How To Make Chicken Wonton Tacos At Home Easily
Chicken Wonton Tacos are a delicious fusion dish combining Asian-inspired flavors with the handheld fun of tacos. Originally made popular by Applebee’s, this appetizer features crispy wonton shells filled with juicy, marinated chicken, creamy coleslaw, and a sweet-and-spicy chili glaze. It’s the perfect balance of crunchy, savory, and tangy in every bite.
These tacos are a great choice for easy dinners, game-day snacks, or restaurant-style appetizers at home. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make homemade Chicken Wonton Tacos step by step—from marinating the chicken to shaping crispy wonton shells and building the perfect bite. Whether you’re craving a unique twist on tacos or want to recreate a popular Applebee’s recipe, this version is packed with flavor and freshness.
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Ingredients
- For the Chicken & Marinade
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
2 tablespoons Asian chili sauce (or stir-fry sauce)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for grilling)
- For the Creamy Coleslaw
1 cup shredded green cabbage
½ cup shredded carrots
1–2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon sugar
Salt and black pepper to taste
1–2 green onions, thinly sliced
- For the Wonton Shells
12–16 square wonton wrappers
Oil for brushing (or for frying, if deep-frying method is used)
- Optional Garnishes
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Sliced jalapeño (for heat)
Sweet chili sauce or extra sesame dressing
Lime wedges for serving
| Nutrient | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370–400 kcal |
| Protein | 22–25 g |
| Total Fat | 18–20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3–4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28–30 g |
| Sugars | 8–10 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2–3 g |
| Sodium | 600–750 mg |
| Cholesterol | 50–60 mg |
Homemade Chicken Wonton Tacos – Step‑by‑Step Guide
Marinate the chicken
- Slice boneless chicken breasts into bite‑sized strips.
- In a bowl, combine Asian chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic and a splash of rice vinegar.
- Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Prepare the crispy wonton shells
- Preheat your oven to around 200 °C (400 °F).
- Brush won ton wrappers lightly with oil on both sides.
- Bake on a lined baking sheet until golden and crispy (about 4–6 minutes per side), then cool to retain crunch.
Grill or pan‑cook the chicken
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium‑high heat.
- Cook arinated chicken strips until nicely grilled and slightly charred, about 4–5 minutes per side.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
Toss together coleslaw
- In a separate bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, and a creamy slaw dressing (mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar, salt, pepper).
- Mix well and chill briefly.
Assemble the tacos
- Place a few chicken slices into each crispy wonton shell.
- Top with a scoop of Applebee’s-style coleslaw.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeño for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Serve and enjoy
- Serve as appetizers or a fun easy dinner option.
- These Chicken Wonton Tacos pair well with dipping sauces like extra chili sauce or sweet soy glaze.
FAQs – Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Q1: What are Chicken Wonton Tacos made of?
A: Chicken Wonton Tacos are made with crispy baked or fried wonton wrappers shaped like taco shells, filled with grilled Asian-marinated chicken, creamy coleslaw, and topped with herbs like cilantro.
Q2: Can I make wonton taco shells without frying?
A: Yes, you can bake or air-fry wonton wrappers to make them crispy and healthier. Just brush lightly with oil and mold over a baking rack or upside-down muffin tin to shape them.
Q3: What sauce does Applebee’s use in their Chicken Wonton Tacos?
A: Applebee’s typically uses a sweet and tangy Asian chili sauce or a garlic soy glaze. You can use bottled Thai chili sauce or make your own with soy, garlic, vinegar, and sugar.
Q4: Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken breast?
A: Yes, ground chicken works well and cooks faster. Just season it the same way and stir-fry until browned and cooked through.
Q5: Are Chicken Wonton Tacos healthy?
A: They are relatively healthy if baked instead of fried. They’re high in protein, contain fresh veggies, and can be made low-fat with a yogurt-based slaw.
Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble tacos fresh before serving to keep the shells crispy.
Q7: What are good side dishes with Chicken Wonton Tacos?
A: Pair with edamame, Asian cucumber salad, fried rice, or sweet chili dipping sauce for a full meal.
Q8: Can I make these vegetarian?
A: Yes! Use tofu or mushrooms instead of chicken and a vegan slaw. The flavors still pop with the right marinade.
