If you’re anything like me and love those little bursts of flavor wrapped up in crispy goodness, you’re gonna be all over this Asian Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe. It’s like the best of two worlds—crispy wonton shells meeting savory Asian-inspired chicken and slaw that just wakes up your taste buds. What I really appreciate about this recipe is how approachable it is—you don’t need to be a pro chef to nail it, and it’s perfect for gatherings or a fun weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be on your regular rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Prep: From start to finish in about 40 minutes, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Flavor Explosion: The blend of hoisin, ginger, and garlic gives the chicken an irresistible Asian flair.
- Fun and Crispy: Baking the wonton wrappers ensures a super crispy taco shell that’s light and addictive.
- Customizable & Crowd-Pleasing: Easy to adjust toppings or switch to low-carb options like lettuce wraps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic here is balancing fresh ingredients with pantry essentials that bring out those signature Asian flavors. I always recommend fresh garlic and ginger because they make such a difference, but having good quality hoisin and soy sauce on hand is a game changer, too. Plus, the coleslaw mix keeps things crunchy and fresh, which I love against the warm chicken.
- Chicken breasts: Finely diced for quick cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds sweet and tangy notes, so pick a thicker one for that rich flavor.
- Sesame oil: A little goes a long way for that nutty aroma—don’t skip it.
- Soy sauce: Look for a low-sodium version if you want to keep saltiness in check.
- Garlic: Freshly minced gives the best punch of flavor.
- Fresh ginger: You’ll notice this really brightens the whole dish.
- Coleslaw bag: Convenient, pre-shredded mix that adds crispness without extra prep.
- Green onions: Thinly sliced for an extra layer of freshness and mild onion bite.
- Rice vinegar: Provides that perfect tang in the slaw.
- Honey: Balances the vinegar with gentle sweetness in the slaw dressing.
- Wonton wrappers: The crispy taco “shell” that’s light but sturdy enough to hold all the toppings.
- Sweet chili sauce: Drizzle on top for a hint of spice and sweetness.
- Cilantro: Chopped fresh, it brightens every bite.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted for extra crunch and nuttiness.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Asian Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe. It’s super versatile, so don’t hesitate to switch things up based on what you have or your taste preferences. Here are a few of my favorite twists.
- Low-Carb Version: Swap wonton wrappers for crispy lettuce cups — I do this when I want something fresh and lighter, and it still hits the spot.
- Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or chopped jalapeños to the chicken for a fiery punch that my family totally loves.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with sautéed tofu or mushrooms marinated in the same sauce—they absorb flavor beautifully.
- Crunch Factor: Sprinkle crushed peanuts or fried shallots on top for an extra layer of texture if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Make Asian Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Crisp Up the Wonton Shells
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). The trick I learned is to spray or brush the wonton wrappers lightly with oil before baking them. Then, drape them gently over the side of a 9×13 baking dish—this shape helps form the classic taco shell. Bake for about 7-8 minutes, but watch them closely because they can go from golden to burnt quickly. While they’re still pliable, carefully pull the shells apart to give them room for filling, then bake for another 7-8 minutes until beautifully crispy.
Step 2: Cook the Flavor-Packed Chicken
While the shells crisp, toss your finely diced chicken breasts in a bowl with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. I like to mix everything well so every piece is coated. Heat a skillet over high heat and sauté the chicken for 7-8 minutes, stirring often until it’s cooked through and slightly caramelized. This sear seals in flavor and gives the chicken a nice texture.
Step 3: Whip Up the Asian Slaw
In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, sliced green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Give it a good toss to combine all the flavors. This slaw adds freshness and a little crunch that’s so essential to balance the warm, savory chicken.
Step 4: Assemble Your Asian Chicken Wonton Tacos
Fill each crispy wonton shell with a spoonful of the cooked chicken, then top generously with the Asian slaw. Drizzle sweet chili sauce over the top, sprinkle chopped cilantro and sesame seeds, and voilà—these tacos are ready to serve. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made these for friends and family; everyone always asks for seconds!
Pro Tips for Making Asian Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking chicken in batches helps it brown instead of steam, giving you better flavor and texture.
- Watch Your Oven: Wonton shells crisp quickly — keep an eye so they don’t burn and get bitter.
