Applebees Copycat Chicken Wonton Tacos

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are one of those appetizers that looks more complicated to make at home than it actually is. Crispy baked wonton shells, hoisin-seasoned chicken, an Asian-dressed coleslaw, sweet chili sauce, and sesame seeds — the whole thing comes together in about 30 minutes once you know the shell technique.

The wonton shells are the one step worth doing right. The most reliable method is to turn a muffin tin upside down and nestle the wonton wrappers between the cups before baking — this produces uniform taco shell shapes that hold the filling cleanly. The recipe steps below use this method. An alternative is to drape the wrappers over the side of a baking dish, which produces more irregular shapes but works fine.

The slaw is timing-sensitive. Dress it right before serving, not ahead of time. Dressed coleslaw wilts quickly and a wilted slaw doesn’t provide the textural contrast that makes these tacos work. Keep the slaw and the dressing separate until you’re ready to assemble.

The recipe makes 14 mini tacos using standard wonton wrappers.

What ingredients do you need for this great appetizer?

2 chicken breasts, finely chopped into small chunks
Wonton wrappers (14)
2 TBSP. hoisin sauce
1 TBSP. sesame oil
1 TBSP. soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp minced fresh ginger
Sweet chili sauce
Chopped cilantro
Sesame seeds (optional)

Slaw Mixture
1 bag coleslaw mix
4 green onions, sliced thin
1 TBSP. sesame oil
1 TBSP. rice vinegar
1 TBSP. soy sauce
1 TBSP. honey

Wonton wrappers (14): Found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, typically near tofu or Asian ingredients. They dry out quickly once opened — keep covered with a damp paper towel while you work.

Hoisin sauce (2 tablespoons): The primary flavor element for the chicken. Hoisin is thick, sweet, and slightly tangy — it’s what gives these their distinctive Applebee’s-adjacent flavor. Lee Kum Kee and Kikkoman are both widely available. Substitute teriyaki sauce for a sweeter profile.

Sesame oil (1 tablespoon in chicken, 1 tablespoon in slaw): Toasted sesame oil — the dark, fragrant kind, not the pale refined version. A small amount goes a long way. Don’t substitute with vegetable oil; the flavor is completely different.

Coleslaw mix (1 bag): Standard pre-shredded coleslaw mix from any grocery store. The convenience format is right for this recipe — shredding your own cabbage and carrot won’t produce a meaningfully better result.

How do you make this applebees chicken wonton taco recipe?

Step 1: Shape and bake the wonton shells
Preheat oven to 375°F. Turn a standard muffin tin upside down. Lightly brush each wonton wrapper with olive oil on both sides. Press each wrapper into the space between muffin cups, forming a taco shell shape. Bake for 7-8 minutes until lightly golden — watch closely as they brown quickly. Remove from oven, gently bend open any that have closed up while still warm, and return to oven for 3-4 more minutes until fully crispy. Remove and set aside. Alternative method: drape oiled wonton wrappers over the side of a baking dish and bake using the same timing.

Step 2: Season and cook the chicken
In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger. Toss until fully coated. Cook the chicken mixture in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through, golden, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F — about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3: Make the slaw
In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix and sliced green onions. In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Keep the dressing and slaw separate until ready to serve. Right before assembling the tacos, pour the dressing over the slaw and toss until fully coated.

Step 4: Assemble
Fill each wonton shell about halfway with the cooked chicken mixture — don’t overfill or the shells will become soggy. Top with dressed coleslaw, a sprinkle of cilantro and sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sweet chili sauce.

Step 5: Serve immediately
The wonton shells soften quickly once filled. Assemble and serve right away for maximum crunch.

Can I do substitutions?

You can substitute teriyaki sauce for the hoisin sauce for a twist on the original recipe. Likewise, stir-fry sauce or sweet Asian chile sauce can bring an extra kick if desired.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try different versions of this copycat of Applebee’s recipe. Substitute the wonton wrappers with corn taco shells or corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. You could even use last night’s leftover chicken or add some spice roots to the mix for extra heat.

When it comes to the best way to enjoy these tacos, it’s all about balance. A single serving provides a good amount of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a well-rounded addition to your daily diet.

FAQs for these crispy crunchy wontons:

Tips & Tricks:

1. Perfect Wonton Taco Shells: Achieve the perfect taco shape by turning a muffin tin upside down and nestling the wonton wrappers in between the cups. Bake in a preheated oven until golden and crispy.

2. Crispier Chicken: For a crispy texture to your chicken, try dusting the chicken pieces lightly with cornstarch before cooking.

3. Enhanced Flavor: Marinate your chicken in the hoisin or teriyaki sauce overnight in the refrigerator for an even deeper flavor.

4. Crunchy Slaw: If you want to maintain the crunch of the coleslaw mix, add the dressing just before serving the tacos.

5. Make It Spicy: For a spicy kick, add thinly sliced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mix.

6. Balance Is Key: Remember to balance your tacos. Too much chicken mixture might make the wonton taco shells soggy, while too little might make it less satisfying. A good rule of thumb is to fill them just over half full.

7. Quick Cleanup: Line your work surface with parchment paper when preparing the wonton shells. It makes cleanup a breeze!

Remember, the key to perfect Applebee’s Copycat Chicken Wonton Tacos is the blend of flavors – the savory chicken, the tangy Asian-inspired coleslaw, and the crispy wonton shell. These applebees wonton tacos have flavorful chicken and a wonderful asian dressing. These applebees chicken wonton tacos are an easy bite and the best part is that the prep work is pretty easy.

The muffin tin shell method is worth doing — the shells hold their shape significantly better than the draped-over-a-dish method and they look more finished. Make the chicken and bake the shells ahead of time, dress the slaw right before you serve, and assemble to order. Leave a comment and tell me whether you stuck with the hoisin or tried the teriyaki swap.

Here are some more amazing copycat recipes to try: