If you love the perfect fusion of crunchy, savory, and tangy all in one bite, then the Chicken Wonton Tacos (Applebee’s Copycat!) Recipe is going to be your new go-to snack or appetizer. This delightful dish brings together crispy fried wonton shells filled with tender, flavorful chicken and topped with a refreshing, crunchy coleslaw. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to whip up, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you're craving a playful twist on tacos or just want a fresh way to enjoy Asian-inspired flavors, these Chicken Wonton Tacos have you covered with every delicious mouthful.

Ingredients You'll Need

A top view shows six small white bowls and a white plate arranged on a white marbled surface. The white plate, placed on the right side, is full of shredded light green cabbage. To the left on three bowls are different liquids – a small bowl with brown granules, a small bowl with dark brown sauce, and a small bowl with amber liquid. Above the plate are three square sheets of thin, light yellow dough. A medium-sized white bowl on the left holds small pieces of raw, light pink meat. On the right, two small white bowls contain orange shredded carrots and pale yellow liquid. The colors are soft and natural, and the textures range from smooth liquids to shredded vegetables. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color starts with using simple, fresh ingredients that each play a key role. From savory marinated chicken to crisp veggies and perfectly fried wonton shells, every component complements the others beautifully.

1 pound chicken breast (cut into small pieces): This is the star protein, tender and ready to soak up all the marinade flavors.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Essential for cooking the chicken to golden perfection and for frying the wonton shells.
½ cup stir fry sauce: Adds a deliciously rich and savory base flavor to the marinade.
¼ cup sesame ginger dressing: Infuses a hint of zesty ginger and nutty sesame, perfect for both marinating and the crisp coleslaw.
2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings a classic umami punch that enhances the chicken’s taste immensely.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the savory and salty notes with a touch of gentle sweetness.
1 cup thinly sliced cabbage: Adds crunchy texture and fresh color to the topping.
¼ cup shredded carrots: Provides a sweet bite and vibrant orange contrast in the coleslaw.
10 wonton wrappers: These transform into crispy taco shells, providing the satisfying crunch you crave.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Needed in abundance to get those wontons golden and crisp.
Fresh cilantro: A fragrant garnish that lifts the flavors with herbal brightness.
Lime wedges: The perfect finishing touch to add a zesty, fresh squeeze just before eating.

How to Make Chicken Wonton Tacos (Applebee’s Copycat!) Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken a flavor-packed soak. Combine the chicken pieces with the stir fry sauce, sesame ginger dressing, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a bowl. Letting it rest for at least 30 minutes allows the chicken to soak up all those delicious flavors, creating a rich marinade that will caramelize beautifully when cooked.

Step 2: Prepare the Wonton Taco Shells

This step is where the magic of crunch begins. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Gently fold each wonton wrapper into a triangle shape without sealing the edges, then carefully fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy—flipping midway to ensure even cooking. Once done, place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. These crispy shells are the fun and unique taco vessel that make this recipe stand out.

Step 3: Make the Coleslaw

For that refreshing crunch, mix thinly sliced cabbage and shredded carrots with sesame ginger dressing in a bowl. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until it's time to assemble. This crisp coleslaw adds a lovely tang and texture contrast to the savory chicken and crunchy shells.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add your beautifully marinated chicken pieces and cook them thoroughly until they’re fully cooked and caramelized on the outside. This caramelization creates a savory glaze that will make your tacos burst with flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Assemble Your Chicken Wonton Tacos (Applebee’s Copycat!) Recipe

Finally, the fun part! Spoon about 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons of the cooked chicken mixture into each crispy wonton shell. Top generously with the chilled coleslaw for that perfect blend of textures. For a bright finish, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the top just before indulging.

How to Serve Chicken Wonton Tacos (Applebee’s Copycat!) Recipe

A black round white plate holds three crispy golden brown taco shells, each filled with a mix of shredded light green cabbage and orange carrot strips, with a small sprig of green herb on top of the middle taco. A wedge of bright green lime sits next to the tacos on the plate. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a red and white checkered cloth partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro is a must-have garnish for these tacos; it adds a subtle herby lift that pairs incredibly well with the sesame ginger flavors. Don’t forget the lime wedges either—squeezing fresh lime juice over the tacos right before eating adds a delightful zing that brightens all the savory notes and pulls everything together.

Side Dishes

These wonton tacos are surprisingly versatile. Pair them with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad to balance the richness of the fried shells. For a party setting, consider serving with edamame or crispy spring rolls for an Asian-inspired feast everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these Chicken Wonton Tacos on a large platter lined with parchment paper or banana leaves for a festive vibe. You can arrange lime wedges, small bowls of extra sesame ginger dressing, and chopped herbs on the side for an interactive experience where guests can customize their bites. For a fun twist, try adding a drizzle of spicy mayo or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If by any chance these tasty Chicken Wonton Tacos stick around, store the cooked chicken and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The wonton shells are best kept at room temperature in a sealed container to maintain their crispness—not in the fridge, as they can become soggy.

Freezing

While the chicken can be frozen cooked or raw, it’s best to avoid freezing the assembled tacos since the wonton shells will lose their crisp texture. Freeze any leftover marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months and thaw in the fridge before cooking.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently on the stove or microwave until warm. If the wonton shells lose their crunch, a quick flash in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes will perk them right back up. Keep the coleslaw cold and fresh by adding it just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! While chicken breast is the classic choice for this recipe, you can easily substitute shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian-friendly option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything cooks perfectly.

How can I make the wonton shells without frying?

If frying isn’t your thing, you can bake the wonton wrappers for a lighter option. Brush them lightly with oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes or until golden and crispy. They won’t be quite the same, but still delightfully crunchy.

What is the best way to marinate the chicken?

For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate in the mixture for at least 30 minutes and up to a few hours in the fridge. This helps the meat soak up the sweet, tangy, and savory notes that make these tacos so irresistible.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance for a party?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the coleslaw a few hours ahead of time. Fry the wonton shells just before serving to keep them crispy. This approach helps save time while ensuring your tacos stay fresh and tasty.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The wonton wrappers typically contain wheat, so this recipe is not gluten-free as is. However, you can try gluten-free wonton wrappers or substitute with other gluten-free shells to accommodate dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Chicken Wonton Tacos (Applebee’s Copycat!) Recipe enough for anyone looking to impress friends or just brighten up a weeknight dinner. The combination of crunchy, savory, tangy, and fresh in one bite is pure joy. Give it a try, and I promise these vibrant little tacos will become one of your favorite quick and delicious dishes. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

Chicken Wonton Tacos (Applebee’s Copycat!) Recipe