If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful twist on tacos that will wow your friends and family, you’re in the right place. I absolutely love this Chicken Wonton Tacos with Asian Slaw Recipe because it’s crispy, savory, and packed with fresh crunch from the slaw. When I first tried making these at home, I was amazed at how easy and satisfying they were — trust me, you’ll want to make these over and over!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crunchy Delight: The wonton wrappers bake up crispy and golden, offering a wonderful texture contrast.
- Flavor Explosion: The chicken marinated in hoisin, ginger, and garlic packs bold Asian-inspired flavor.
- Fresh and Light: The crisp Asian slaw adds brightness and balance to each bite.
- Family Friendly: My whole family goes crazy for these — they’re easy to make and even easier to eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients makes all the difference here. The combination of savory chicken, crispy wonton shells, and tangy-sweet slaw comes together beautifully. I like to shop for fresh ginger and good-quality hoisin sauce to really bring out those authentic flavors.
- Chicken breasts: Finely diced so they cook quickly and evenly in the skillet.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet, tangy depth that I find irresistible.
- Sesame oil: Gives that nutty aroma that feels so classic in Asian dishes.
- Soy sauce: For salty umami flavor, essential to balance everything.
- Garlic & fresh ginger: Fresh minced garlic and ginger really brighten the chicken marinate.
- Coleslaw mix: I grab a pre-shredded bag (like 397g), but feel free to shred your own if you have the time!
- Green onions: Thinly sliced — they add a mild onion kick and pretty color.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a bright acidity to the slaw dressing.
- Honey: For a touch of natural sweetness in the slaw.
- Wonton wrappers: The star vessel here — I use 16 to get plenty of crispy taco shells.
- Sweet chili sauce: For drizzling on top — it adds wonderful spice and a sticky glaze.
- Cilantro & sesame seeds: Fresh garnishes that brighten and finish the tacos beautifully.
Variations
I love customizing this Chicken Wonton Tacos with Asian Slaw Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or the occasion. Feel free to play around and make it your own!
- Low-carb option: I discovered that swapping out wonton wrappers for large lettuce leaves works great if you’re watching carbs — still delicious and refreshing.
- Spicy kick: If you like heat, try mixing some Sriracha into the sweet chili sauce or adding thinly sliced jalapeños to the slaw. My husband swears by this addition!
- Protein swap: I’ve made these with shrimp instead of chicken, and they turned out just as amazing for seafood lovers.
- Extra crunch: Toasted peanuts or cashews sprinkled on top give a wonderful texture contrast that I like to sneak in sometimes.
How to Make Chicken Wonton Tacos with Asian Slaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Wonton Shells
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray or brush cooking oil onto the wonton wrappers, then drape them over the edges of a 9×13 baking dish—this is what shapes them into taco shells. Bake for about 7-8 minutes, but keep a close eye so they don’t burn. Take them out while pliable and gently separate each wrapper to help with filling later, then bake another 7-8 minutes until they turn that perfect crispy golden brown. This trick of separating the shells while still warm helps them hold their shape without cracking. I used to let mine cool before pulling apart and it always led to breakage—learned that the hard way!
Step 2: Marinate and Cook the Chicken
Mix the finely diced chicken with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh ginger in a bowl. I like doing this step a little ahead of time so the flavors really seep in, but if you’re short on time, it’s fine to cook right away. Heat a large skillet over high heat and sauté the chicken for 7-8 minutes, tossing frequently. You want the chicken pieces cooked through and coated in that sticky, flavorful sauce — it’ll make your kitchen smell incredible. Just make sure not to overcrowd the pan; if the pieces steam instead of sear, you lose some of the delicious caramelization.
Step 3: Toss the Asian Slaw
While the chicken is cooking, mix together your coleslaw bag, sliced green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey in a large bowl. This dressing is simple but balanced — sweet, tangy, and a bit nutty — which pairs perfectly with the rich chicken. I sometimes let it sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors before serving, which I definitely recommend if you have time.
Step 4: Assemble Your Chicken Wonton Tacos with Asian Slaw Recipe
Spoon the hot chicken into each crispy wonton shell, top with a generous heap of the bright Asian slaw, then drizzle with sweet chili sauce. Finish it all off by sprinkling chopped cilantro and sesame seeds on top. You’ll find that the blend of textures and flavors here is truly something special. I love seeing my family’s happy faces as they bite into these tacos — it’s the kind of meal that brings people together.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Wonton Tacos with Asian Slaw Recipe
- Perfect Shells: Don’t skip pulling the wonton wrappers apart while warm – this step saves you from having broken taco shells down the road.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking chicken in batches ensures better searing and more flavor.
