The aroma wafting through my kitchen was pure magic—sweet, salty, and a hint of spice that made my mouth water. Today, I want to share my version of Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, a dish that brings the restaurant experience straight to your home. With crunchy, golden wonton shells and tender, flavorful chicken, these tacos are not only easy to prepare but also budget-friendly. They make a stunning appetizer for gatherings or an exciting twist for Taco Tuesday! Plus, if you have gluten sensitivities, I’ve got options for you to enjoy this delectable meal too. Curious how to recreate this delightful fusion of flavors? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Crave These Tacos!

Crispy Crunch: Enjoy the delightful contrast of crunchy wonton shells filled with seasoned chicken and refreshing slaw.

Flavor Fusion: This recipe masterfully marries sweet, salty, and spicy elements, reminiscent of your favorite restaurant outing.

Quick Preparation: Perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings, they come together in no time!

Versatile Delight: Customize them with a touch of sriracha for heat or swap hoisin with teriyaki sauce for a milder taste.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Ideal as an appetizer or main dish, these tacos are sure to impress guests. Try serving them alongside some delicious Chicken Avocado Melt for a full spread!

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling

Chicken Breasts – Provides a lean protein source; ground chicken works well for quicker cooking.
Hoisin Sauce – Adds a sweet and tangy glaze; can be swapped for teriyaki sauce for a milder flavor.
Sesame Oil – Enhances flavor depth in both the chicken and slaw.
Garlic (minced) – Imparts aromatic flavor; can substitute with garlic powder if needed.
Fresh Ginger (minced) – Offers a warm, spicy note; powdered ginger can be a quick alternative.

For the Slaw

Coleslaw Mix – Provides a refreshing crunch in the taco filling; you can use a homemade mix for a personal touch.
Green Onions – Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Rice Vinegar – Balances flavors and acidity in the slaw; apple cider vinegar is a great substitute.
Soy Sauce – Brings a salty umami flavor to the slaw; tamari can be used for gluten-free options.
Honey – Sweetens the slaw and enhances the chicken’s flavor; agave syrup can be a good alternative.

For Assembly

Wonton Wrappers – Forms the crispy taco shells; opt for gluten-free wrappers if needed.
Sweet Chili Sauce – Drizzle on top for a spicy-sweet finish that complements the dish beautifully.
Chopped Cilantro – Fresh herb garnish for flavor and visual appeal.
Sesame Seeds – Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to finish off the tacos.

Unleash the savory goodness of this Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos recipe and bring restaurant-style dining right into your kitchen!

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

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, lightly spray the back of a muffin tin with cooking spray. This will help create crispy wonton taco shells. The muffin tin will serve as the mold for shaping the wrappers into cups as they bake, so ensure it’s well-greased for easy removal later.

Step 2: Shape Wonton Shells
Take each wonton wrapper and gently drape it over the inverted muffin cups. Press down slightly to form a taco shape. Bake the shells in your preheated oven for 5-7 minutes or until they are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning; they should look slightly golden and feel firm to the touch when done.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add diced chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink. It should be fully cooked with a nice golden color. This juicy chicken will be the star of your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos!

Step 4: Add Flavor
Stir in the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger into the skillet with the chicken. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until everything is well-coated and heated through. You’ll notice the chicken becomes beautifully glazed, giving it that signature savory-sweet flavor.

Step 5: Prepare the Slaw
In a separate bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, chopped green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Toss everything together until the vegetables are well coated. The slaw adds the perfect crunch and freshness to your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, balancing the rich flavors of the chicken.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
Once the wonton shells are baked and crispy, it’s time to fill them! Spoon the glazed chicken mixture into each taco shell, ensuring they’re generously filled. Next, top each taco with a generous heap of the prepared slaw for a pop of texture and flavor.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Drizzle sweet chili sauce over the assembled tacos for an extra touch of sweetness and mild heat. Finally, sprinkle chopped cilantro and sesame seeds on top to enhance the presentation and flavor of your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos. Serve these delicious creations immediately for the best crunch and taste experience!

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Variations

Customize your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos for a delicious twist that excites your taste buds and matches your mood!

