Name: Crispy Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos You Can Make at Home
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Chicken Breasts (Diced); 3 tbsp Hoisin Sauce (Adds sweet depth); 2 tbsp Sesame Oil (Use for cooking); 2 tbsp Soy Sauce (Substitute with tamari for gluten-free); 2 cloves Garlic (Minced); 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger (Grated); 1 bag Coleslaw Mix (Pre-packaged); 2 pcs Green Onions (Chopped thinly); 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar (For acidity); 1 tbsp Honey (Natural sweetness); 15 pcs Wonton Wrappers (For crispy texture); 3 tbsp Sweet Chili Sauce (Drizzle on top); 2 tbsp Chopped Cilantro (For garnish); 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds (For garnish)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

“Did you catch that delightful blend of crunch and flavor wafting through the restaurant as I took my first bite? It was the unmistakable Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, and I knew I had to recreate this classic at home. This easy, budget-friendly recipe captures the essence of those addictive, crispy tacos, making them perfect for cozy evenings with friends or family gatherings where comfort food reigns supreme. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a dish that satisfies cravings and delights taste buds, all while keeping your wallet happy. Ready to dive into a fusion of textures and flavors that brilliantly merges Asian-inspired ingredients with a classic taco twist? Let’s get started!”

Why Are These Tacos So Irresistible?

Flavor Explosion: Each bite reveals a delightful mix of sweet hoisin, savory sesame oil, and tender chicken, elevating your taste experience to new heights.
Quick Preparation: With just a few steps, you can whip up these tacos in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous get-togethers.
Budget-Friendly: Enjoy restaurant-quality flavors at home without breaking the bank, making it a perfect option for every dinner occasion.
Gluten-Free Option: Adapt the recipe easily with gluten-free wonton wrappers, ensuring everyone can enjoy this dish.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, these tacos will wow your friends and family, leaving everyone begging for the recipe, just like you can share excitement about easy dinner ideas that match this tasty dish!

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Ingredients

For the Filling
• Chicken Breasts – Main protein that adds heartiness to the tacos.
• Hoisin Sauce – This adds a sweet depth; consider teriyaki for a milder flavor.
• Sesame Oil – Enhances richness; use it in both the chicken and the slaw.
• Soy Sauce – Provides umami; swap it for tamari to make it gluten-free.
• Garlic – Fresh in the recipe; minced is best for vibrant flavor.
• Fresh Ginger – Adds warmth and spice for that authentic touch.

For the Slaw
• Coleslaw Mix – Offers crunch without hassle; pre-packaged for your convenience.
• Green Onions – Adds freshness and mild flavor; chop thinly for the best results.
• Rice Vinegar – Brings acidity to balance flavors in your slaw.
• Honey – Infuses natural sweetness in your slaw dressing.

For the Tacos
• Wonton Wrappers – Forms that crispy texture; keep an eye on baking time.
• Sweet Chili Sauce – Drizzle for an extra layer of sweetness and mild heat.
• Chopped Cilantro & Sesame Seeds – Perfect garnishes that enhance flavor and appeal.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, lightly spray a muffin tin with cooking spray. This will help the wonton wrappers crisp up nicely while baking. Set the prepared muffin tin aside for the next step, as you’ll soon be shaping your taco shells.

Step 2: Shape the Wonton Shells
Take your wonton wrappers and gently drape them over the inverted muffin cups in the prepared tin. Ensure the wrappers hang down to create taco-shaped shells. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes or until they are golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking, as they can turn too dark quickly.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is no longer pink and starts to brown slightly. This step is essential for creating a flavorful filling for your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos.

Step 4: Season the Chicken
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, stir in the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring well until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce. The combination of these ingredients brings out a delicious depth of flavor, making your filling incredibly enticing.

Step 5: Prepare the Slaw
In a separate bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, chopped green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey. Mix until the slaw is evenly coated. This crunchy slaw adds both texture and freshness to your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, balancing the richness of the chicken filling beautifully.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
Once your wonton shells are crispy and the filling is ready, carefully fill each taco shell with the savory chicken mixture. Top the chicken generously with the slaw and finish with a drizzle of sweet chili sauce. Garnish each taco with freshly chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added burst of flavor and presentation.

Step 7: Serve Immediately
Serve your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos immediately while they are still warm and crispy. These delightful tacos make for a perfect appetizer or main dish for any gathering. Let everyone enjoy this fusion of flavors and textures, sure to impress family and friends alike!

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Variations

Feel free to play around with this recipe, letting your creativity shine through delightful twists and substitutions!

