Name: Delicious Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Made at Home
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Chicken Breasts (Finely diced for quick cooking.); 1/4 cup Hoisin Sauce (Can substitute with teriyaki sauce.); 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (Enhances flavor and adds richness.); 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (Can swap with tamari for gluten-free.); 2 cloves Garlic (Use fresh minced for best results.); 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (Substitute with ground ginger if necessary.); 1 bag Coleslaw Mix (Use pre-packaged for convenience.); 3 stalks Green Onions (Thinly sliced for even distribution.); 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar; 1 tablespoon Honey (Can replace with agave syrup if needed.); 12 pieces Wonton Wrappers (Ensure they are lightly sprayed for crispness.); 1/4 cup Sweet Chili Sauce (For drizzling before serving.); 1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro (For garnish.); 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (For garnish.)

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As the sun sets and the kitchen buzzes with excitement, there’s something undeniably satisfying about whipping up a batch of homemade tacos. Just the thought of crispy, golden wonton shells filled with savory chicken and vibrant slaw makes my taste buds tingle. I found this recipe for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos after searching for a way to elevate my weeknight dinner routine. Not only is it a fun and creative twist on traditional tacos, but it also captures the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavors.

These delightful morsels are surprisingly easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for a quick meal that still feels special. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply treating yourself to a delicious homemade dinner, these tacos are sure to impress. So, let’s dive into this recipe and create some unforgettable taco magic right in your own kitchen!

Why Love Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos?

Flavorful Fusion: These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos blend Asian-inspired and Mexican flavors, truly satisfying your cravings.
Quick & Easy: This recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Crisp Delight: Expect crunchy wonton shells that contrast beautifully with the savory chicken and vibrant slaw.
Crowd-Pleaser: They’re fun to share, making them an instant hit at parties or family dinners.
Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs, such as using tamari for a gluten-free option!

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling

Chicken Breasts – Main protein source. Finely diced for quick cooking.
Hoisin Sauce – Adds sweetness and depth. Can substitute with teriyaki sauce for a milder flavor.
Sesame Oil – Enhances flavor and adds richness.
Soy Sauce – Provides umami flavor. Can swap with tamari for a gluten-free version.
Garlic – Adds aromatic flavor. Use fresh minced garlic for the best results.
Fresh Ginger – Offers a spicy warmth. Substitute with ground ginger if necessary.

For the Slaw

Coleslaw Mix – Provides crunch and color. Use pre-packaged for convenience.
Green Onions – Adds freshness and flavor. Thinly sliced for even distribution.
Rice Vinegar – Adds acidity to the slaw mixture.
Honey – Sweetens the slaw. Can replace with agave syrup if needed.

For the Taco Assembly

Wonton Wrappers – Creates the taco shell. Ensure they are lightly sprayed for crispness.
Sweet Chili Sauce – For drizzling before serving. Enhances the flavor profile.
Chopped Cilantro & Sesame Seeds – Garnish for presentation and added flavor.

How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the back of a muffin tin to prevent sticking. This sets the stage for perfectly crispy taco shells that are sure to impress.
Shape the wonton wrappers by draping them over the inverted muffin cups. Bake for 5-7 minutes until they’re crisp and golden brown, making sure to keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Sauté the diced chicken in a skillet with sesame oil over medium-high heat. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink, ensuring it’s tender and juicy.
Combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger with the chicken. Stir and allow everything to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is glazed and bursting with flavor.
Mix together the coleslaw mix, thinly sliced green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey in a bowl. Toss until the slaw is evenly coated, adding a refreshing crunch to your tacos.
Fill each crispy wonton shell with the glazed chicken mixture. Top generously with the slaw, a drizzle of sweet chili sauce, and garnish with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately for the best crunch!
Spice up your tacos by adding a splash of sriracha to the chicken mixture or drizzling it over your assembled tacos for an extra kick!

Optional: Serve with a side of chips and salsa for a delightful crunch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Keep It Crisp: Fill the crispy wonton shells just before serving to maintain that delightful crunch, ensuring each bite is a delightful experience.
Quick Cooking: If short on time, using ground chicken can reduce cooking time while still delivering a lovely flavor in these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos.
Gluten-Free Swap: Remember to use tamari instead of soy sauce and verify that your wonton wrappers are gluten-free for a safe, inclusive dish.
Advance Prep: Prepare taco shells ahead of time but fill them only when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor balance.
Flavor Boost: Enhance the chicken’s flavor by marinating it briefly in hoisin sauce and sesame oil before cooking, adding depth to your tacos.

