Chicken Wonton Tacos

When East meets West on a plate, magic happens. These Chicken Wonton Tacos bring together the crispy texture of Chinese wontons with the savory fillings of Mexican tacos, creating a fusion dish that's irresistible from the first bite. Inspired by Applebee's popular appetizer, these homemade wonton tacos feature tender shredded chicken and a zesty Asian slaw tucked into crispy wonton shells. I discovered this recipe after craving Applebee's version but wanting to enjoy them at home without the restaurant price tag. I've served these at countless gatherings, and they're always the first dish to disappear. My neighbor who claims to dislike fusion food ate five in one sitting and asked for the recipe before leaving. There's something about that crispy wonton shell that makes everyone reach for just one more.

Key Ingredients

• Wonton wrappers - These thin sheets of dough create the crispy taco shells that hold everything together. Look for fresh wrappers in the refrigerated section near the tofu or produce area. The texture should be pliable but not sticky or dry.
• Chicken breast - Forms the protein base of our filling. You can save time by using rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken. When cooking from raw, ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for food safety while remaining juicy.
• Hoisin sauce - This thick, fragrant sauce adds the distinct sweet and savory Asian flavor that makes these tacos special. Think of it as Asian barbecue sauce with complex notes of five spice, garlic, and fermented soybeans.
• Sesame oil - Just a small amount adds an incredible depth of flavor. Look for toasted sesame oil (darker in color) for the most pronounced nutty aroma and taste.
• Cabbage and carrots - Provide fresh crunch and color contrast. Pre-shredded coleslaw mix works perfectly if you're short on time, though freshly shredded vegetables offer superior texture and flavor.
• Green onions - Add brightness and a mild onion flavor that complements the chicken without overpowering it. Use both white and green parts for maximum flavor and visual appeal.

Pin it

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare your workspace by gathering all ingredients and tools before beginning. Having everything ready makes the assembly process smooth and prevents your first batches from overcooking while you're still preparing ingredients.
2. Cook your chicken thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F if starting with raw chicken. Allow it to cool slightly before shredding with two forks, pulling in opposite directions for perfect strands. The chicken should separate easily when fully cooked.
3. Create the flavorful chicken filling by combining the shredded chicken with soy sauce, sesame oil, fresh garlic, and ginger in a skillet over medium heat. This step infuses the chicken with those distinctive Asian flavors that make these tacos special.
4. Add the vegetables to the skillet and cook just until slightly softened, about 2-3 minutes. You want them to maintain some crunch for textural contrast in the final taco. The cabbage should be wilted but not mushy.
5. Finish the filling with hoisin sauce, stirring until everything is well-coated with the rich, savory glaze. The mixture should be moist but not dripping—you don't want soggy wontons!
6. Fill each wonton wrapper with a spoonful of the chicken mixture, being careful not to overfill. Too much filling will make the tacos difficult to fold and might cause them to burst during frying.
7. Create the iconic taco shape by gently folding the wonton in half diagonally. Press the edges slightly to seal, but don't flatten the entire taco—you want it to hold its shape while maintaining a pocket for the filling.

The Art of Perfectly Crispy Wontons

The secret to restaurant-quality wonton tacos lies in the frying technique. The oil should be hot enough to create instant bubbles around the edge of the wonton when it's added (about 350°F), but not so hot that it smokes or burns the delicate wrapper. A neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or vegetable oil works best.

Fresh vs. Cooked Slaw: Two Delicious Options

During my recipe testing, I discovered two equally delicious approaches to the vegetable component. For a fresher, more vibrant texture, you can keep the cabbage and carrots raw, tossing them with the sauce separately and adding them to the tacos after frying. Alternatively, lightly cooking the vegetables with the chicken creates a more cohesive, restaurant-style filling where all the flavors meld together beautifully. My family has a monthly "global cuisine night" where we explore different food cultures, and these tacos have earned a permanent spot in our rotation. My daughter, who usually avoids trying new foods, now requests them regularly and even helps assemble them. There's something about that handheld crispy shell that makes new flavors more approachable for picky eaters.

Pin it

Chef's Helpful Tips

• For ultra-crispy tacos, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying—test with a small piece of wonton wrapper first
• Create a taco holder by crimping aluminum foil into a wave pattern to keep your tacos upright while serving
• For a spicy kick, add a drizzle of sriracha to the finished tacos or mix a teaspoon of chili oil into the chicken filling

After years of ordering these at restaurants, I've found that homemade wonton tacos not only save money but allow for personalization that makes them even better than the original. The satisfaction of hearing that first crispy crunch as you bite into a freshly made wonton taco is truly one of the small joys of home cooking that can't be replicated with takeout. Whether served as an impressive appetizer or a fun weeknight dinner, these fusion bites prove that sometimes the most delicious dishes come from breaking traditional culinary boundaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can these be made ahead?

The filling can be made ahead, but fry the wonton shells just before serving for best crispiness.

→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie or leftover chicken works well - just shred and heat with the seasonings.

→ Can I air fry these instead?

Yes, brush with oil and air fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until crispy.

→ Where can I find wonton wrappers?

Look in the refrigerated section near tofu or Asian ingredients in most grocery stores.

→ What sauces pair well with these?

Sriracha, Thai sweet chili sauce, or additional hoisin sauce work well as dipping options.