You can’t beat a crisp, fresh appetizer that is packed with flavor. That is why I am totally obsessed with these Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos! This recipe perfectly matches the the flavor and texture you’d find at the restaurant but at a much better quantity and price point! These wonton tacos are absolutely delicious, thanks to the teriyaki chicken drizzled with sweet chili sauce, Asian coleslaw, fresh cilantro, and crispy wonton shells! Now you can make them at home and have them any time you want. These are the perfect game day snack for Super Bowl Sunday!
Frying the Wonton Taco Shells
I found my wonton wrappers at my local International market. The small size is perfect for appetizers. You can also get the larger size if you want to make these Chicken Wonton Tacos for a meal.
To prepare the wontons for tacos, heat the oil in a small pot or sauce pan until it reaches 350°. Carefully, fry each of the wonton wrappers one side at a time using tongs. While frying, shape the wonton into a taco shape as you fry. Be careful not to overcook, these will be finished in only a couple of minutes.
Marinating and Cooking the Chicken
You can make the chicken up to 24 hours in advance of cooking. Dice the chicken and transfer the pieces to a shallow dish. Coat with Teriyaki sauce and salt and pepper. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
When ready to cook, preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Saute the chicken for 7-9 minutes, stirring intermittently to ensure all sides are browned and the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°.
Assembling the Asian Slaw
Whisk the dressing, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the coleslaw mix until thoroughly coated. Set aside (or refrigerate if using later).
Building the Chicken Wonton Tacos
Get all of your ingredients set up and ready when it is time to assemble the tacos. No ramekins needed, I had those out for a different recipe!
When ready to serve, add approximately ¼ cup of the warm prepared chicken to each of the fried wonton shells. Drizzle each chicken wonton taco with about 1 tablespoon of sweet chili sauce.
Next, add about ¼ cup of the prepared Asian coleslaw to each taco. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squirt of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately, and enjoy!
This appetizer really is the ideal blend of flavors. Sweet and spicy chicken with cool coleslaw, fresh cilantro, and some acid from the fresh lime juice! My family is totally hooked and I know yours will be too!
Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Ingredients
Teriyaki and Sweet Chili Chicken
- ⅓ cup Prepared Teriyaki Sauce
- 1 lb. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or tenderloins, diced
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 cup Sweet Chili Sauce, divided
Asian Slaw
- 1 8oz Package Coleslaw Mix
- ⅓ cup Marzetti Coleslaw Dressing
- 1 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
- ½ tsp Toasted Sesame Oil
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
Wonton Taco Shells and Garnish
- 12 individual Wonton Wrappers, uncooked
- 1 cup Canola or Vegetable Oil for Frying
Garnish
- 1/2 cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro
- Lime Wedges
Instructions
Wonton Taco Shells
- Heat the oil in a small pot or sauce pan until it reaches 350°. Carefully, fry each of the wonton wrappers one side at a time using tongs. While frying, shape the wonton into a taco shape as you fry. Be careful not to overcook, these will be finished in approximately 2 minutes.
The Teriyaki Chicken
- Dice the chicken and transfer to a shallow dish. Coat with Teriyaki sauce and salt and pepper. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) in the refrigerator.
- Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Saute the chicken for 7-9 minutes, stirring intermittently to ensure all sides are browned and the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°.
Asian Coleslaw
- Whisk the dressing, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the coleslaw mix until thoroughly coated. Set aside (or refrigerate if using later).
Assembling the Chicken Wonton Tacos
- When ready to serve, add approximately ¼ cup of the warm prepared chicken to each of the fried wonton shells. Drizzle each chicken wonton taco with about 1 tablespoon of sweet chili sauce.
- Next, add about ¼ cup of the prepared Asian coleslaw to each taco. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squirt of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately, and enjoy!
Like this recipe? Try my Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip next!