Make Ahead Options

These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings; you can save valuable time by prepping components in advance. You can make the chicken filling and coleslaw mix up to 3 days in advance. Simply cook the diced chicken with sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, while the slaw can be mixed and refrigerated to preserve its crunch. For best texture, prepare the wonton shells the same day you plan to serve; they will stay crisp when baked fresh. When ready to eat, just reheat the chicken filling and assemble the tacos right before serving, ensuring they are just as delicious!

What to Serve with Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos?

From zesty sides to refreshing beverages, there are plenty of mouthwatering options to create a memorable meal experience alongside these delightful tacos.

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness of these fries adds a wonderful contrast to the savory flavors of the tacos. Perfect for dipping in a spicy sauce!
Fresh Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: Creamy guacamole brings a rich texture that complements the crunchy tacos while the chips add an extra layer of fun.
Pineapple Fried Rice: A tropical twist with a hint of sweetness that meshes beautifully with the Asian-inspired filling of the tacos. This dish will transport your palate!
Tangy Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and light, this salad provides a cool contrast to the warm tacos, balancing every bite with a crisp, zesty flavor.
Mango Salsa: The vibrant fruit adds a juicy tang, enhancing the overall taste of the dish while keeping the meal seasonal and fresh. Served chilly, it’s a delightful pairing!
Lemonade or Iced Tea: A refreshing beverage will cleanse the palate between bites, and the slight sweetness of lemonade or unsweetened iced tea complements the spicy elements of the tacos beautifully.
Coconut Sorbet: For dessert, this light and fruity treat will leave a lasting impression, rounding off the meal with a creamy and refreshing finish.

Storage Tips for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Fridge: Store leftover chicken and slaw in airtight containers separately. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Crispy Shells: To keep wonton shells crisp, do not fill them until you’re ready to eat. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to restore their crunch.
Reheating: When ready to serve, combine the chicken and slaw before filling the wonton shells for the perfect bite of Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos!

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Variations

Feel free to explore these exciting twists that allow you to customize the recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Gluten-Free: Swap standard soy sauce with tamari and look for gluten-free wonton wrappers to keep this dish friendly for gluten-sensitive diners.
Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based protein to create a satisfying vegetarian version full of flavor.
Sweet & Spicy: Elevate the flavor by mixing in diced jalapeños or a splash of sriracha in the chicken mixture for a zesty kick.
Extra Crunch: Add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or fried garlic on top of the slaw for added texture and a nutty flavor boost.
Citrus Zing: Incorporate some lime juice into your slaw for a refreshing citrus twist that brightens up each delicious bite.
Savory Switch: Consider using pulled pork or shredded beef instead of chicken for a heartier meat option that brings a new depth to the flavors.
Noodle Fusion: Toss in some cooked rice noodles with the chicken and slaw for a unique take on a classic taco that gives a satisfying chew.
Fruit Fusion: For a sweet contrast, mix in some diced fresh pineapple or mango into your slaw, adding a tropical vibe that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Look for pieces that are plump and pale pink, without any dark spots. If you’re in a rush, you can also opt for ground chicken, which will cook even faster.

How should I store leftover chicken and slaw?
Very simple! Store the leftover chicken and slaw in airtight containers separately in the refrigerator. They can stay fresh for up to 3 days. This not only preserves the flavors but also keeps the wonton shells crisp, as you’ll want to fill them just before serving.

Can I freeze the chicken mixture?
Absolutely! To freeze the chicken mixture, let it cool completely after cooking. Transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave.

What should I do if my wonton shells are soggy?
No worries! If your wonton shells turn out soggy, it’s often due to filling them too early. To prevent this, fill the shells just before serving. If they are already soggy, you can pop them back into a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to refresh their crispiness.

Are these tacos suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Very much so! To make your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos gluten-free, ensure you choose gluten-free wonton wrappers and substitute soy sauce with tamari. It’s an easy way to enjoy these tacos without worry!

How can I add more flavor to the chicken?
For an extra flavor boost, try marinating the diced chicken in a mixture of hoisin sauce and sesame oil for about 15-30 minutes before cooking. This step will infuse the chicken with a rich, savory taste that complements the other elements beautifully.