baked shells in a dry, sealed container at room temp for up to 2 days.

Pro Tip: Keep components separate and assemble just before serving to keep everything crisp and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I air-fry the wonton wrappers instead of baking them?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 3–4 minutes until crisp. Watch closely—they cook fast!

Is hoisin sauce necessary?

It adds great flavor, but you can substitute with teriyaki or oyster sauce if needed.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prep all components ahead, but assemble just before serving to avoid sogginess.

What’s a good substitute for rice vinegar?

White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar works in a pinch, just use slightly less.

Are they gluten-free?

Not typically—check labels on sauces and use gluten-free wonton wrappers or lettuce cups.

Final Thoughts

These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are the perfect mix of crispy, savory, sweet, and fresh—every bite is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re recreating a restaurant favorite or just want something different for dinner, this recipe delivers. From the baked wonton shells to the flavorful chicken and crunchy slaw, it’s a winning combination that’s always a hit.

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos