Name: Best Applebee's Copycat Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: Wonton Wrappers; 2-3 cups cooked, shredded or finely diced chicken; Sweet Chili Sauce; Low-Sodium Soy Sauce; Rice Vinegar; Minced fresh Ginger; Minced fresh Garlic; Coleslaw Mix; Mayonnaise; Sesame Oil; Fresh cilantro; Thinly sliced green onions; Sesame seeds; Oil for Frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Oh, prepare yourselves, because we’re diving into one of my absolute favorite copycat recipes today: Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos! If you’ve ever walked into an Applebee’s and found yourself instantly craving those irresistible little bites, you know exactly what I’m talking about. What makes this dish so incredibly special is its brilliant fusion of textures and flavors – it’s a playful marriage between a crunchy Asian wonton and a savory, saucy taco filling, all brought together with a vibrant, creamy slaw.

You are going to absolutely adore recreating this recipe at home because it delivers that beloved restaurant-quality taste with a surprisingly simple process. Imagine biting into a perfectly crisp wonton shell, giving way to a juicy, sweet and savory chicken filling, all complemented by a refreshing, crunchy slaw. It’s a flavor explosion that’s both familiar and exciting! This dish is perfect for a fun weeknight dinner, impressing friends at a casual get-together, or simply satisfying that specific craving for something truly unique. Get ready to experience the magic of these sensational tacos right in your own kitchen – trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Welcome to my take on a beloved restaurant classic: Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos! I absolutely adore these little bundles of flavor, and I’m thrilled to share how you can recreate them right in your own kitchen. This recipe focuses on delivering that perfect balance of crispy texture, sweet and savory chicken, and fresh, zesty slaw that makes the original so irresistible. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredient Notes

Crafting these delicious Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature taste and texture we all love.

Wonton Wrappers: These are the star of the show, transforming into our crispy, golden taco shells. You’ll find them in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, usually near the tofu or specialty cheeses. I always look for a brand that feels sturdy but pliable. When frying, they puff up beautifully and get wonderfully crisp. There’s no perfect substitute for these if you want that authentic wonton taco experience, so definitely seek them out!
Cooked Chicken: For the filling, I typically use about 2-3 cups of cooked, shredded or finely diced chicken. A rotisserie chicken from the grocery store is my go-to for convenience, making this recipe incredibly quick. Alternatively, you can boil or pan-fry a couple of chicken breasts and then shred them with two forks. The key is to have it ready to absorb all that amazing sauce.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is a non-negotiable flavor bomb for the chicken filling! It provides the iconic sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy profile. You can find it in the Asian aisle of your supermarket. Don’t skimp on this; it’s what truly makes the chicken filling pop.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: I prefer low-sodium to control the saltiness, allowing me to adjust it to taste. It adds that essential umami depth to our chicken sauce.
Rice Vinegar: This non-alcoholic alternative to rice wine is crucial for adding a touch of tang and brightness to both the chicken sauce and the slaw dressing. It helps cut through the richness and balances the sweetness.
Fresh Ginger & Garlic: Minced fresh ginger and garlic are indispensable for that authentic Asian-inspired flavor profile. Trust me, fresh makes a huge difference compared to powdered versions here.
Coleslaw Mix: To save time, I always grab a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix, which usually contains green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots. It’s the perfect crunchy base for our tacos.
Mayonnaise: For the slaw dressing, a good quality mayonnaise provides the creamy base.
Sesame Oil: Just a tiny drizzle of toasted sesame oil adds a wonderfully nutty aroma and flavor to both the chicken and the slaw dressing. A little goes a long way!
Toppings: Don’t forget the garnishes! Fresh cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds not only add visual appeal but also layer on more fresh flavor and texture. Sometimes I add an extra drizzle of sweet chili sauce or sriracha for a bit more kick.
Oil for Frying: A neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, is best for frying the wonton wrappers to that perfect crispness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through creating these fantastic Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos. I promise, it’s easier than you might think!

