Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat is my go-to weeknight hero: bold restaurant flavors, minimal prep, and a crowd-pleasing crunch that proves you can dine fancy without spending hours in the kitchen. As a chef who loves helping busy families and professionals bring exciting, wholesome meals to the table, I designed this recipe to deliver Applebee’s crispy chicken wonton vibes with simple ingredients and quick steps. The wonton shells bake to a golden crisp while the seasoned chicken stays juicy, and the tangy slaw adds a refreshing balance. This page walks you through every step, plus tips to make ahead, customize, and present like a pro. Get ready for share-worthy dinners and party-worthy bites, right at home.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What makes Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat special
Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat is my weeknight saving grace. I crave bold restaurant flavor with zero stress after a busy day. Crispy wonton shells, juicy chicken, and tangy slaw come together fast in the Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat.
Why this dish fits a busy lifestyle
This dish fits a busy schedule. I can prep toppings ahead for a smoother rush. Wonton shells bake quickly, saving oven time and stress.
Restaurant-flavor at home
You get restaurant vibes without the drive-thru. A kiss of hoisin, soy, and sesame gives a rich, bold profile. Crispy shells bring the crunch everyone loves.
The perfect weeknight crowd-pleaser
This is a crowd-pleaser that travels well to the table. Picky eaters can customize sauces and toppings to their taste. Best of all, cleanup is friendly to busy schedules.
Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat Ingredients
I love building flavor fast, especially for busy days. Here are the ingredients for Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat—organized for quick shopping and simple prep. Exact quantities are listed at the bottom of the article and available for printing.

Core ingredients
- Wonton wrappers — 16 sheets. They become the crisp, taco-shell boats you crave. Tip: lightly brush with oil to help them crisp.
- Cooked chicken breast, finely chopped — 1 cup. Lean protein that soaks up the sauce.
- Hoisin sauce — 2 tablespoons. The sweet-savory backbone of the filling.
- Soy sauce — 1 tablespoon. Adds salt and depth.
- Sesame oil — 1 teaspoon. A toasty aroma that brightens the filling.
- Honey — 1 teaspoon. A touch of mellow sweetness.
- Oil for brushing or light spraying — as needed. Helps shells crisp without sticking.
Sauces and seasonings
- Mayonnaise — 2 tablespoons. Creamy binder for the tangy slaw.
- Rice vinegar — 1 teaspoon. Bright tang that lifts the flavors.
- Sugar — 1 teaspoon. Balances the tang with gentle sweetness.
- Salt and pepper — to taste. Essential for balanced flavor.
Slaw and toppings
- Coleslaw mix — 1 cup. The crunch that makes the tacos feel fresh.
- Chopped green onions — 1 tablespoon. Color, bite, and a hint of sharpness.
- Optional garnishes — cilantro, lime wedges, or extra slaw for topping flair.
Substitutions and tips: If you can’t find wonton wrappers, baked tortilla cups work as a quick stand-in. You can also swap chicken for turkey or turkey breast for a similar texture.
How to Make Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat
Step 1: Prep shells and bake setup
I begin by preheating the oven to 375°F. This quick warm‑up sets the stage for crisp wonton shells. This is the Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat in action.
Lightly brush both sides of each wrapper with oil. This helps them crisp and prevents sticking. Bake 7–9 minutes until golden and crisp; let cool fully.
Gently press them between the bars of an oven rack to shape taco boats. If you don’t have a rack, use a small foil tent to hold shape. Let shells cool completely before filling.

