The Applebee’s Copycat Wonton Chicken Tacos Recipe is a delightful fusion of crispy, golden wonton shells filled with tender, savory chicken and refreshing crunchy slaw. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors that feels both indulgent and light, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for parties or a fun weeknight dinner. The best part? This copycat recipe is so approachable that you can whip it up in under an hour and have a delicious appetizer or main dish that impresses without stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl full of small, pale pink raw chicken pieces in the upper left corner. Next to it is a small clear glass bowl with light brown sauce and another small white bowl with minced garlic. Below them is a small bowl with dark brown sauce. To the right there are three light beige folded sheets of thin dough on a white marbled surface. A white bowl full of shredded pale green cabbage is placed below the dough. At the far right, there is a small white bowl of shredded orange carrots and a white bowl with a light yellow liquid, all arranged on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may look simple, but each one plays a starring role in creating the vibrant flavors and textures that make the Applebee’s Copycat Wonton Chicken Tacos Recipe irresistible. From the juicy chicken loaded with a sweet-savory marinade to the crisp wonton shells and fresh coleslaw, every element has its own magic.

1 pound chicken breast: Cut into small pieces for quick, even cooking and perfect bite-sized taco filling.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Essential for sautéing the chicken and frying the wonton shells to golden perfection.
1/2 cup stir fry sauce: Adds rich, umami-packed flavor that saturates the chicken beautifully.
1/4 cup sesame ginger dressing: Brings a fresh, zesty zing to both the marinade and coleslaw.
2 tablespoons soy sauce: Enhances the savory depth with a touch of saltiness.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the savory sauces with a gentle caramel sweetness.
1 cup thinly sliced cabbage: Provides a crisp, refreshing crunch in the slaw.
1/4 cup shredded carrots: Adds bright color and a subtle sweetness to the slaw mix.
10 wonton wrappers: The secret to that crispy, golden taco shell crunch everyone loves.
Vegetable oil for frying: Necessary to get your wonton shells perfectly crisp without being greasy.
Fresh cilantro: A fragrant herb garnish that livens up each taco with its distinct brightness.
Lime wedges: Serve alongside for a zesty squeeze that wakes up all the flavors.

How to Make Applebee’s Copycat Wonton Chicken Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by mixing your chicken pieces with stir fry sauce, sesame ginger dressing, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a bowl. This step is key because it allows the chicken to soak up those layers of sweet and savory goodness. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to infuse every bite with flavor that sings.

Step 2: Prepare the Wonton Taco Shells

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Take each wonton wrapper and gently fold it into a triangle shape—but don’t seal the edges. Fry each for a few minutes until crispy and golden, flipping halfway to ensure even cooking. Remove the shells and drain on paper towels so they stay crisp and not greasy.

Step 3: Make the Coleslaw Mix

In a bowl, toss together the thinly sliced cabbage, shredded carrots, and an additional 2 tablespoons of sesame ginger dressing. This mix adds a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, glazed chicken inside your wonton taco. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble your tacos.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Using 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat, cook your marinated chicken pieces until fully cooked through and nicely caramelized. The heat will intensify that beautiful glaze from your marinade, giving the chicken a rich, slightly sticky coating that makes these tacos so addictive.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Fill each wonton shell with about 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons of the cooked chicken. Top that with a generous spoonful of the refreshing coleslaw you prepared earlier. Finally, add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of herbal brightness and some lime wedges on the side to squeeze over just before eating.

How to Serve Applebee’s Copycat Wonton Chicken Tacos Recipe

The image shows small taco-like shells made from crispy golden-brown fried wrappers, each filled with three visible layers. The bottom layer is filled with light brown glazed pieces of chicken that look tender and shiny. Above the chicken, there is a layer of finely shredded white cabbage mixed with thin orange carrot strips adding a crunchy texture. On top, a few small green fresh cilantro leaves sit gently, adding a pop of color. The tacos are arranged closely on a black plate, next to bright green lime wedges and a small white cup of light brown dipping sauce. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro is a fantastic garnish for these wonton chicken tacos, adding a fragrant, leafy pop of color and flavor. Lime wedges are a must-have as well— a quick spritz of lime juice brightens the overall flavor profile and ties all the elements together beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve these tacos with a light cucumber salad or some steamed edamame to keep the meal fresh and balanced. If you want a heartier side, a bowl of simple fried rice or garlic noodles will complement the bold flavors perfectly without overwhelming your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, consider serving your Applebee’s Copycat Wonton Chicken Tacos Recipe on a large wooden platter with individual dipping sauces like sriracha mayo or extra sesame ginger dressing. Mini taco holders or decorative plates can make a fun, festive display that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cooked chicken, coleslaw, and wonton shells separately in airtight containers. This prevents sogginess and lets you enjoy fresh textures when you’re ready to eat again. The chicken will stay flavorful in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

The cooked chicken can be frozen for longer storage, but the wonton shells and slaw do not freeze well. To freeze chicken, cool it completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat to retain moisture and glaze. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture tender. Wonton shells are best enjoyed fresh, but if you must store them, briefly re-fry or bake to restore crispness before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Shrimp or even tofu can be delicious substitutes for the chicken in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is nicely cooked and flavorful.

Where can I find wonton wrappers?

You can find wonton wrappers in most grocery stores in the refrigerated section near the tofu or dumplings. Asian markets often carry them as well, usually fresh or frozen.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes! Swap the chicken for marinated and sautéed mushrooms or tofu and keep the rest of the recipe the same for a delicious vegetarian take that still captures the original flavors.

Can I bake the wonton shells instead of frying?

Baking is possible but won’t yield quite the same crispiness and golden color as frying. If you prefer baking, brush the wontons lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s mild, leaning on sweet and savory flavors rather than heat. If you love spicy food, a drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of chili flakes can easily kick things up.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fun, flavor-packed recipe to spice up your taco night, the Applebee’s Copycat Wonton Chicken Tacos Recipe is a must-try. Crispy, juicy, and fresh, these tacos bring together the best textures and tastes you’ll want to make again and again. Dive in and enjoy every bite—you’ll see why it’s become a favorite for so many!