Crispy, golden wonton shells filled with savory chicken, crunchy slaw, and a sweet-spicy sauce—Chicken Wonton Tacos are the ultimate fusion appetizer. Inspired by the popular restaurant version made famous by Applebee’s, this homemade recipe delivers bold Asian-inspired flavors wrapped in taco form.
Perfect for game nights in the United States, casual dinners in the United Kingdom, or party platters in Canada, Chicken Wonton Tacos are easy to make, fun to serve, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
🌟 Why You’ll Love Chicken Wonton Tacos
Crispy, crunchy wonton shells
Flavor-packed shredded chicken
Sweet and spicy Asian-style sauce
Ready in under 40 minutes
Perfect appetizer or light meal
They combine the best of tacos and dumplings into one irresistible bite.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded)
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Slaw:
1 cup shredded cabbage
½ cup shredded carrots
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Wonton Shells:
12–16 wonton wrappers
Cooking spray or vegetable oil
Optional Garnishes:
Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds
Sweet chili sauce drizzle
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Shape & Bake the Wonton Shells
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly spray both sides of each wonton wrapper with cooking spray.
Gently fold each wrapper into a taco shape and place between the bars of an upside-down muffin tin to hold shape.
Bake for 7–9 minutes until golden and crispy.
Tip: Keep a close eye—they brown quickly.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling
Heat a skillet over medium heat.
Add sesame oil and sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
Stir in shredded chicken, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
Cook for 3–5 minutes until heated through and slightly caramelized.
The filling should be moist but not overly saucy.
Step 3: Make the Slaw
In a small bowl, mix cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Wonton Tacos
Spoon warm chicken into each crispy wonton shell.
Top with a small amount of slaw.
Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or sweet chili sauce.
Serve immediately for maximum crunch.
🍗 What Makes These Chicken Wonton Tacos So Good?
1. Texture Contrast
Crispy shell + tender chicken + crunchy slaw = perfect bite.
2. Sweet & Savory Balance
Hoisin and honey provide sweetness, soy sauce adds umami, and vinegar adds brightness.
3. Bite-Sized & Party-Friendly
They’re small enough to serve as appetizers but satisfying enough for a light meal.
🔄 Easy Variations
🌶 Spicy Version
Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the chicken mixture.
🥬 Lettuce Wrap Style
Skip the wonton shells and use butter lettuce for a lighter option.
🐔 Rotisserie Shortcut
Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
🦐 Shrimp Swap
Replace chicken with chopped shrimp for a seafood twist.
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Wonton Tacos
Don’t overfill the shells—they can crack.
Assemble just before serving to keep shells crispy.
Use thinly shredded cabbage for better texture.
If frying instead of baking, fry wontons in oil at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 minute.
🧊 Storage Tips
Store chicken filling separately for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Keep wonton shells in an airtight container at room temperature.
Assemble fresh when ready to serve.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Chicken Wonton Tacos pair beautifully with:
Steamed edamame
Asian cucumber salad
Fried rice
Sweet chili dipping sauce
They’re also fantastic for:
Game day parties
Family movie nights
Appetizer platters
Potlucks
❤️ Final Thoughts
Chicken Wonton Tacos are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The fusion of Asian-inspired chicken filling with taco-style presentation makes them unique and unforgettable. Whether you’re recreating the restaurant favorite at home or putting your own twist on it, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
One bite, and you’ll see why these crunchy little tacos are such a hit. 🌮✨