If you’ve ever found yourself craving the flavorful, crunchy delight of Applebee’s signature appetizer, you’re in for a treat with this Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe. Imagine crispy wonton shells cradling tender teriyaki chicken, all topped with a vibrant, tangy sesame ginger coleslaw that adds just the right crunch. This homemade version not only captures the essence of the restaurant favorite but elevates it with fresher ingredients and a homemade touch that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re hosting friends or just indulging in a satisfying snack, these wonton tacos are easy to prepare and impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two clear glass bowls on a white marbled surface. The top bowl contains shredded cabbage with green scallions, thin carrot strips, and some purple cabbage mixed in. The bottom bowl has pieces of pale pink raw chicken sitting in a dark soy-based sauce, topped with a heap of minced garlic and ginger. A wooden spoon rests inside the bottom bowl. To the right of the bowls, there is a small glass jar filled with a dark sauce with some bright red chili flakes floating on top and its white lid placed beside it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you because it’s packed with simple, fresh components that come together to build layers of flavor and texture. From the juicy marinated chicken to the crisp wonton shells and zesty slaw, each element plays a vital role in making these tacos irresistibly delicious.

Chicken breasts or thighs: Cut into bite-sized pieces for perfect, tender bites.
Teriyaki sauce: The star marinade that infuses the chicken with sweet-savory goodness.
Toasted sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and depth to both chicken and slaw.
Soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness, balancing the sweetness of the marinade and slaw dressing.
Garlic and fresh ginger: These aromatics give bold, fresh flavor layers to the chicken and coleslaw.
Coleslaw mix: A crisp medley of cabbage and carrots that offers a refreshing crunch.
Green onions: Adds mild sharpness and color to brighten the slaw.
Rice vinegar and lime juice: Provide acidity to cut through richness and enliven the flavors.
Granulated sugar or honey: Perfect for balancing tart and savory notes in the dressing.
Wonton wrappers: Your crisp taco shells — light, golden, and perfectly crispy when baked.
Sweet chili sauce: A touch of sweet heat that ties the whole dish together beautifully at the end.
Cilantro and sesame seeds: Optional but highly recommended garnishes for freshness and a nutty crunch.

How to Make Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining diced chicken with teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a large bowl. Cover it and let it marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the chicken to soak up all the flavors, making each bite juicy and deeply seasoned.

Step 2: Prepare the Sesame Ginger Coleslaw

While your chicken marinates, toss together the coleslaw mix with sliced green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, lime juice, and freshly grated ginger. Letting the slaw sit at room temperature as you prepare the other parts helps it soften just enough to complement the crispy wonton shells perfectly.

Step 3: Bake the Wonton Taco Shells

To get those irresistibly crunchy shells, drape your wonton wrappers over the edges of a baking pan and lightly spray with cooking spray. Bake at 375°F for about 7 minutes until they turn a delicate golden brown. Bake in batches as needed and keep an eye on them to prevent burning. These homemade shells are tender on the inside but satisfyingly crisp on the outside, setting the stage for the warm chicken and cool slaw.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Dump the marinated chicken and all its juices into a hot nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through—around 5 to 6 minutes. If you notice any sticking, adding a splash of olive oil helps keep everything moving smoothly. The chicken should be glossy, flavorful, and tender with just the right bite.

Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos

Spoon the succulent chicken pieces into each baked wonton shell, generously top with the zesty slaw, and drizzle with sweet chili sauce for a little kick of sweet heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like an extra burst of flavor and texture. Now you’ve got a snack that’s crunchy, saucy, savory, tangy, and downright addictive!

How to Serve Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe

A white plate holds a neat circle of small golden-brown crispy taco shells filled with light brown cooked chicken pieces, each shell folded in half and arranged uniformly to create a layered look; above and to the side, there is a clear glass bowl of salad with mixed green and purple cabbage, some shredded light green vegetables, and a silver fork resting inside; next to it, two small white bowls contain chopped fresh green herbs and a black and white sesame seed mix, all set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds enhances the dish visually and adds layers of herbal freshness and nuttiness. These simple garnishes take the tacos from delicious to outstanding.

Side Dishes

Pair these wonton tacos with a light cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or even some quick pickled vegetables to keep the meal balanced and vibrant. A cold beer or sparkling iced tea also makes excellent companions for this Asian-fusion delight.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Serve the tacos on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra sweet chili sauce and lime wedges for squeezing. You can also stack them layered with slaw in a bento-style box for a fun, portable appetizer or party snack platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken, slaw, and baked wonton shells in separate airtight containers. The chicken and slaw can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, but the shells are best stored at room temperature in a sealed container to maintain crispness.

Freezing

The cooked chicken filling freezes well if stored in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. However, it’s not advisable to freeze the wonton shells or slaw as they lose their texture. Defrost chicken overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave, ensuring it’s piping hot. The wonton shells should be served fresh. If needed, you can crisp them briefly in a hot oven for a minute or two. Toss the coleslaw again before serving to refresh its texture.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken saves time. Just toss it in the marinade for at least 15 minutes to soak up flavor, then warm it up before assembling the tacos.

Are there vegetarian options for these wonton tacos?

Yes! Swap the chicken for sautéed tofu, tempeh, or even roasted vegetables. Marinate the substitutes in the same sauce to keep the flavor profile consistent and delicious.

What can I substitute for wonton wrappers if I can’t find them?

Wonton wrappers are unique for this recipe because of their thickness and crispiness when baked. If unavailable, try small tortilla chips or sturdy phyllo dough shells, but expect a different texture.

How spicy are these chicken wonton tacos?

The base recipe is mild, with sweet and savory notes. The sweet chili sauce adds a gentle heat, but you can adjust the amount or add fresh chili flakes if you love it spicy.

Can I prepare the slaw ahead of time?

Yes, but keep in mind the slaw will soften and release liquid the longer it sits. For the freshest crunch, prepare it a few hours before serving, and toss again just before assembling the tacos.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to appetizers or light meals to share with family and friends. Its mix of textures and bold Asian-inspired flavors makes it delightfully addictive and surprisingly easy to make at home. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the proud moment of serving a restaurant-quality dish right from your own kitchen!