Peeking into my fridge last week, I spotted the ever-versatile wonton wrappers, and a light bulb went off! With just a few simple ingredients, I could whip up Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos right in my kitchen. This mouthwatering recipe not only channels that beloved Asian-inspired crunch but also demands minimal time commitment and a budget-friendly shopping list. You’ll love how these little delights can transform a busy weeknight dinner or wow your friends at your next gathering. So, if you’re ready to take your tastebuds on a fabulous culinary adventure, let’s dive into the world of crispy, sweet, and savory flavors. What creative filling will you put inside your wonton taco shells?

Why You’ll Crave These Tacos!

Simplicity at Its Best: Making Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos is a breeze! With just a handful of ingredients and easy steps, you can create a delicious dish in no time.
Crispy, Crunchy Goodness: The baked wonton shells provide the perfect crunch, making these tacos a hit at dinner tables and parties alike.
Flavor Explosion: The harmony of hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and fresh ginger delivers a captivating taste experience that your palate will adore.
Budget-Friendly Delight: This recipe is a win for your wallet, offering an impressive meal without emptying your pockets—ideal for family dinners or casual get-togethers!
Customizable Filling: Swap in protein and toppings to suit your cravings, or try variations like ground chicken or a gluten-free twist! For more tasty taco inspirations, check out our Chopped Chicken Bacon or Crispy Chicken Taquitos Wow recipes.

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling
• Chicken Breast – Main protein that provides a tasty filling; finely diced for quick cooking.
• Hoisin Sauce – Adds a delicious sweetness and depth; substitute with teriyaki sauce for a milder flavor if desired.
• Sesame Oil – Imparts a rich flavor to both the chicken and slaw; essential for that aromatic allure.
• Soy Sauce – Enhances the savory aspects of the filling; swap for tamari to make the dish gluten-free.
• Garlic – Introduces a punch of flavor; freshly minced garlic is always a great choice!
• Fresh Ginger – Contributes warmth and zest; use freshly minced ginger for the best results.
For the Slaw
• Coleslaw Mix – Adds nice crunch and texture to the dish; pre-packaged for convenient prep.
• Green Onions – Fresh garnish that enhances the flavor; don’t forget to thinly slice them!
• Rice Vinegar – Balances the flavors’ acidity; crucial for the slaw’s overall taste.
• Honey – Infuses sweetness into the slaw; feel free to omit for fewer calories if desired.
For the Tacos
• Wonton Wrappers – Forms those crispy taco shells; be gentle as you handle them to prevent tearing!
• Sweet Chili Sauce – Perfect for serving; adds an extra layer of sweet-spicy joy.
• Chopped Cilantro – This fresh garnish enhances flavor and looks fantastic.
• Sesame Seeds – A delightful garnish that adds texture and a flavor boost.

Elevate your dinner game with these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos that promise to satisfy!

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

Step 1: Prepare Wonton Wrappers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the back of a muffin tin with cooking spray. Carefully drape wonton wrappers over the inverted muffin cups, forming small taco shells. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they become crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn!

Step 2: Cook Chicken Filling
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced chicken breast and cook it for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is no longer pink. Then, incorporate hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is well coated and glazed.

Step 3: Make Slaw
While the chicken filling cooks, grab a separate bowl for the slaw. Combine the coleslaw mix, sliced green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey. Toss the mixture thoroughly until the slaw is evenly coated with the dressing. This refreshing slaw adds a nice crunch to the Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos!

Step 4: Assemble Tacos
Once the wonton shells have cooled slightly, begin assembling the tacos. Fill each baked wonton shell with a generous portion of the cooked chicken mixture. Top with a hearty scoop of prepared slaw, then drizzle with sweet chili sauce. Garnish each taco with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 5: Serve Immediately
To maintain maximum crunch, serve your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos immediately after assembling. For best results, avoid filling the shells too far in advance. Enjoy these delightful tacos fresh out of the oven, and watch them become the highlight of your next meal or gathering!

What to Serve with Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Looking to complete your meal with delightful companions that enhance the vibrant flavors of these crispy tacos?