Prepare Your Wonton Taco Shells: This is the most crucial step for the iconic presentation.
- Heat about 1-2 inches of neutral oil (like vegetable or canola) in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-375°F (175-190°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, a good test is to drop a tiny piece of wonton wrapper in; it should sizzle and float up immediately.
- Working in batches of 2-3, carefully place a wonton wrapper into the hot oil. Using tongs, gently fold the wrapper in half as it begins to crisp, creating a “taco shell” shape. Hold it in place for a few seconds until it holds its shape.
- Fry each side for about 30-60 seconds, or until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to let them get too dark, as they can burn quickly.
- Carefully remove the crispy shells with tongs and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining wonton wrappers. I usually aim for about 12-16 shells, depending on how many tacos I want.
Make the Chicken Wonton Taco Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine your shredded or diced cooked chicken.
- Add the sweet chili sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, about a teaspoon of rice vinegar, minced fresh ginger, and minced fresh garlic. If you like a hint of nuttiness, a tiny drizzle of sesame oil can be added here too.
- Stir everything together thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated. I sometimes give it a quick warm-up in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes just to meld the flavors, but it’s not strictly necessary if your chicken is already warm.
Prepare the Creamy Asian Slaw:
- In a separate large bowl, combine the bag of coleslaw mix.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, about a tablespoon of rice vinegar, a teaspoon of sugar (or to taste), and another tiny drizzle of sesame oil. If you like a little heat, a dash of sriracha can be added here.
- Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mix and toss until the cabbage and carrots are well coated. I like to let this sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly.
Assemble Your Tacos: This is where the magic happens!
- Take one of your crispy wonton taco shells.
- Spoon a generous amount of the creamy Asian slaw into the bottom of the shell.
- Top the slaw with a good helping of the sweet chili chicken filling.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. For extra flair, a light drizzle of additional sweet chili sauce or sriracha is always a welcome touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful crunch and explosion of flavors!

Tips & Suggestions

To really nail these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that I’d love to share:

Wonton Frying Precision: Maintaining the oil temperature is key to perfectly crispy (not greasy) shells. If the oil is too cold, the wontons will absorb too much oil; too hot, and they’ll burn before crisping. I highly recommend using a kitchen thermometer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature stable.
Shaping Wontons: While frying, if you have a metal spatula or a small pair of tongs, you can use it to hold the wonton in a “U” shape as it fries to ensure it holds its taco form. It just takes a few seconds for it to set.
Flavor Customization: Feel free to adjust the sauce for the chicken. Want more heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha. Prefer it tangier? A little extra rice vinegar will do the trick. For a different twist, while the original is chicken, you could absolutely experiment with thinly sliced, quickly cooked beef for a different take on the filling, ensuring you keep the same sweet and savory sauce profile.
Make Ahead Components: You can prepare the chicken filling and the slaw in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The wonton shells are best fried fresh just before serving, as they can lose their crispness quickly.
Presentation Matters: Arrange your finished tacos artfully on a platter. The vibrant colors of the slaw, chicken, and garnishes really make this dish appealing. A little extra drizzle of sweet chili sauce on top or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds that professional touch.
Serving Ideas: These tacos are fantastic as an appetizer or a light meal. Pair them with a simple green salad or some edamame for a complete experience.

Storage

Proper storage is essential to enjoy your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos to their fullest, though I must admit, they are truly best when assembled fresh.

Assembled Tacos: Unfortunately, these tacos do not store well once assembled. The crispy wonton shells will quickly become soggy from the moisture in the slaw and chicken filling, losing their delightful crunch. I strongly recommend assembling only as many tacos as you plan to eat immediately.
Wonton Shells: If you’ve fried more wonton shells than you need, let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days. To re-crisp them, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until crisp again. Avoid refrigerating, as this will make them soft.
Chicken Filling: The cooked chicken filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Creamy Asian Slaw: The prepared slaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The cabbage will soften slightly over time, but the flavors will still be good. Give it a good stir before serving. If you anticipate leftovers, you might want to dress only the amount of slaw you plan to use immediately to keep the rest of the cabbage crisper.

By storing the components separately, you can easily whip up fresh batches of these delicious wonton tacos whenever a craving strikes, ensuring that satisfying crispy texture every time!

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! I truly hope you’re as excited as I am about bringing the magic of Applebee’s into your own kitchen with these incredible Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos. This isn’t just another dish; it’s an experience that perfectly balances savory marinated chicken (or the equally delicious beef alternative we discussed!), crisp wonton shells, and a vibrant, fresh slaw. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a culinary genius, effortlessly recreating a beloved restaurant favorite with simple ingredients – and yes, all those wonderful non-alcohol alternatives ensure everyone can enjoy the fantastic flavor profile. Trust me, once you bite into the delightful crunch followed by the tender, flavorful filling, you’ll understand why Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are an absolute must-try. They’re perfect for a fun family dinner, an impressive appetizer for guests, or just a treat for yourself. Get ready to impress and delight!