There's something incredibly satisfying about a crunchy, savory bite that hits all the right notes of flavor and texture. The Hoisin Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe offers that perfect blend — crispy wonton shells packed with tender chicken glazed in hoisin sauce, topped with a tangy slaw. It’s a fun twist on tacos that’s so easy to fall in love with.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
What grabs me about this Hoisin Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe is how it combines familiar flavors in such an unexpected format. It feels playful yet comforting, perfect for a casual weeknight or impressing friends without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.
- Crunchy yet tender: The baked wonton wrappers give you that irresistible crunch while the chicken inside is juicy and saucy.
- Layered flavors: Sweet, savory, tangy, and a hint of spice all come together beautifully with the hoisin-based chicken and fresh coleslaw.
- Fast and simple: It comes together in under 40 minutes, making it a fantastic option when you want something tasty without tons of fuss.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the toppings or sauce to suit your cravings or pantry staples.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This mix of hoisin-glazed chicken paired with crunchy, crispy wonton shells is elevated by a bright, fresh coleslaw that cuts through the richness. Each ingredient plays its part to make these tacos both vibrant and satisfying.
- Chicken breasts: Diced finely to cook quickly and provide bite-sized pieces that fit perfectly in the smaller wonton shells.
- Hoisin sauce: This sweet and tangy sauce is the star of the show, giving the chicken that signature flavor and a nice glaze.
- Sesame oil: Adds a warm, nutty aroma that's quintessential in Asian-inspired dishes.
- Soy sauce: Provides saltiness and depth to the marinade and the slaw dressing.
- Fresh garlic and ginger: These bring that fresh, zesty kick which balances the sweetness of the hoisin.
- Coleslaw mix: The crunchy cabbage and carrots add crisp texture and freshness.
- Green onions: For a subtle onion flavor and pop of green color in the slaw.
- Rice vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness to keep the slaw lively.
- Honey: Balances the tang in the slaw dressing with a light sweetness.
- Wonton wrappers: The crispy vehicle for all those flavors—a perfect bite-sized shell that’s easy to handle and bake.
- Sweet chili sauce: For drizzling—adds a perfect little kick and glossy sweetness to finish off.
- Cilantro & sesame seeds: Classic garnishes that add freshness and a nutty crunch.
Make It Your Way
What I love best is how easily this Hoisin Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe adapts to what you have or want. Play with the toppings or switch up the sauce to make these your own little culinary playground.
- Variation: Once, I swapped the coleslaw for a quick cucumber and carrot pickle—totally refreshing, and it’s a great way to lighten things up during summer.
- Spice it up: I sometimes add a drizzle of sriracha or mix chili flakes into the chicken sauce for a fiery twist that wakes up your taste buds.
- Vegetarian option: Try swapping the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or crispy tofu tossed in the same hoisin marinade—it’s surprisingly satisfying.
- Extra crunchy: Toast some chopped peanuts or cashews on top for an extra textural surprise that keeps guests guessing.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Hoisin Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Wonton Shells Until Crispy
Preheat your oven to 375°F. I like to lightly spray the wonton wrappers with cooking spray or brush them with a little olive oil—this helps them crisp up beautifully. Then, drape the wrappers over the sides of a 9x13 baking dish; this shape helps create a perfect little taco shell. Bake them for 7-8 minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning. When they’re pliable but starting to firm up, gently separate them to make room for filling, then bake another 7-8 minutes until golden and crispy. It’s key not to skip that gentle pull apart — it keeps them from cracking while filling.
Step 2: Cook the Hoisin-Glazed Chicken
While the shells bake, mix diced chicken with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger. I like to use a large skillet over high heat so the chicken sears nicely and cooks quickly for about 7-8 minutes. Don’t rush — toss frequently to get even cooking and that glossy hoisin coating. No one wants dry chicken in their tacos!
Step 3: Toss Together the Bright Coleslaw
In a big bowl, combine the coleslaw bag mix with sliced green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Stir until everything’s well coated. This slaw is my favorite part because it adds crunch and brightness that perfectly cuts through the rich chicken.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Spoon the hoisin chicken generously into your crispy wonton shells, then top with the refreshing coleslaw. Finish with a drizzle of sweet chili sauce, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds. Grab one and enjoy that delightful combination of textures and flavors — each bite feels like a mini celebration.
Top Tip
After making these tacos multiple times, I learned a few tricks to get them just right and avoid common pitfalls. These tips always help me nail the perfect crunch and flavor balance every single time.
