Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe: Perfect Copycat of Your Favorite Appetizer

Craving that restaurant classic from Applebee’s but don’t feel like going out? These Chicken Wonton Tacos are the ultimate copycat recipe! Imagine biting into crispy wonton shells, stuffed with tender chicken bursting with Asian-inspired flavors, topped with a refreshing slaw and drizzled with sweet chili sauce for that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. This homemade version brings all the fun and flavor of the original right to your kitchen. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make!

Photo byRecipes By Lisa

I first fell in love with these tacos during a casual dinner at Applebee’s. I loved the crunchy texture paired with the rich, savory chicken filling. After trying them once, I knew I had to recreate them at home, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just want a fun weeknight meal, these tacos will be a hit.

If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, be sure to check out Recipes by Lisa, where I originally found inspiration for this dish. Lisa shares a variety of fantastic meals, and this one’s no exception!

A Fun Twist on Traditional Tacos

These Chicken Wonton Tacos are inspired by Asian flavors, featuring soy sauce, honey, ginger, and sesame oil. The slaw, made with cabbage and carrots, adds the perfect crunch and tang. Fun fact: Wonton wrappers are a staple in Chinese cuisine and are often used in soups or fried appetizers. Here, they create a unique taco shell that’s crispy and light, making every bite irresistible.

How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos at Home

Here’s how to create these copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos in your own kitchen. The process is simple, and I’ve included tips to make sure you nail that crispy shell and flavorful chicken every time.

Ingredients:

For the Wonton Shells:

• 12 wonton wrappers
• Cooking spray or oil for frying

For the Chicken Filling:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)

For the Slaw:

• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Pinch of salt

For Garnish:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Sweet chili sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the Wonton Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat oil for frying. Lightly spray wonton wrappers with cooking spray and drape each over a baking rack to form taco shapes. Bake for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy, or fry for 1-2 minutes per side until crisp. Set aside to cool.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, add sesame oil and sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add diced chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink. Stir in soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce. Let the sauce simmer and thicken, coating the chicken.
3. Prepare the Slaw: In a small bowl, combine shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. Toss until well mixed.
4. Assemble the Tacos: Spoon the chicken mixture into each crispy wonton shell. Top with a scoop of slaw and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sweet chili sauce for added flavor.
5. Serve: Enjoy your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos as a fun appetizer or light meal! These tacos are full of crunch, tang, and flavor that will have you coming back for more.

Tips and Variations:

• Low-carb option: Swap the wonton wrappers for lettuce cups if you’re looking for a lighter, low-carb version.
• Vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken with tofu or mushrooms and follow the same steps for a plant-based version.
• Extra spice: Add a dash of sriracha to the chicken filling or drizzle it on top for more heat.

These crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos are guaranteed to impress whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. Pair them with a side of edamame or a light cucumber salad to make it a complete meal.

I hope you enjoyed this recipe as much as I do! If you tried it out, let me know how it turned out in the comments. Don’t forget to follow me for more fun, flavorful recipes like this one. And if you're looking for even more inspiration, check out Recipes by Lisa for some amazing ideas!