Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

Craving something crispy, savory, and just a little bit unexpected? These Chicken Wonton Tacos might just become your new go-to recipe. Imagine golden, crunchy wonton shells filled with juicy, flavor-packed chicken and topped with a vibrant slaw that adds just the right amount of freshness and tang. Yep—it’s just as delicious as it sounds.

I first made these on a rainy afternoon when I was missing my favorite appetizer from Applebee’s (they took it off the menu—how dare they?!). I wanted something comforting, quick, and snackable… and that’s exactly what these turned out to be. Now they’re a staple in my kitchen, especially when friends come over or when I need a little midweek pick-me-up.

What makes these little tacos so special? It’s that perfect combo of textures and flavors—crispy wonton shells that give a satisfying crunch, tender shredded chicken tossed in a sweet-savory glaze, and a cool, crisp slaw to balance it all out. Each bite is bright, bold, and so much fun.

These are perfect as a fun appetizer, a party finger food, or even a light dinner with a little something on the side. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to pull together—no deep fryer required.

Let’s get into why you’ll love them (and trust me—you will).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something undeniably joyful about picking up a mini taco that delivers a crunch with every bite. These Chicken Wonton Tacos aren’t just easy to make—they’re fun, flavorful, and feel like a celebration in every mouthful. Here’s what makes them an instant favorite:

Crispy, Crunchy Texture in Every Bite

The crispy wonton shell is honestly a game-changer. It’s light and golden, with a delicate crunch that contrasts beautifully with the juicy, saucy chicken inside. Add the cool slaw on top and you’ve got a trio of textures that’s totally addictive.

Made with Simple, Everyday Ingredients

No fancy ingredients or specialty store runs here. This recipe uses things you probably already have in your pantry: soy sauce, sesame oil, hoisin, garlic, and of course, chicken. The freshness comes from simple veggies—cabbage, carrots, and green onion.

Quick and Foolproof

From prep to plate, these tacos take less than 30 minutes. Seriously! If you’re using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, it’s even faster. Perfect for a last-minute dinner, a game-day snack, or an appetizer when guests pop by.

Fun to Customize

These are basically blank canvases for flavor. Want it spicy? Add sriracha or drizzle with spicy mayo. Craving creaminess? Toss in some avocado. Hosting a party? Set up a DIY taco bar so everyone can build their own. Endless options = endless fun.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these crave-worthy mini tacos—and why each one matters:

Full List of Ingredients (with Purpose)

• 12 wonton wrappers – Your crispy taco shell base

• ½ lb cooked chicken breast, shredded – Tender protein that soaks up flavor

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil – Adds a rich, nutty aroma

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic – A little punch of savory depth

• 2 tablespoon soy sauce – Classic umami base

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce – Sweet and salty balance

• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger – Bright, zesty warmth

• ½ cup shredded cabbage & ¼ cup shredded carrots – Crunchy, fresh slaw elements

• 2 green onions, sliced – Mild bite and color

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar & 1 tablespoon honey – Tangy-sweet balance for the slaw

• ¼ cup chopped cilantro – Herbal freshness

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional) – Nutty crunch and presentation points

• Olive oil spray – For baking the shells to golden perfection

How to Make Chicken Wonton Tacos

These tacos are simple, but the payoff is huge. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be enjoying your own crispy, flavor-packed bites in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven & prep your tools
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a muffin tin with olive oil. This will help the wontons crisp up without sticking.

2. Form the shells
   Press each wonton wrapper gently into the muffin cups to create little taco shell shapes. Don’t worry if they fold or curl a bit—that just adds character.

3. Bake the shells
   Pop them into the oven and bake for 6–8 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them—they can brown quickly!

4. Cook the chicken filling
   In a medium skillet over medium heat, combine:

   • Shredded chicken

   • Soy sauce

   • Hoisin sauce

   • Sesame oil

   • Garlic

   • Ginger

   Stir everything together until the chicken is heated through and well-coated. You want it glossy and slightly caramelized—so let it cook for a minute or two longer if needed.

5. Make the slaw
   In a bowl, toss together:

   • Shredded cabbage

   • Carrots

   • Green onions

   • Rice vinegar

   • Honey

   Give it a quick toss and set it aside. It’s fresh, bright, and just the thing to balance the rich chicken.

6. Assemble your tacos
   Fill each crispy wonton shell with a spoonful of warm chicken, then top it with a bit of slaw.

7. Garnish and serve
   Sprinkle with chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice (optional, but so good).

8. Serve immediately
   These little tacos are at their very best when the shells are still crunchy and warm. So build them just before serving and get ready to wow.

