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There’s something magical about the crispy crunch of a wonton wrapper meeting savory chicken and tangy slaw. These Chicken Wonton Tacos bring together the best of Asian-inspired flavors in a fun, hand-held package that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table without a fuss. As someone who’s constantly juggling deadlines and family obligations, I’ve come to rely on this recipe when I want something that feels special without the extra effort.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Wonton Tacos
If you’ve ever tried Applebee’s chicken wonton tacos and found yourself craving them days later, you’re not alone! This homemade version captures that same irresistible combination of textures and flavors, but you can make them any time the craving strikes. The best part? You can customize the heat level and ingredients based on what your family enjoys.
These little handheld delights come together in about 30 minutes, making them perfect for those evenings when you’re tempted to order takeout. Trust me, the few minutes of prep are absolutely worth it when you bite into that crispy shell filled with juicy chicken and crunchy slaw!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Colorful Slaw:
- ⅓ head red cabbage, sliced and chopped
- 4 small carrots, peeled and grated
- ¼ cup coleslaw dressing
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
For the Flavorful Chicken Filling:
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ¼ cup stir-fry sauce
For the Crispy Shells:
- 14 wonton wrappers
Let’s Make Some Tacos!
Step 1: Prepare the Zesty Slaw
First, let’s get the slaw going since it needs time for the flavors to mingle. In a large bowl, toss together your chopped red cabbage, grated carrots, coleslaw dressing, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, and teriyaki sauce until everything is well coated. Pop this in the refrigerator while you work on the rest. If you can make this ahead of time (even the night before), the flavors will thank you!
Step 2: Cook the Savory Chicken
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, warm the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until it’s nicely browned and crumbly, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Pour in the stir-fry sauce, lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer while you prepare the wonton shells.
Step 3: Create Crispy Wonton Shells
Here’s where the magic happens! Take your wonton wrappers and gently form them into taco shapes. A clever trick is to arrange them between the cups of an upside-down muffin tin. This gives them that perfect taco curve! Pop them in the preheated oven for 4-5 minutes until they’re firm and lightly golden brown. Watch them closely—they can go from perfect to too-brown in a flash!
Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos
Now for the fun part! Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of your chicken mixture into each crispy wonton shell. Top with a generous portion of your chilled slaw. The combination of warm chicken and cool, crunchy slaw creates that perfect temperature and texture contrast that makes these tacos so crave-worthy.
Make It Your Own: Recipe Tips and Swaps
When I first tried making these tacos, I discovered they’re incredibly forgiving and adaptable to what you have on hand. Here are some of my favorite tweaks:
- Protein Switch-Up: Not a fan of ground chicken or can’t find it at your store? No problem! You can easily substitute chicken breast (finely chopped) or ground turkey.
- Cabbage Options: Green cabbage works beautifully if you don’t have red on hand. The flavor is slightly milder, but the crunch factor is still there!
- Pantry Swaps: Short on ingredients? Use plain yogurt instead of coleslaw dressing and olive oil in place of sesame oil. The flavor profile will change slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.
- Extra-Crispy Shells: For an even flakier experience, try folding the wonton wrappers into triangles and quickly frying them in a bit of sesame or olive oil for about one minute per side. Just be sure to drain them on paper towels before filling.
- Spice It Up: My husband loves when I add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Start with a pinch and adjust to your family’s spice tolerance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Chicken Wonton Tacos ahead of time?
The components can definitely be prepped ahead! Make the slaw up to 24 hours in advance, and cook the chicken mixture up to a day ahead. However, I recommend baking the wonton shells just before serving for maximum crispiness. If you need to assemble earlier, keep the shells, meat, and slaw separate until serving time.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Unfortunately, the wonton shells don’t store well once they’re baked—they tend to get soggy. If you have extra wonton wrappers, keep them sealed in their original packaging until you’re ready to use them.
Where can I find wonton wrappers in the grocery store?
Wonton wrappers are typically found in the refrigerated section near the produce area, often near tofu or fresh noodles. If your store has an international foods section.
A Weeknight Winner
These Chicken Wonton Tacos have become my secret weapon for those nights when I want something that feels special without hours in the kitchen. The combination of crispy shells, savory chicken, and tangy slaw creates a perfect bite every time.
What I love most about this recipe is how impressed everyone is when I serve these little gems—only you and I need to know how simple they are to make! They’re perfect for everything from casual family dinners to gathering friends around for a fun appetizer night. If you’re looking for more quick dinner ideas that deliver big on flavor, check out my Delmarva BBQ Chicken Recipe Carnivore Style or other chicken recipes
So next time you’re tempted to swing by Applebee’s for their famous chicken wonton tacos, remember that a homemade version is just 30 minutes away—and you don’t even have to change out of your comfy pants!