- Wonton Shell Handling: Be gentle when pulling the wonton wrappers apart mid-bake — they’re hot and pliable but can tear easily, which means messier tacos.
- Chicken Size Matters: Dicing the chicken finely ensures quick and even cooking, plus it fits nicely in the small shells with every bite.
- Slaw Freshness: Make the slaw close to serving time so it stays crisp and not soggy — I usually prepare it while the chicken is cooking.
- Watch Your Oven: Oven temps can vary, so keep a close eye on the wontons as they can go from golden to burnt quickly.
How to Serve Hoisin Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
I swear by fresh chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to finish these tacos. The cilantro adds a vibrant herbal note, and the sesame seeds give an extra nuttiness and crunch that’s just right. Plus, don’t skip the drizzle of sweet chili sauce — it adds that perfect touch of sweet heat.
Side Dishes
I often pair these tacos with a simple cucumber salad or steamed jasmine rice to round out the meal without overwhelming the vibrant flavors. Sometimes, a bowl of hot miso soup on the side elevates the experience, especially on a cozy night.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, I arrange these wonton tacos on a large platter lined with banana leaves or parchment paper, adding small bowls of extra dipping sauces like spicy mayo or peanut sauce. It turns an everyday dinner into a fun, interactive experience guests really enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store leftover cooked chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The wonton shells don’t hold up well once filled, so I keep them separate and add just before serving. This way, the crunch stays crispy, and flavors remain fresh.
Freezing
While I don’t recommend freezing the assembled tacos because the wonton shells get soggy, you can freeze the cooked, hoisin-glazed chicken on its own for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat gently before serving.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep it moist and saucy. If your slaw has been chilled, give it a quick toss before serving. For the wonton shells, a quick 2-minute warm-up in the oven brings back their crispness perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can bake the wonton shells a few hours ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just reheat in the oven for a couple of minutes before serving to refresh their crispiness.
Most hoisin sauces contain wheat, so they typically are not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free versions in specialty grocery stores or online, or substitute with a gluten-free plum sauce for a similar flavor profile.
Yes! Ground chicken works well and often cooks even faster. Just be sure to brown it evenly and break it up during cooking to get small bite-sized pieces that mimic the diced chicken texture.
If wonton wrappers aren’t available, you can use small flour tortillas or even make mini pancakes to create a soft taco base. Just keep in mind you’ll lose the signature crispiness that baked wonton shells provide.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Hoisin Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe has snuck into my regular rotation because it’s just that good—and fun. I always get compliments when I serve them, and they’re such a crowd-pleaser whether it’s family dinner or a small gathering. The blend of flavors and textures feels fresh but familiar, and knowing you can customize it means you’ll never get bored. Give it a try—it just might become your new favorite weeknight meal!
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
Enjoy a delicious copycat recipe of Applebee's Chicken Wonton Tacos featuring tender honey-garlic chicken, zesty coleslaw, and crispy baked wonton shells, perfect for a fun 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 Garnishes
- 16 wonton wrappers
- Cooking spray or olive/canola oil for brushing
- Sweet chili sauce, to serve
- Chopped cilantro, to serve
- Sesame seeds, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare and bake wonton shells: Preheat the oven to 375 F. Spray wonton wrappers with cooking spray or brush lightly with olive or canola oil. Drape them over the sides of a 9x13 baking dish. Bake for 7-8 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Remove from oven and gently pull apart while still pliable to make filling easier. Bake for an additional 7-8 minutes until they are crispy and golden.
- Cook the chicken mixture: In a large bowl, combine diced chicken with hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the chicken mixture and sauté for 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently until the chicken is cooked through and lightly caramelized.
- Prepare the coleslaw: In another large bowl, mix the bagged coleslaw with thinly sliced green onions, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Toss well to combine the flavors evenly.
- Assemble the tacos: Spoon the cooked chicken mixture into the crispy wonton shells. Top each with a generous portion of the prepared coleslaw. Drizzle sweet chili sauce over the top and garnish with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve: Serve the chicken wonton tacos immediately to enjoy their crispiness and fresh flavors.
Notes
- Use cooking spray or a light brush of oil to ensure wonton wrappers bake up crispy without sticking.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier texture if preferred.
- The coleslaw dressing balances the sweetness and acidity, so adjust honey and vinegar to taste if desired.
- Sweet chili sauce adds a nice tangy sweetness; substitute with sriracha mayo for a spicy kick.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce and wonton wrappers or substitute with lettuce cups.
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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