What to Serve with Chicken Wonton Tacos

These Chicken Wonton Tacos are bold and satisfying on their own, but pairing them with the right sides and sips makes the whole experience even more memorable. Whether you're serving them as a light meal, appetizer, or part of a party spread, here are some fun and flavorful ideas to round things out:

Drinks

• Iced green tea – light, refreshing, and perfect for balancing savory flavors

• Plum wine – adds a sweet, fruity touch to complement the soy-based sauce

• Sparkling lemonade – a fizzy citrus option to brighten every bite

Desserts

• Mango sorbet – cool and tropical

• Coconut milk pudding – creamy and delicate

• Fortune cookies – just for fun!

Other Sides

• Crispy spring rolls

• Steamed edamame with sea salt

• Chilled sesame noodles – simple, flavorful, and a great contrast in texture

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe? It’s endlessly customizable. Whether you’re cooking for dietary preferences or just want to play with flavors, these variations have you covered.

Vegetarian Twist

Skip the chicken and use shredded tofu, jackfruit, or even sautéed mushrooms. Marinate them the same way for full flavor. Jackfruit in particular gives a meaty texture that’s surprisingly close to pulled chicken!

Gluten-Free Option

Going gluten-free? Easy fix!

• Swap soy sauce for tamari

• Use gluten-free wonton wrappers if you can find them, or go with baked rice paper cups for a creative shell alternative

Spicy Version

Love a little heat? You’ve got options:

• Add sriracha to the chicken mixture

• Sprinkle on red pepper flakes

• Drizzle with spicy mayo or serve with a side of sweet chili sauce

Sweet & Tangy Fusion

Give your tacos a tropical makeover by tossing in some pineapple chunks or adding a spoonful of sweet chili sauce to the slaw. It’s like a little island vacation in a bite!

Storage Instructions

While these tacos are best enjoyed fresh and crispy, you can still plan ahead and enjoy leftovers with the right approach. Here's how to store each part like a pro:

Room Temperature

These should be served and eaten within 1–2 hours. After that, the wonton shells will start to lose their crunch and become soggy—still tasty, but not quite as magical.

Refrigeration

• Chicken mixture and slaw can be stored separately in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days.

• Keep baked wonton shells in a dry, sealed container at room temperature for 2–3 days. To re-crisp, you can pop them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes before serving.

Freezing

• You can freeze the cooked chicken filling for later—just let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container.

• Avoid freezing assembled tacos or wonton wrappers—they’ll lose their texture and become chewy instead of crispy.

• When ready to serve, reheat the chicken, prep fresh slaw, and bake new wonton shells for the best results.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Making these Chicken Wonton Tacos is already simple—but a few little tricks can take your results from “yum” to absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, these tips will help you nail it every time:

• ✅ Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes – This gives the flavors time to fully soak in. Totally worth the wait.

• ✅ Use a muffin tin (or oven-safe shot glasses!) to shape those perfectly curved wonton shells.

• ✅ Prep your slaw ahead of time and keep it chilled—cold slaw on hot chicken is chef’s kiss.

• ✅ Assemble tacos just before serving to keep that crispy shell from getting soggy.

• ✅ Don’t skip the lime wedges! A quick squeeze adds the perfect zingy finish.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Chicken Wonton Tacos, you might enjoy these delicious dishes too:

• Delicious Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe – Light, crunchy, and full of flavor.

• Easy Air Fryer Caramel Apple Wontons – A sweet twist on wonton wrappers.

• Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken – Crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor.

• Delicious Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce – Creamy and comforting.

• Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe – For readers interested in a direct restaurant-style version.

FAQs

We’ve all got those little questions that pop up mid-recipe—don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with these helpful answers to the most common ones:

Can I make Chicken Wonton Tacos ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prep everything in advance—cook the chicken, toss the slaw, bake the shells—and just store each part separately. When it’s time to eat, assemble and enjoy.

What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?

If you’re out of hoisin, a quick mix of teriyaki sauce or oyster sauce with a little brown sugar can mimic that sweet-savory balance.

How do I keep the wonton wrappers from getting soggy?

The trick is to fully bake or fry them until they’re crisp. Then hold off on filling until just before serving. That keeps them crunchy and satisfying.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Yes, yes, yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a total time-saver and works beautifully. Just warm it up in the skillet with your sauce mixture so it soaks up all that goodness.

Why did Applebee’s discontinue these tacos?

Sadly, they were removed from the menu in 2020. But the silver lining? Now you can make an even better version at home—with no need to leave the house!

Conclusion

These Chicken Wonton Tacos check all the boxes: crispy shells, tender saucy chicken, refreshing slaw—all in one cute little bite. They’re quick, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly customizable. Whether you're hosting friends, feeding the family, or just treating yourself to something a little extra, this recipe delivers.

And don’t be afraid to make it your own! Add heat, toss in pineapple, go gluten-free—whatever suits your taste.

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