If you’re craving a restaurant-style appetizer at home, these Crispy Wonton Tacos are the perfect choice. Filled with tender teriyaki chicken, crunchy Asian-inspired slaw, and served in crispy baked wonton shells, this easy recipe delivers bold flavor and irresistible texture in every bite. They’re ideal for family dinners, parties, game days, or whenever you want a fun twist on taco night.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy baked wonton shells instead of fried tacos
- Sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Great as an appetizer or light meal
- Family-friendly and perfect for entertaining
- Inspired by the famous Applebee’s favorite
- Ready in about an hour, including marinating time
Ingredients
Chicken Filling
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
Asian-Inspired Slaw
- 12-ounce bag coleslaw mix
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar or honey
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
Wonton Taco Shells
- 16 wonton wrappers
- Cooking spray
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- While the chicken marinates, prepare the slaw by combining the coleslaw mix, green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, lime juice, and ginger. Toss until evenly coated and let it rest.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Drape the wonton wrappers over the raised edges of a 9×13-inch baking pan to create a taco shape. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Bake for 6–8 minutes until lightly golden and crisp. Repeat until all wrappers are baked.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and all of the marinade.
- Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly caramelized.
- Assemble the Crispy Wonton Tacos by filling each shell with chicken, topping with slaw, drizzling with sweet chili sauce, and finishing with cilantro and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately while the shells remain crisp.
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t overfill the taco shells to keep them crispy.
- Bake the shells shortly before serving for the best texture.
- Chicken thighs provide a juicier filling if preferred.
- Add sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
- A drizzle of sriracha mayo makes an excellent finishing sauce.
- Use freshly grated ginger for the brightest flavor.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 tacos
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking & Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Dairy-free
Notes
- Honey can replace granulated sugar.
- Hoisin sauce may be substituted for teriyaki sauce.
- Garnish with extra green onions for added freshness.
- Pair with steamed rice, fried rice, or an Asian cucumber salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Taco)
- Calories: 145
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
FAQ
Can I make Crispy Wonton Tacos ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the chicken and slaw up to one day ahead. Bake the wonton shells and assemble just before serving.
Can I freeze the chicken filling?
Yes. Freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Where can I find wonton wrappers?
Most grocery stores carry them in the refrigerated produce or international foods section.
Can I air fry the wonton shells?
Yes. Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until crisp.
What sauces pair well with these tacos?
Sweet chili sauce, spicy mayo, teriyaki glaze, or sesame ginger dressing all work wonderfully.
Storage
Store the cooked chicken and slaw separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keep baked wonton shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling. Assemble only when ready to eat to maintain crispness.
Similar Recipes
Crispy Wonton Tacos
Ingredients
Chicken Filling
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts diced
- 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 –3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
Asian-Inspired Slaw
- 12- ounce bag coleslaw mix
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar or honey
- 1 –2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
Wonton Taco Shells
- 16 wonton wrappers
- Cooking spray
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- While the chicken marinates, prepare the slaw by combining the coleslaw mix, green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, lime juice, and ginger. Toss until evenly coated and let it rest.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Drape the wonton wrappers over the raised edges of a 9×13-inch baking pan to create a taco shape. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Bake for 6–8 minutes until lightly golden and crisp. Repeat until all wrappers are baked.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and all of the marinade.
- Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly caramelized.
- Assemble the Crispy Wonton Tacos by filling each shell with chicken, topping with slaw, drizzling with sweet chili sauce, and finishing with cilantro and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately while the shells remain crisp.
Notes
- Honey can replace granulated sugar.
- Hoisin sauce may be substituted for teriyaki sauce.
- Garnish with extra green onions for added freshness.
- Pair with steamed rice, fried rice, or an Asian cucumber salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
These Crispy Wonton Tacos bring together crunchy baked wonton shells, juicy marinated chicken, and a refreshing Asian-inspired slaw for a delicious appetizer or light meal. They’re simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for parties, making them a recipe you’ll return to again and again.