Creamy Avocado Dip: This smooth dip balances the crunch and spices with cool creaminess, perfect for scooping alongside tacos.
Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls: Add a delightful crunch with these vegetable-packed rolls, complementing the Asian flavors of your wonton tacos beautifully.
Sweet Chili Sauce for Dipping: Serve alongside extra sweet chili sauce to let guests enjoy a customizable spicy-sweet experience that elevates every bite.
Tangy Asian Slaw: Echo the slaw in the tacos with a tangy, zesty version to enhance the freshness and texture of your meal.
Coconut Rice: The mild sweetness and fluffy texture of coconut rice pairs well with the savory chicken filling, creating a delightful contrast on your plate.
Crispy Garlic Noodles: Serve a side of these savory, garlicky noodles for an extra layer of flavor while keeping the meal casual yet rich in taste.
Garlic Butter Edamame: Lightly seasoned, these protein-packed pods add a burst of flavor and color, rounding out your festive taco night.
Chilled Riesling: This slightly sweet white wine brings a refreshing contrast to the spicy tones of the tacos, making for a delightful pairing.
Mango Sorbet: For dessert, a light and fruity sorbet offers a refreshing cleanse to the palate after the flavorful tacos, ensuring a perfect end to the meal.

Expert Tips for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Timing is Key: Fill the wonton shells just before serving to maintain their crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
Crispy Wontons: Ensure your wonton wrappers are golden brown by checking frequently while baking; undercooked won’t have the desired crunch.
Flavor Balance: Taste your chicken filling before serving; adjust with more hoisin or soy sauce based on your flavor preference for a pleasing balance in your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos.
Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly minced garlic and ginger for the most vibrant flavors that pop in every bite.
Serving Style: For a fun twist, serve with a variety of dipping sauces like extra sweet chili or sriracha on the side, allowing guests to customize their experience.

How to Store and Freeze Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Fridge: Store the chicken filling and slaw in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep flavors fresh and prevent sogginess.

Freezer: If you want to freeze the filling, pack it into an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge before reheating.

Wonton Shells: For best results, freeze baked wonton shells without any filling. Re-crisp in the oven at 375°F for 5–8 minutes before serving.

Reheating: Microwave the chicken filling in short intervals or reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Assemble tacos just before serving for that satisfying crunch!

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Variations

Feel free to get creative and make these tacos truly yours with a few simple adjustments!

Ground Chicken: Use ground chicken instead of diced for quicker cooking and easier assembly. You’ll love how these tacos still deliver that comforting taste!
Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free wonton wrappers to ensure everyone can enjoy this dish. It’s a thoughtful twist that keeps the flavor intact.
Changed Sauce Flavor: Swap hoisin for teriyaki sauce for a distinctively different flavor profile. This change brings a new sweet edge that’s equally delightful.
Addicted to Heat: Want to spice things up? Mix in some minced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha for an electrifying kick that’ll wake up your taste buds!
Topping Variations: Experiment with toppings like avocado slices or roasted red peppers to add those fresh and creamy layers to your tacos. The mixture of flavors will surprise you!
Vegan Delight: For a plant-based option, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu, marinating them in soy sauce for that savory depth without the meat.

Are you ready for more mouthwatering ideas? Dive into our Cheesy Garlic Chicken or try the Honey BBQ Chicken for an equally scrumptious twist!

Make Ahead Options

These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the chicken filling and slaw up to 3 days in advance. Simply cook the chicken as instructed and allow it to cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The slaw can also be made ahead; just toss the ingredients together and keep them chilled. To achieve the best crunch, bake the wonton shells just before serving. When you’re ready to assemble, combine the chicken and slaw in the crispy wonton shells for restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Enjoy these tasty tacos in no time!

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe ingredients?
Absolutely! When choosing chicken breast, look for fresh pieces that are pale pink with no dark spots. For the coleslaw mix, choose one that has vibrant green cabbage and crisp carrots for the best texture and flavor.

How should I store leftovers?
Very! Store the chicken filling and slaw separately in airtight containers in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the crunchy texture of the wonton shells and prevents sogginess.

Can I freeze the chicken filling?
For sure! To freeze the chicken filling, first allow it to cool completely. Then, pack it into an airtight container or freezer bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to use, defrost in the fridge overnight.

What if my wonton wrappers break?
No worries! If your wonton wrappers are tearing, try gently warming them up for a few seconds in the microwave; this can make them more pliable. When baking, be sure to handle them with care and avoid overcrowding in the muffin tin, as this can lead to breakage.

Are these tacos gluten-free?
Of course! Simply substitute soy sauce with tamari to make it gluten-free. Additionally, ensure that you’re using gluten-free wonton wrappers. Many brands now offer gluten-free varieties that work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I add extra spice to the tacos?
Absolutely! For a kick, you can mix some sriracha into the chicken filling or drizzle it on top of the assembled tacos. You can also add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Enjoy experimenting!