If you are on the hunt for a fun, crunchy, and utterly delicious dish that brings a wave of Asian-inspired flavors with every bite, then you have to try this sensational Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe. These tacos combine crispy baked wonton shells filled with juicy teriyaki chicken and topped with a refreshing sesame ginger coleslaw, creating a textural delight and a flavor explosion that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s the perfect dish to impress your family or friends while enjoying a fresh homemade take on a classic appetizer we all crave.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white round plate in the center holds a single layer of golden-brown triangular crispy wontons, each with a gently bubbled texture and slight variations in browning, arranged in a loose circle with some overlapping edges. To the top right, a white bowl contains bite-sized pieces of light brown cooked chicken with a smooth, slightly shiny surface, and a spoon resting inside. The top left features a glass bowl filled with a colorful shredded cabbage salad, showing layers of white, light green, purple, thin carrot strips, and sliced green onions for texture. Below the plate, three small white bowls are placed: one with bright orange-red dipping sauce, the second with finely chopped fresh green herbs, and the third with a mix of black and white sesame seeds. All items sit on a white marbled surface with faint gray veining. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the right balance of fresh and savory starts with simply essential ingredients that each play a special role in making these chicken wonton tacos sing. From the tender chicken marinated in a punchy teriyaki blend to the slaw that adds zest and crunch, let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Diced to bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and perfect taco filling texture.
Teriyaki sauce: Adds sweetness and umami depth; you can swap for hoisin sauce if you prefer a richer flavor.
Toasted sesame oil: Infuses a warm nutty aroma that’s signature in Asian-inspired dishes.
Low sodium soy sauce: Provides saltiness without overwhelming the other flavors.
Garlic and grated fresh ginger: Together they pack a pungent, aromatic punch that lifts the marinade beautifully.
Coleslaw mix: A mix of green and red cabbage with a hint of carrot brings crispness and color to the topping.
Green onions: Thinly sliced to add a mild oniony bite and freshness.
Rice vinegar: Gives the slaw a perfect tang that balances the sweetness and richness.
Granulated sugar or honey: A touch of sweetness to round out the slaw flavors.
Fresh lime juice: Adds a zesty brightness that perks up the whole dish.
Wonton wrappers: The essential crunchy taco shell, baked to golden perfection for that irresistible crisp.
Sweet chili sauce: The finishing drizzle that offers a lovely kick of heat and sweetness.
Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds (optional): For garnish, to add freshness and a bit of visual flair.

How to Make Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining your diced chicken with teriyaki sauce, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a large bowl. Stir everything together until each piece of chicken is beautifully coated, then cover the bowl and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This marinating step is crucial because it allows the chicken to soak up all those bright, savory flavors, making every bite juicy and full of that signature Asian-fusion goodness.

Step 2: Prepare the Asian-Inspired Slaw

While the chicken is soaking up the marinade, mix together the coleslaw mix, sliced green onions, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, lime juice, and grated ginger in another large bowl. Toss everything well to ensure each shred of cabbage is coated with the delightful dressing. Let the slaw sit at room temperature—this will help the cabbage soften just enough and marry the flavors perfectly, making it the ideal crunchy, tangy topping for your tacos.

Step 3: Bake the Wonton Taco Shells

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray wonton wrappers with cooking spray and drape them over the edges of a baking pan to create that classic taco shape. Bake for about 7 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown and crisply hold their shape. You’ll want to bake enough shells for however many tacos you plan to serve. These shells are an amazing crunchy base that contrast delightfully with the tender chicken and slaw inside.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Dump the marinated chicken and all marinade juices into a nonstick skillet set over medium-high heat. Cook until the chicken is golden and fully cooked, about 5 to 6 minutes, turning frequently for even cooking. If the chicken sticks, a light drizzle of olive oil should help. Using thighs? Expect a slightly longer cook time. This quick sauté locks in the marinade flavors while giving you tender, perfectly cooked chicken pieces to load into your taco shells.

Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos

Now comes the fun part! Spoon some of the cooked chicken into each crispy wonton shell, top generously with the vibrant sesame ginger slaw, and drizzle with sweet chili sauce for that perfect spicy-sweet kick. Finish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds if you like, and prepare to wow your taste buds!

How to Serve Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe

The image shows a white round plate with eight mini taco-like wraps arranged in a circle. Each wrap has a crisp, golden-brown shell folded in half, filled with layers of finely shredded colorful vegetables including light orange, purple, and pale green cabbage, topped with small green cilantro leaves and black sesame seeds. Around the plate, bright green lime wedges add contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a small wooden spoon holding more black sesame seeds and fresh green cilantro sprigs scattered nearby. In the background, another white plate holds more similar wraps, partially visible. The lighting is bright, showing all colors clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The garnishes truly elevate this dish from great to irresistible. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro instantly brightens the flavors, while toasted sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and nuttiness. If you want an extra pop, drizzle a little more sweet chili sauce or even a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving for a zingy finish.

Side Dishes

Although these wonton tacos are satisfying on their own, pairing them with lightly fried rice or a crisp Asian cucumber salad makes for a balanced meal that feels complete and fresh. A light miso soup or edamame would also complement the flavors beautifully and round out your dining experience effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

Presenting these tacos on a wooden board or a colorful platter adds to the festive vibe. Consider layering the wonton shells in neat rows, with small bowls of extra sweet chili sauce and lime wedges on the side. For a party, you could even set up a taco bar where guests fill their own shells with chicken, slaw, and garnishes for a fun, interactive meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover chicken, slaw, or baked wonton shells, keep the chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shells are best stored at room temperature wrapped in a paper towel inside an airtight container to prevent sogginess. This way, everything stays fresh and ready when you want to enjoy them again.

Freezing

While the chicken filling can be frozen in a sealed container for up to 2 months, it’s not recommended to freeze the wonton shells or slaw as their textures won’t hold up well. For best results, bake fresh shells when you’re ready to serve and prepare the slaw fresh or keep it refrigerated.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat to retain moisture and flavor—microwaving tends to dry it out. You can crisp up the wonton shells again briefly in a 350-degree oven for a few minutes, but be careful not to burn them. Add fresh slaw and garnishes after reheating to keep the crunch and zing intact.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a slightly richer flavor and are a bit more forgiving if you tend to overcook. Just allow an extra minute or two when cooking to make sure they’re fully cooked through.

Where can I find wonton wrappers?

Wonton wrappers usually show up in the Asian section of well-stocked grocery stores. They are affordable and much easier to find fresh rather than ordering online. Be sure not to confuse them with spring roll or egg roll wrappers since those are thicker or thinner and won’t hold the taco shape as nicely.

Can I make the slaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the slaw a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. It may soften slightly but will still have great flavor and texture as a taco topping.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for sautéed tofu or crispy tempeh marinated in the same teriyaki mixture. The slaw and wonton shells remain the same, giving you that delicious crunch and balanced flavor without meat.

How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe itself is mild, but the sweet chili sauce adds a gentle kick that can be adjusted to your preference. Add more or less based on your heat tolerance, or even substitute with a sriracha if you want more fire.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with the Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe. It’s a perfect combination of crunchy, savory, sweet, and tangy that makes every bite memorable. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight meal or a special gathering, these tacos bring a wonderful fusion of flavors to your table. So go ahead and make a batch—you’ll be handing out compliments all night long!