Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Introduction

Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a delicious restaurant-inspired appetizer that combines crispy wonton shells with sweet and savory Asian-style chicken, crunchy slaw, and a drizzle of sweet chili sauce. These mini tacos are one of the most popular appetizers at Applebee’s, and now you can recreate them easily at home.

What makes these tacos unique is the crispy wonton shell. Instead of traditional tortillas, wonton wrappers are baked or fried until golden and crunchy, creating the perfect vessel for flavorful chicken and fresh toppings. The contrast between the crispy shell, tender chicken, and refreshing slaw makes every bite irresistible.

The chicken filling is coated in a sweet Asian-style glaze, often made with soy sauce, garlic, and sweet chili sauce. This adds a savory-sweet balance that pairs perfectly with the crunchy cabbage slaw.

These tacos are perfect for parties, game day snacks, appetizers, or even a fun weeknight dinner. They’re easy to assemble, customizable, and guaranteed to impress anyone who tries them.

If you love restaurant copycat recipes and crispy Asian-inspired flavors, these Chicken Wonton Tacos are a must-try.

Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Slaw:

1 cup shredded green cabbage

1 cup shredded purple cabbage

½ cup shredded carrots

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Wonton Shells:

12 wonton wrappers

1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray

Toppings:

Sweet chili sauce drizzle

Chopped green onions

Sesame seeds

Fresh cilantro (optional)

Preparation
Step 1:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush wonton wrappers with olive oil and drape them over the bars of an oven rack or muffin tin to form taco shapes.

Step 2:

Bake the wonton wrappers for 6–8 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and let cool.

Step 3:

In a skillet over medium heat, combine shredded chicken, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until heated through and coated in sauce.

Step 4:

In a bowl, mix cabbage, carrots, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil to create a quick slaw.

Step 5:

Fill each wonton shell with chicken mixture, top with slaw, and drizzle with sweet chili sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Variations

Spicy Version: Add sriracha to the chicken

Shrimp Wonton Tacos: Replace chicken with shrimp

Air Fryer Shells: Crisp wonton wrappers in air fryer

Lettuce Slaw: Add chopped lettuce for extra crunch

Peanut Sauce Version: Drizzle peanut sauce instead

Cooking Note

Avoid overbaking the wonton wrappers—they cook quickly and can burn if left in the oven too long.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as an appetizer platter

Pair with fried rice or noodles

Add extra sweet chili sauce on the side

Serve with Asian cucumber salad

Pair with spring rolls

Tips

Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation

Keep wonton shells dry for maximum crispness

Add slaw just before serving

Garnish for extra flavor and color

Prepare components ahead of time

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

10 minutes

Total Time:

25 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210
Protein: 14g
Sodium: 420mg

FAQs

Can I fry the wonton shells instead of baking?
Yes. Fry them briefly in hot oil until golden.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Prepare the fillings ahead but assemble just before serving.

What sauce is used on Applebee’s tacos?
Sweet chili sauce is typically used.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free wonton wrappers and tamari instead of soy sauce.

How do I keep the shells crispy?
Store shells separately and assemble right before serving.

Conclusion

Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly fun to eat. With crunchy wonton shells, savory Asian-style chicken, fresh slaw, and sweet chili sauce, these tacos deliver restaurant-quality flavor in every bite. Perfect for parties, appetizers, or a unique dinner, this easy recipe lets you recreate a popular restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen.

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