Crunchy, savory, with just the right touch of sweetness—this Hoisin Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe is a little bite of joy. I love how crispy wonton shells hold tender chicken and a tangy slaw, making every taco feel like a party in your mouth.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Hoisin Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen because it’s packed with flavors and textures that feel both fun and satisfying. Plus, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers—everyone always asks for seconds!
- Crunchy meets tender: Crispy baked wonton wrappers contrast perfectly with juicy, hoisin-glazed chicken.
- Fresh and zesty slaw: The homemade coleslaw adds a bright, tangy crunch that keeps each bite exciting.
- Simple ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your pantry, making it an easy, fuss-free meal.
- Endless customization: It’s easy to tweak this recipe to match your taste or dietary needs without losing any flavor.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Hoisin Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and textures. The sweet and savory balance from sauces pairs beautifully with fresh veggies and the crisp wonton shells—here’s why they all work so well together.
- Chicken breasts: Finely diced for quick, even cooking and to fit perfectly inside the wonton cups.
- Hoisin sauce: Brings that signature sweet-savory flavor that’s the star of the chicken marinade.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty depth and aromatic punch to both chicken and slaw.
- Soy sauce: For umami and saltiness that rounds out the hoisin’s sweetness.
- Garlic and fresh ginger: These fresh aromatics lift the whole dish with bright, pungent notes.
- Coleslaw mix: Adds crunch and freshness that lighten each bite remarkably.
- Green onions: Their mild oniony flavor complements the chicken and slaw without overpowering.
- Rice vinegar: The acidity balances the sweet flavors and keeps the slaw crisp.
- Honey: A touch of natural sweetness brightens up the tangy slaw dressing.
- Wonton wrappers: Act as crispy taco shells when baked — so much fun and texture!
- Sweet chili sauce: For drizzling on top so every bite gets a little kick of heat and sweetness.
- Chopped cilantro & sesame seeds: Garnishes that finish the tacos with freshness and subtle crunch.
Make It Your Way
I love how easily you can tweak this Hoisin Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe to fit your vibe. Whether you want to make it spicier, swap veggies based on what’s fresh, or even go vegetarian, there’s room to play around and still get incredible results.
- Variation: I sometimes switch the chicken for crispy tofu or shrimp—just adjust cooking times, and it’s equally amazing.
- For spice lovers: Add sriracha to the marinade or extra chili flakes on top for that fiery kick I often crave.
- Greens upgrade: Try adding shredded carrots or thinly sliced bell peppers to the slaw for more color and crunch.
- Low-carb option: Skip the wonton shells and serve the chicken and slaw over lettuce cups for a light, fresh alternative.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Hoisin Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Achieving that Perfect Wonton Shell Crunch
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray or brush your wonton wrappers with a little cooking spray or olive oil. Then drape them over the sides of a 9x13 baking dish so you create little cups—this trick helps them hold all the fillings without falling apart. Pop them in the oven for 7-8 minutes but watch closely! They can go from golden to burnt quickly.
Once they’re slightly firm but still a tiny bit flexible, carefully pull them apart to separate the shells gently—they’ll crisp up better that way. Bake again for another 7-8 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and crisp. This double bake is my secret for perfect taco shells every time.
Step 2: Flavor-Packed Chicken Filling
While the wontons are in the oven, toss the diced chicken breasts with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh ginger in a bowl. I usually do this ahead of time, so all those flavors have time to meld together.
Heat a large skillet over high heat and sauté your chicken mixture for about 7-8 minutes. Make sure to toss frequently; this keeps the chicken from sticking and helps everything cook evenly. You're aiming for a nicely glazed, cooked-through chicken with a little caramelization—that rich umami goodness.
Step 3: Bright and Tangy Slaw Mix
Mix the coleslaw bag with thinly sliced green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. I adore this slaw because it brings a fresh, zesty punch that cuts through the richness of the chicken and add a crisp, lively texture.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Spoon the warm chicken into the crunchy wonton shells, then pile on the coleslaw. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce to add a little heat and sweetness, then sprinkle with chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds. I always make a few extra shells because they’re impossible to resist.
Top Tip
I’ve made this Hoisin Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe dozens of times, and a few simple tricks have made all the difference in perfecting it. These tips will help you nail the crispy shells and keep the chicken moist and flavorful every time.
- Double bake the wontons: Baking them twice with that slight pull-apart step keeps shells crispy without burning.
- Marinate chicken briefly: Even 10-15 minutes in the hoisin mix lets the flavors soak in nicely before cooking.
- High heat sauté: Cooking the chicken fast over high heat locks in juices and creates a lovely glaze.
- Mix slaw just before serving: This keeps it crisp and fresh, preventing sogginess in your tacos.
How to Serve Hoisin Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these wonton tacos with freshly chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds—they add a fresh herbal note and a little extra crunch that make every bite sing. Plus, that drizzle of sweet chili sauce is a must for me, balancing sweet, spicy, and tangy beautifully.
Side Dishes
For sides, I often pair these tacos with a light cucumber salad or some quick steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt. If I’m feeling indulgent, crispy fries or even some simple fried rice make great companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a party? Line up your wonton tacos on a long platter with small bowls of extra sweet chili sauce, lime wedges, and chopped peanuts for guests to customize their tacos. I’ve also used mini bamboo steamers for a fun, Asian-inspired presentation that always impresses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cooked chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The wonton shells lose their crispness quickly, so I recommend baking fresh shells when you're ready to eat again.
Freezing
I usually freeze just the cooked chicken in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. When thawed, give it a quick reheat in a skillet to keep the texture nice. For best results, don’t freeze assembled tacos to avoid sogginess.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it seems too dry. For the shells, rebaking in the oven for a few minutes crisps them back up delightfully before assembling your tacos again.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well too and can be seasoned and cooked just like the diced chicken—just keep an eye on the texture and cooking time as it may cook a bit faster.
If hoisin isn’t available, a mix of soy sauce, peanut butter, and a touch of honey or brown sugar can mimic the sweet, tangy flavor roughly. It won’t be exact but still tasty!
The key is to bake the wontons until crisp and add the chicken and slaw just before serving. Store shells separately and avoid assembling too far ahead to prevent sogginess.
Yes! Swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or even roasted mushrooms, and use vegetarian-friendly hoisin and soy sauces. The same slaw and toppings work great for a fresh meatless option.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Hoisin Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe is one I return to again and again because it feels festive yet easy. It’s like a little flavor celebration that anyone can make at home without fuss. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—snacking on these tacos with friends has become one of my favorite simple pleasures. Give it a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Hoisin Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Applebee's Chicken Wonton Tacos are a delicious copycat recipe featuring tender honey-garlic chicken and a zesty coleslaw, all served in crispy baked wonton shells. Perfect as an appetizer or light main course.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 chicken breasts, finely diced
- 2 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
Coleslaw
- 1 (397g) bag coleslaw
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
Wonton Shells and Garnish
- 16 Wonton wrappers
- Sweet chili sauce, to serve
- Chopped cilantro, to serve
- Sesame seeds, to serve
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Wonton Shells: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray or brush wonton wrappers with cooking spray or oil, then drape them over the side of a 9x13 baking dish. Bake for 8 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Remove from the oven and gently pull apart the wrappers while still pliable to make filling easier. Bake for another 8 minutes until crispy.
- Cook Chicken: In a large bowl, mix diced chicken with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Heat a large skillet over high heat and sauté the chicken for 8 minutes, tossing frequently, until fully cooked.
- Prepare Coleslaw: Combine coleslaw, sliced green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey in a large bowl. Mix well to evenly coat the vegetables with the dressing.
- Assemble Tacos: Add the cooked chicken mixture into each crispy wonton shell. Top with a generous portion of coleslaw, then drizzle with sweet chili sauce. Finish by sprinkling chopped cilantro and sesame seeds over the top.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy these flavorful Chicken Wonton Tacos as an appetizer or light meal.
Notes
- Watch the wonton wrappers carefully while baking as they can burn quickly.
- You can substitute regular cabbage slaw with a pre-packaged mix if preferred.
- For extra heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- Leftover chicken can be stored separately and added fresh before serving to keep wonton shells crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 957 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
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