Step 2: Season and cook the chicken
While shells bake, season the chicken. In a bowl, toss 1 cup cooked chicken with hoisin, soy, sesame oil, and honey. Stir until coated and set aside to mingle.
Let the mixture rest so flavors bloom. The glaze sticks to each piece for juicy bites. I’ll taste and adjust with a splash of soy if needed.
Step 3: Make the tangy slaw
In a bowl, mix coleslaw with mayonnaise, rice vinegar, and sugar. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
Fold in chopped green onions for color and bite. Set the slaw aside while you finish the chicken. A quick taste confirms tangy, crisp balance.
Step 4: Assemble and bake until crisp
Spoon warm chicken into each crisp shell. Top with a small amount of slaw and a sprinkle of green onions. Add cilantro or lime wedges if you like extra zing.
Serve immediately for maximum crunch and flavor. These bites disappear fast with a crowd. Leftovers, if any, can be reheated gently in the oven.
Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat Tips for Success
- Prep shells ahead by brushing with oil for Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat crispness exactly.
- Mix chicken with hoisin, soy, sesame, and honey while the shells bake.
- Taste and adjust seasoning in small batches to avoid over-saucing.
- Keep slaw tangy but light so it doesn’t weigh the tacos.
- Assemble just before serving to preserve crunch and color.
- If feeding a crowd, bake shells first, then fill in minutes.
- Have cilantro, lime, or extra slaw on the side for customization and joy.
Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet lined with parchment for crisp shells
- Oven rack to shape the wonton boats
- Small pastry brush or oil mister for coating
- Mixing bowls, measuring cups, and spoons
- Silicone spatula or tongs for handling hot shells
- Wire cooling rack to keep shells extra crisp
- Kitchen towels for clean hands
Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat Variations
- Gluten-free option: I swap wonton wrappers for crisp lettuce cups or rice paper shells.
- Protein swaps: I love using turkey, shrimp, or pork for variety.
- Spicy kick: I whisk in sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the chicken.
- Citrus brighten: I fold in lime zest or a squeeze of lime.
- Fresh herb lift: I add cilantro, mint, or Thai basil to perk up slaw.
- Dairy-free version: I omit mayo and use dairy-free mayo or yogurt.
- Vegetarian alternative: I like crispy tofu or chickpeas with veggie slaw.
- Crunch upgrade: I top with sesame seeds or crushed almonds for texture.
- Air fryer option: I sometimes air-fry shells for extra crisp with less oil.
- Make-ahead tips: I prep chicken and slaw separately, then assemble last minute.
- Kid-friendly tips: I keep sauces mild and let kids top themselves.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat
I love how the Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat fits my week like a glove. It delivers bold restaurant flavors with almost no drama, so I can feed a hungry crowd and still have energy for homework and game night. The shells bake to a whisper of crunch, the chicken stays juicy, and the slaw brings bright, zingy balance. Quick, forgiving, and share-worthy—this copycat finds its way back to my table.
Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat Serving Suggestions
- Serve with lime wedges and mango salsa.
- Pair with black bean salad or citrus rice.
- Offer agua fresca or citrus iced tea.
- Garnish with cilantro, lime, and sesame.
Plate on a bright board, drizzle sauce lightly, and let guests build their own tacos for a festive, relaxed vibe tonight together.
Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat: Elevate Your Table
In my kitchen, this Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat isn’t just dinner—it’s a little celebration with a crunch. I love how a simple bake and a bright slaw can lift weeknights into something semi-fancy without extra work. Elevating the table starts with color, texture, and a few thoughtful touches that honor the recipe’s crisp shells and juicy chicken.
Here are easy ways I level up the table without derailing my schedule.
- Plate with purpose: arrange crisp shells, warm chicken, and slaw on a bright wooden board to spark appetite and conversation.
- Garnish like a pro: lime wedges, cilantro, and sesame seeds add zing and color.
- Build a mini taco bar: let guests assemble themselves, keeping the kitchen calm and the crew happy.
- Serve in style: use taco boats or small serving platters to keep portions tidy and photogenic for those social posts.
- Texture contrast: offer a small bowl of crunchy toppings like crushed almonds or fried onions for extra crunch.
- Make-ahead magic: pre-bake shells, pre-mix chicken glaze and slaw, then assemble in minutes for a rainbow-crisp finish.
When I plate this way, the family smiles and the room feels deliciously alive. The Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat becomes more than a meal; it’s a tiny party you can pull together in under 30 minutes, with all the flavor and none of the stress.

Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat FAQs
How can I make Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat ahead of time?
I like to prep the components separately to keep them crisp. Store baked shells in an airtight container, and keep the chicken filling and slaw in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the fills briefly and re-crisp the shells in a 375°F oven for 2–4 minutes for that just-made crunch.
Can I adapt this recipe for gluten-free or other diets?
Absolutely. For gluten-free, swap wonton shells with crisp lettuce cups or rice paper shells, and use tamari instead of soy sauce if desired. Dairy-free folks can use dairy-free mayo and skip any dairy-based toppings. The balance of sweet, tangy, and savory stays tasty either way.
What’s the best way to keep the shells crisp?
Bake the shells on a wire rack so air circulates around them, then don’t stack them until you’re ready to fill. Lightly oil the wrappers and bake until golden. If they soften, a quick warm‑up in the oven or air fryer revives the crunch in minutes.
How do I scale this recipe for a crowd?
To feed more people, bake shells in batches and prep the chicken glaze and slaw in larger bowls. The yield is 16 tacos, so multiply ingredients and plan extra shells. Assemble last to keep everything crisp and fresh for guests.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat has become a weeknight joy for me. The sizzle of crisp shells, juicy chicken, and bright slaw still feels magical.
I love how a simple bake can spark a party vibe at home.
Busy families get flavor without fuss, and I get to share joy.
Print friendly notes and a flexible sauce balance make this feel forgiving.
Every bite is a memory in motion, a reminder to savor small dinners.
Here’s to many more cozy dinners built on simple, delicious wins together.
May your kitchen echo with laughter, crunch, and the glow of shared plates.
Print
Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat:5 Irresistible Ultimate Tasty.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 tacos 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat: Recreate Applebee’s crispy chicken wonton tacos at home with golden baked wonton shells, juicy seasoned chicken, tangy slaw, and a savory sweet sauce. These bite-sized, restaurant-inspired tacos deliver bold flavor, crunch, and crowd-pleasing appeal for parties, weeknights, or game days. Easy to assemble, kid-friendly, and highly Instagrammable—perfect for Pinterest-worthy dinners and entertaining.
Ingredients
- 16 wonton wrappers
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions
- Oil for baking or light brushing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly brush both sides of wonton wrappers with oil and gently press them between the bars of an oven rack to form taco shapes.
- Bake for 7–9 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool completely.
- In a bowl, mix chopped chicken with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey until well coated.
- In another bowl, combine coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, rice vinegar, and sugar. Toss until evenly mixed.
- Spoon warm chicken mixture into each crispy wonton shell.
- Top with a small amount of slaw and sprinkle with chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately for maximum crunch.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, bake on a wire rack so air can circulate around the shells.
- Store chicken and slaw separately if assembling ahead; assemble just before serving to maintain crunch.
- Adjust sweetness and savoriness by tweaking hoisin or honey to taste.
- Wonton shells can be substituted with pre-made crispy tortilla cups for a similar effect.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Chicken Wonton Tacos Copycat, Applebee’s, crispy wonton tacos, chicken tacos, party appetizers, easy quick dinner, baked wonton shells