Ground Chicken: Switch diced chicken for ground chicken to save on cooking time. This results in a quicker, more casual filling that still delivers on flavor.
Gluten-Free Wontons: For a gluten-sensitive option, swap in gluten-free wonton wrappers without losing that crispy goodness. The flavor stays just as fantastic!
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for an exciting heat level. Turn up the flavor and get those taste buds dancing!
Extra Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding finely chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots to the chicken filling. Your tacos will be colorful, crunchy, and delicious!
Dairy Addition: For a creamy twist, top your tacos with a dollop of avocado crema or a light sour cream drizzle. This adds a luxurious touch that’s hard to resist.
Pineapple Salsa: Try topping your tacos with a refreshing pineapple salsa for a sweet contrast to the savory chicken. Combine diced pineapple, red onion, and cilantro for amazing results.
Personalized Sauces: Experiment with your favorite sauces: orange sauce for a citrusy twist or a tangy barbecue sauce for a unique flavor fusion. The options are endless!
Crispy Toppings: For added crunch, sprinkle fried onions or crispy noodles on top right before serving. They provide a delicious textural contrast that elevates every bite.

These delicious variations let you enjoy the excitement of creating your own unique take on the classic, proving that there are infinite ways to enjoy easy dinner ideas that truly resonate with your family!

Expert Tips for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Crisp Timing: Ensure you fill the wonton shells just before serving to keep them nice and crispy. No one likes a soggy taco!
Storage Strategy: Store chicken filling and slaw separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy.
Extra Spice: For those who love a kick, mix sriracha into the chicken mixture or drizzle it on top of the finished tacos for added heat.
Wrapper Watch: Avoid over-baking the wonton wrappers. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes—they should be golden but not dark brown!
Customize Ingredients: Feel free to swap out ingredients! Try ground chicken for quicker cooking, or use gluten-free wonton wrappers to make your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos suitable for everyone.

Storage Tips for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Fridge: Store the chicken filling and slaw in airtight containers for up to 3 days to preserve freshness. Keep components separate to maintain the crispiness of the wonton shells.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken filling in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Gently reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. For crispy wonton shells, briefly bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

Texture Preservation: Remember, to enjoy your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos at their best, fill the wonton shells just before serving.

What to Serve with Crispy Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

There’s nothing quite like the combination of flavors and textures we create with these crispy tacos, so let’s build a full, satisfying meal around them.

Creamy Avocado Salad: Fresh and vibrant, this salad enhances the tacos with its rich, buttery flavor and balances the crispy texture beautifully.
Coconut Rice: The slight sweetness and creaminess of coconut rice provide a delightful contrast to the savory components of the tacos, making every bite more interesting.
Spicy Mango Salsa: Offering a fruity yet spicy kick, this salsa brightens up your plate and pairs perfectly with the Asian-inspired flavors of the tacos.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or roasted, corn adds a sweet crunch that complements the filling. A sprinkle of chili powder takes it up a notch, enhancing the overall flavor.
Garlic Edamame: These tender little pods not only bring a fun finger food element but also contribute a nutty flavor that echoes the sesame in the tacos.
Crisp Lettuce Wraps: Serve a side of fresh lettuce leaves to create light wraps for a refreshing bite, making it a fun interactive experience alongside your crispy tacos.
Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio brings out the flavors of the tacos and the accompanying sides, making for a relaxed dining experience.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Finish off your meal with homemade cookies. Their warm, gooey texture provides a comforting end to a delightful dinner, keeping everything in sync with the homey vibe.

Make Ahead Options

These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish with less stress! You can prepare the chicken filling up to 3 days in advance by cooking it and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Likewise, the slaw can be made ahead and kept fresh for up to 2 days; just mix all of the slaw ingredients together and store in a separate container to maintain its crunch. To finish, simply fill the crispy wonton shells just before serving for that delightful crunch, and drizzle with sweet chili sauce. Enjoy the ease of having a restaurant-quality meal at home without the last-minute rush!

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting chicken, look for fresh, pink breasts without dark spots. For the coleslaw, choose a mix that is vibrant, without any wilting leaves. Fresh ginger should be firm and smooth, while garlic should be hard with no soft spots.

How should I store leftover tacos?
Very! Place the chicken filling and slaw in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them separate prevents the wonton wrappers from getting soggy and ensures the texture of each component stays delightful!

Can I freeze the chicken filling?
Definitely! To freeze, transfer the chicken filling into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and store it for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool the filling completely before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then gently reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

What if my wonton wrappers come out soggy?
Don’t worry! If your wonton wrappers are soggy, it may be due to filling them too early. Always fill the shells just before serving to keep them crisp. Another tip is to bake the wrappers until they are golden brown and chicken is hot—this ensures the perfect texture!

Are these tacos suitable for gluten-sensitive diets?
Absolutely! You can easily make these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos gluten-free by swapping soy sauce for tamari and using gluten-free wonton wrappers. This way, everyone at the table can enjoy this tasty dish without any worries!