- Make Ahead Components: You can prepare the chicken and slaw a day ahead, just keep the shells crispy by baking them fresh.
- Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: I’ve learned fresh ingredients elevate this recipe far beyond pre-minced or powders.
How to Serve Asian Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish these tacos off with chopped fresh cilantro for that burst of herbaceous brightness. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds subtle nuttiness and a bit of texture. And of course, don’t skip the sweet chili sauce drizzle—it brings just the right balance of sweet heat that ties everything together.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with these Asian Chicken Wonton Tacos are steamed edamame pods lightly salted, or a simple cucumber salad tossed with rice vinegar and chili flakes for that refreshing crunch. You can also serve with jasmine rice or fried rice if you want a more filling meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like to serve these on a long wooden board or slate platter lined with parchment paper—it’s perfect for casual finger food vibes. You can arrange a variety of dipping sauces on the side like extra sweet chili, soy, or even a peanut sauce to offer guests options. Adding edible flowers or microgreens on top makes it look fancy but takes almost no effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store the leftover chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge—they keep fresh for about 3-4 days. The wonton shells are best eaten fresh, but if you have extras, store those in a sealed container at room temperature to retain their crispness.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the chicken filling, it freezes really well for up to 3 months. I recommend portioning it into freezer bags or containers so you can thaw only what you need. However, I don’t freeze the wonton shells or slaw because they don’t hold up well after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken skillet-style or in the microwave until heated through. For the wonton shells, a quick 2-3 minute toast in a 350°F oven brings back their crunch. I like to add the slaw fresh after reheating for that perfect contrast.
FAQs
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Can I use ground chicken instead of diced chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Ground chicken cooks faster and pulls apart nicely, making for great texture in these tacos. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and season well so it’s flavorful and juicy.
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How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and use gluten-free wonton wrappers if you can find them. Otherwise, lettuce wraps are an easy gluten-free substitute for the shells.
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Is this recipe spicy, and can I adjust the heat?
The base recipe has a mild sweetness with just a hint of heat from the sweet chili sauce. You can easily adjust spiciness by adding sriracha to the chicken or using a hotter chili sauce depending on your preference.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead for a party?
Definitely. Prepare the chicken and slaw the day before and refrigerate separately. Bake the wonton shells just before serving so they stay crisp. Assembly only takes minutes, making it perfect for entertaining.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Asian Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe brings together crispy, savory, sweet, and tangy flavors in one bite. It’s one of those dishes that makes you smile every single time, whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or sharing at a get-together. Give it a shot—you’ll discover how easy and satisfying it can be to bring a little restaurant magic home. Cooking this feels like a fun adventure, and the best part? Everyone ends up happy and full. So go ahead, try it out, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a new favorite!
Print
Asian Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a delicious fusion dish combining crispy baked wonton shells filled with flavorful hoisin-glazed chicken, fresh Asian-inspired slaw, and topped with sweet chili sauce, cilantro, and sesame seeds. This recipe offers a quick and tasty appetizer or light meal with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, finely diced
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp minced fresh ginger
Asian-inspired Slaw
- 1 (397g) bag coleslaw
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
For Tacos + Toppings
- 16 wonton wrappers
- Sweet chili sauce, to serve
- Chopped cilantro, to serve
- Sesame seeds, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare Wonton Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the wonton wrappers with cooking spray or brush them with a little olive or canola oil. Drape the wontons over the side of a 9×13 baking dish to form shell shapes. Bake for 7-8 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning. Remove from oven when still pliable and gently separate them to make filling easier. Return to oven and bake for another 7-8 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Cook Chicken: In a large bowl, combine diced raw chicken with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Heat a large skillet over high heat, then sauté the chicken mixture for 7-8 minutes, tossing frequently until fully cooked and slightly caramelized.
- Make Asian Slaw: While chicken cooks, combine the coleslaw mix, sliced green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey in a large bowl. Toss well to evenly coat the slaw with the dressing.
- Assemble Tacos: Spoon the cooked chicken mixture into each baked wonton shell. Top generously with the prepared Asian-inspired slaw. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce, then garnish with chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a fresh, crunchy finish. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful chicken wonton tacos!
Notes
- For a low-carb option, substitute lettuce leaves for wonton wrappers to keep the tacos light and fresh.
- Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for future meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (4 tacos)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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