- Make Ahead Slaw: The slaw actually tastes better if it has a little time to sit and absorb flavors before serving.
- Keep an Eye in Oven: Wontons can go from perfect to burnt quickly – 7-8 minutes per side is your sweet spot.
How to Serve Chicken Wonton Tacos with Asian Slaw Recipe
Garnishes
I always load these up with fresh cilantro leaves and a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds—they add such a fresh, nutty finish. Sometimes I toss on thinly sliced red chili for a pop of heat, especially when hosting friends. It just elevates the whole flavor profile and makes every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
Keep it light and crisp with jasmine or brown rice if you want a more filling meal. I also enjoy serving cucumber salad or steamed edamame on the side—both add freshness and compliment the tacos well without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to arrange the tacos on a long wooden board with little bowls of extra cilantro, sweet chili sauce, and lime wedges so everyone can customize their bites. It turns a casual meal into a fun interactive experience that my guests rave about. You can also line a platter with banana leaves for an authentic touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The slaw, however, I usually keep separate and eat within a day or two so it stays crisp and fresh. The wonton shells are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have extras, just keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
I’ve frozen cooked chicken for this recipe in meal-sized portions with great results—it thaws nice in the fridge overnight and reheats well in a skillet or microwave. However, I don’t recommend freezing the assembled tacos or the wonton shells because they lose their crispiness and can get soggy.
Reheating
To reheat leftover chicken, I usually toss it in a hot skillet for a few minutes to bring back some of that delicious caramelization. If you microwave, cover loosely to avoid drying out. For the wonton shells, if they go a little soft, a quick 2-3 minutes in a 350°F oven crisps them back up nicely.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-cooked chicken for these wonton tacos?
Absolutely! You can use shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken. Just toss it with the hoisin sauce and other marinade ingredients and give it a quick warm-up in the skillet before assembling.
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What can I substitute if I can’t find wonton wrappers?
If wonton wrappers aren’t available, lettuce leaves work wonderfully for a lighter taco shell alternative. You could also try store-bought mini taco shells or even crispy tortilla chips for a different twist.
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Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate and cook the chicken a day ahead and prepare the slaw dressing separately. Just assemble and bake wonton shells right before serving for best texture.
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How do I keep the wonton shells crispy?
Baking them fresh right before serving is key. Store any unused baked shells in an airtight container at room temperature and avoid stacking them to prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Wonton Tacos with Asian Slaw Recipe ranks high on my list of easy, flavorful meals that impress without stress. Whether you’re cooking for the family or entertaining guests, this dish feels special yet totally approachable. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—you might just find it becoming your new favorite go-to dinner. And once you do, I’d love to hear how you customize it in your kitchen!
Print
Chicken Wonton Tacos with Asian Slaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a vibrant fusion dish combining crispy baked wonton shells filled with savory hoisin-glazed chicken and a refreshing Asian-inspired slaw. Enhanced with sweet chili sauce, cilantro, and sesame seeds, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors in an easy-to-make taco format.
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 the Wonton Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the wonton wrappers with cooking spray or brush them with a small amount of olive or canola oil. Drape the wrappers over the sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form taco shells. Bake for 7-8 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Make the Wonton Shells Crispy: Remove the wonton shells from the oven while still pliable. Gently separate them to create individual taco shells, then return them to the oven and bake for another 7-8 minutes until they become crispy and golden brown.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the finely 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, stirring frequently until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly caramelized.
- Prepare the Slaw: While the chicken cooks, mix the coleslaw bag contents with sliced green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey in a large bowl. Toss to combine well, creating a fresh and tangy slaw.
- Assemble the Tacos: Fill each crispy wonton shell with a portion of the cooked chicken. Top generously with the Asian-inspired slaw. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce, then garnish with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chicken wonton tacos immediately to enjoy the contrast of crispy shells, juicy chicken, and crisp slaw. These tacos make a perfect appetizer or main dish.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, substitute wonton wrappers with lettuce wraps.
- Store leftover cooked chicken in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for meal convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (4 tacos)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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