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You are here: Home / Recipes / Appetizers / Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat Recipe

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat Recipe

Published November 14, 2022. Last updated May 9, 2025 by Lauren Vavala Harris

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CLose up of a wonton chicken taco with text overlay.
Wonton chicken tacos with text overlay.
Wonton chicken tacos with text overlay.
Two images of an Applebee's copy cake wonton chicken tacos recipe with text overlay between them.

Taco shaped wontons are filled with seasoned chicken and topped with an Asian coleslaw. These mini tacos are very similar in taste and presentation to Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos. They are a delicious starter, snack or meal!

A plate of wonton chicken tacos similar to Applebee's appetizer recipe.

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If you’re a fan of recipes like my Southwestern Chicken Wonton Cups, then you’re really going to enjoy these wonton tacos too!

Chicken wonton tacos are my go-to appetizer whenever we eat at Applebee’s, so it was a no-brainer to create a copycat recipe.

These wonton taco cups are bursting with fresh Asian flavors, like sesame and ginger. The fresh, crispy coleslaw sits on top of the marinated chicken, and the crispy wonton shells are the perfect base. 

Try them as an appetizer to other Asian-inspired recipes such as Asian Ground Pork Tacos or Mongolian Ground Beef.

Other Applebee’s inspired recipes we’ve shared are for Crispy Pan-Fried Chicken Tenders and Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe tastes very much like the popular Applebee’s chicken wonton tacos.

They are perfect for appetizers, game day snacks, or even as a quick lunch. 

You can make the coleslaw ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also make the chicken ahead of time, but it tastes better hot, so you’ll have to warm it up before you add it to the tacos. 

Step-By-Step Instructions

Ingredients

Ingredients to make Applebee's Wonton Chicken Tacos with text overlay.

Chicken

  • 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
  • 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced small)

Asian Coleslaw

  • 1 14 ounce bag coleslaw mix
  • 2 tablespoons green onion (sliced thin)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice (fresh squeezed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)

Tacos

  • 16 wonton wrappers
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.

Prep!

Cut the chicken into a fine dice. Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, finely slice the green onions and juice 1/2 of a lime until you have 1 teaspoon.

Because this recipe has a short marinating period, wait to preheat your oven until you are ready to begin cooking.

Create!

Chicken marinating in one bowl and cabbage slaw in another.

Whisk together the teriyaki, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic and ginger together in a medium bowl. Add the chicken and stir to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

In a medium bowl, mix the coleslaw and green onions together. In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, lime juice and ginger until well combined. Pour over the coleslaw and toss well. Cover and keep in the refrigerator until needed.

When you are ready to begin cooking, preheat your oven to 375°F. 

Wonton wrappers laying over the edges of a loaf pan.

Place the wonton wrappers over the edge of a 9×13-inch pan and spray with cooking spray.

Baked wonton tacos shells over the edges of a loaf pan.

Bake until lightly browned, about 7 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Cooked chicken in a skillet with a wood spoon.

While the wontons are baking, heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and marinade to the pan. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. 

Carefully drain any excess liquid from the pan.

Chef’s Tip: draining any excess liquid from the pan prevents the tacos from getting soggy when you fill them.

Wonton shells filled with chicken and cabbage slaw in a bowl off to the side.

Spoon the chicken evenly into the wontons.

Present!

Close up of a wonton chicken taco with a plate of more tacos in the background.

Top each one with coleslaw. Garnish with a drizzle of sweet chili sauce and a sprinkle of cilantro and sesame seeds.

Tips and Techniques

  • If you’d rather not use pre-made coleslaw, you can shred your own cabbage and carrots.
  • Drain any excess liquid from the pan to prevent the tacos from getting soggy when you fill them.
  • Store leftovers separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Consume the chicken within 3-4 days. The coleslaw will keep an extra day or two.

FAQ’s

How Do You Bake Wonton Wrappers Into Taco Shells? 

Wrap the wonton wrappers along the edge of a casserole dish. When they are done baking, they will be in the shape of a taco shell. It’s incredibly easy – no frying required. 

Can I Use A Different Type Of Meat? 

Yes! Try this recipe with ground beef, steak, or even shredded pork instead of marinated chicken, 

How Do You Make It Spicier? 

The easiest way to make these copycat chicken wonton tacos spicier is to drizzle some Sriracha on top. That will give it a lot of kick! 

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Love this Chicken Wonton Tacos recipe? Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more!

If you try this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would please leave a comment and star rating. Thanks!

Close up of a wonton chicken taco.
Print

Applebee's Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat Recipe

Taco shaped wontons are filled with seasoned chicken and topped with an Asian coleslaw. These mini tacos are very similar in taste and presentation to Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos. They are a delicious starter, snack or meal!
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes minutes
Total Time 40 minutes minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 272kcal
Author Lauren Harris

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
  • 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced small)

Asian Coleslaw

  • 1 14 ounce bag coleslaw mix
  • 2 tablespoons green onion (sliced thin)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice (fresh squeezed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)

Tacos

  • 16 wonton wrappers
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

Chicken

  • Whisk together the teriyaki, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic and ginger together in a medium bowl. Add the chicken and stir to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
    2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon garlic, 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Asian Coleslaw

