
Teriyaki chicken wonton taco bowls have become one of my favorite quick meals to make at home. They are inspired by the popular Applebee’s appetizer, but turned into a full, protein-packed dinner bowl with saucy chicken, crunchy slaw, crispy wonton strips, and plenty of fresh toppings. The best part is that everything comes together in under 20 minutes, making it the kind of recipe I find myself craving on busy nights when I still want something bold and satisfying.
I first tested this recipe on a weeknight when I had leftover cabbage and some wonton wrappers in the freezer. My family devoured it so quickly that it immediately became part of our regular dinner rotation.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: diced into bite size pieces provide lean protein and soak up the teriyaki sauce beautifully
- Teriyaki sauce: adds bold sweetness and umami depth, look for one without too much added sugar
- Sesame oil: gives a nutty richness, a little goes a long way so use sparingly
- Soy sauce: enhances savory flavor, opt for low sodium if possible
- Minced garlic and minced ginger: bring brightness and warmth, always worth using fresh if available
- Purple and green cabbage: shredded for the slaw offer crunch and color, choose heads that feel heavy for their size
- Carrots: shredded add natural sweetness and vibrant color, fresh carrots are best for crisp texture
- Green onion: sliced adds sharp freshness to balance the sauce
- Vinegar and honey: in the slaw dressing keep flavors tangy yet slightly sweet
- Wonton wrappers: crisp up into golden strips, choose thin square wrappers for the best crunch
- Sweet chili sauce: adds a finishing touch of sweet heat
- Sesame seeds, cilantro, and lime wedges: complete the toppings with freshness and balance
Step by Step Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken:
- Add diced chicken to a pan with sesame oil, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Cook over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through and coated in glossy sauce. This step is where the bold flavor foundation comes from.
- Prepare the Wonton Strips:
- Cut wonton wrappers into thin strips and spread them in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray with cooking oil and air fry at 350°F or 175°C for 4 to 5 minutes until crisp and golden. Watch closely because they turn from golden to burnt in seconds. If using the oven, bake at 375°F or 190°C for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Mix the Slaw:
- In a mixing bowl combine shredded cabbages, carrots, green onion, sesame oil, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Toss well so the vegetables are coated and slightly glossy. Divide evenly into serving bowls.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Spoon the hot chicken over the slaw, then scatter crispy wonton strips on top. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce, sprinkle sesame seeds, and finish with cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately so everything stays fresh and crunchy.

My favorite part of this dish is the crispy wonton strips. They remind me of when my grandmother used to make fried dumplings from scratch, and I love recreating that crunch in a lighter air fried way.
Storage Tips
Keep leftover chicken and slaw in separate containers for up to three days. Store wonton strips at room temperature in an airtight container so they stay crisp. Reassemble the bowls fresh to keep textures intact.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap chicken with shrimp, ground turkey, rotisserie chicken, or crispy tofu. Use pre-shredded coleslaw mix if you want to save time. For the sauce, hoisin, peanut sauce, or sriracha mayo make fun variations.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bowls as a main dish for two people or double the recipe for family dinner. Pair with jasmine rice or quinoa if you want to bulk it up. They also make a great party dish when set up as a build your own bowl bar.

Cultural Context
This recipe takes inspiration from Asian American fusion cooking. The wonton strips and teriyaki chicken nod to familiar takeout flavors, but it is simplified and made weeknight friendly. It shows how home cooks can take restaurant favorites and turn them into wholesome meals at home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I bake the wonton strips instead of air frying?
Yes, simply bake them at 375°F/190°C for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
- → What proteins can I substitute for chicken?
You can use ground chicken, rotisserie chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option.
- → How can I keep the wonton strips crunchy for meal prep?
Store them separately in an airtight container and add just before serving to maintain crispness.
- → Can I use pre-shredded slaw mix?
Yes, pre-shredded slaw saves time and works well. Add extra veggies if you’d like more crunch and color.
- → What sauces work well besides sweet chili?
Sriracha mayo, peanut sauce, hoisin, or sesame dressing are all great alternatives.
- → Is this dish suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, skip the wonton strips and serve the chicken and slaw in lettuce cups for a lighter version.