  • In a medium bowl, mix the coleslaw and green onions together. In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, lime juice and ginger until well combined. Pour over the coleslaw and toss well. Cover and keep in the refrigerator until needed.
    1 14 ounce bag coleslaw mix, 2 tablespoons green onion, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger

Tacos

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. 
  • Place the wonton wrappers over the edge of a 9×13-inch pan and spray with cooking spray.
    16 wonton wrappers
  • Bake until lightly browned, about 7 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.
  • While the wontons are baking, heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and marinade to the pan. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. 
  • Carefully drain any excess liquid from the pan.
  • Spoon the chicken evenly into the wontons.
  • Top each one with coleslaw. Garnish with a drizzle of sweet chili sauce and a sprinkle of cilantro and sesame seeds.
    2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Notes

Tips and Techniques

  • If you’d rather not use pre-made coleslaw, you can shred your own cabbage and carrots.
  • Drain any excess liquid from the pan to prevent the tacos from getting soggy when you fill them.
  • Store leftovers separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Consume the chicken within 3-4 days. The coleslaw will keep an extra day or two.
** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 272kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 956mg | Potassium: 313mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 59IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 2mg

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Filed Under: Appetizers, Chicken, Main Dish, Recipes

Comments

  1. Judy says

    February 8, 2024 at 4:57 pm

    Has anyone tried this in wonton cups? Just thinking about the ultimate easy bite- but I’m wondering if enough filling would fit in there to really get the full taste…

    Reply
    • Ally says

      November 7, 2024 at 5:31 pm

      I use muffin cups to make the wontons into cups. Works like magic and I can do the whole package of wontons in half an hour.

      Reply
  2. Ally says

    December 10, 2023 at 1:01 pm

    Third time I’ve made this. It’s spot on! Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply
  3. Becky says

    April 5, 2023 at 9:35 pm

    Absolutely delicious!! I boiled down chicken thighs and drumsticks and used the pre cooked meat then just warmed it up in the sauce. The chicken was incredibly tender and moist. I loved Applebee’s wonton tacos but from on I will make my own.

    Reply
  4. Crystal says

    March 10, 2023 at 11:35 pm

    I made these gluten free for my boyfriend who said they were BETTER than Applebees! Thanks so much for the great recipe!

    Reply
  5. Linda Landino says

    March 10, 2023 at 11:50 am

    I was instantly excited upon seeing this recipe and HAD to try it!
    So I did! The instructions were easy to follow with helpful hints which made it a joy to construct this fabulous dish. And, it was Delicious!
    So much like the appetizer at “Applebees.”
    Now we can have Chicken Wontons ANYtime we like!
    The day after the delightful evening of enjoying this dish, I was “planning” the next Family Function to which I would make these.
    Try them, You will be most pleasantly satisfied!

    Reply
  6. Jamie says

    January 1, 2023 at 12:30 am

    Wow! This chicken wonton taco was incredibly delicious! It got a unique recipe for our all-time favorites tacos! Everybody would definitely love this!

    Reply
  7. Ann says

    December 31, 2022 at 11:08 am

    These were an exact replica of Applebee’s wonton tacos! Delicious! Added to the list to make again! Thanks for the recipe share!

    Reply
  8. Amy Liu Dong says

    December 28, 2022 at 8:48 am

    An easy and delicious appetizer to make that will surely love by many. Yum!

    Reply
  9. Isabelle says

    November 28, 2022 at 6:54 am

    These wontons are super easy and delicious. We make them to go with taco pasta and use the creamy pasta sauce as a dip for the wontons.

    Reply
  10. Kristina says

    November 28, 2022 at 6:53 am

    These are one of my go to recipes for Sunday football because the hungry men love them. This year I thought I’d try them with leftover turkey from Thanksgiving instead of the chicken and they turned out great.

    Reply
  11. Amanda says

    November 27, 2022 at 5:09 pm

    These made such a fun party snack last night! The fresh ginger gave the chicken the best flavor, and the wontons were perfectly crisp.

    Reply
  12. Amy says

    November 27, 2022 at 4:24 pm

    Such a tasty taco snack. And I loved your tip for making the wontons was easy. They came out so crispy.

    Reply
  13. Ann says

    November 27, 2022 at 8:03 am

    Oh I love this idea! Wonton tacos are always delicious! Excited to give this recipe a try for our next taco Tuesday night!

    Reply
  14. Mikayla says

    November 26, 2022 at 6:01 pm

    So easy to make and they were a great tasting appetizer. We will make these again

    Reply
  15. Maggie says

    November 26, 2022 at 2:41 pm

    I made these the other night, and my family hasn’t stopped raving about them. Definitely making them soon!

    Reply
  16. May says

    November 22, 2022 at 9:47 pm

    I used firm tofu instead of chicken, it turned out amazingly. We enjoyed the flavour so much.

    Reply
  17. Tracy says

    November 22, 2022 at 10:05 am

    Wow! This was such a delicious appetizer! It tasted just like the original, thank you!!

    Reply
  18. Gloria says

    November 21, 2022 at 10:26 am

    Just in time for party season. This will be a hit with the guests for sure. Fun to make and fun to eat.

    Reply

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Welcome, I'm Lauren!

Delicious Little Bites is where I share all types of recipes from appetizers to desserts. You will also find plenty of keto, gluten free, and vegetarian recipes here to help you put a delicious meal on the table every night that the whole family will love! Read More...

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