Ground Chicken: Use ground chicken instead of diced for quicker cooking time, creating a delightful bite-sized filling.
Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free wonton wrappers, ensuring everyone can enjoy this tasty dish without worry.
Teriyaki Sauce: Swap hoisin sauce for teriyaki sauce for a milder, sweeter glaze that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
Spicy Sriracha: Mix in sriracha with the chicken filling for a spicy kick that brings your tacos to life!
Veggie Option: Substitute chicken with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Creamy Slaw: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the slaw for a creamy twist that balances the crunch of the tacos.
Fruit Infusion: Toss in some diced mango or pineapple to the slaw for a sweet fruity contrast that brightens every bite.
Extra Crunch: Top with crushed tortilla chips or fried onions for an extra layer of texture and flavor in each taco.

Feel free to explore these variations, or check out my delicious recipe for Parmesan Crusted Chicken for another mouthwatering meal idea! And don’t miss our delectable Gnocchi Chicken Pot recipe for a cozy dinner.

Make Ahead Options

These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the chicken filling and slaw up to 3 days in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. When ready to serve, simply bake the wonton shells for about 5-7 minutes until they’re crispy, then fill them with the pre-cooked chicken mixture and slaw. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce and garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds just before serving for maximum flavor and crunch. This way, you can enjoy delicious restaurant-style tacos any night of the week with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Maintain Crispness: Keep wonton shells crispy by assembling the tacos just before serving; moisture can make them soggy.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the chicken mixture for an additional layer of flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos.

Efficient Cooking: For a faster meal, use ground chicken instead of diced chicken; it cooks more quickly and evenly.

Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and ginger rather than powdered versions, as fresh produce brings a vibrant flavor to the dish.

Custom Spiciness: Adjust the heat level by mixing sriracha into the slaw or drizzling it on top; it allows guests to personalize their tacos.

How to Store and Freeze Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Fridge: Store any leftover chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days to keep the ingredients fresh and preserve their textures.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken filling in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Wonton shells are best fresh but can be frozen and reheated.

Reheating: To reheat, thaw chicken in the fridge overnight, then warm in a skillet. Bake wonton shells at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy again.

Assembly Tip: For the best crunch, assemble the Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos just before serving, as moisture can make the shells soggy.

What to Serve with Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Pairing your flavorful tacos with the perfect sides can elevate your dining experience to new heights.

Creamy Avocado Salad: A refreshing and creamy dish that adds a smooth contrast to the crunch of the wonton shells. The avocado’s richness balances the meal perfectly.
Cilantro Lime Rice: Simple and zesty, this side dish brings a bright flavor that complements the savory chicken, enhancing each bite. It’s a delightful addition full of aroma!
Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce: Perfect for drizzling or dipping, this sauce echoes the sweetness in the tacos while giving a hint of spice that ties the flavors together beautifully.
Spicy Sriracha Coleslaw: Add a twist by elevating your slaw with sriracha for a little kick. This addition enhances the freshness, making each taco a fiery delight.
Chilled Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers dressed in rice vinegar provide a refreshing palate cleanser alongside the rich flavors of your tacos. It’s a light, crunchy option that brings balance.
Mango Salsa: Sweet and tangy mango salsa offers a vibrant burst of flavor that complements the savory chicken. This tropical touch enhances the overall taste experience.

Make your meal unforgettable by pairing these delightful options with your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos for a satisfying feast!

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken is best for the filling?
For the filling, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for lean protein. If you’re in a hurry, ground chicken is an excellent alternative since it cooks more quickly and evenly.

How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This method helps maintain freshness and texture, ensuring your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos taste great the next day!

Can I freeze the chicken filling?
Absolutely! You can freeze the chicken filling in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

What if I want to make this dish gluten-free?
Not a problem at all! Simply swap out regular wonton wrappers for gluten-free versions, and use tamari in place of soy sauce to ensure the entire dish adheres to gluten-free standards without sacrificing flavor.

How can I enhance the flavors in the tacos?
Enhancing flavors is easy! Consider adding a pinch of salt and pepper to the chicken mixture, or for extra spice, mix some sriracha into the slaw. This allows you and your guests to customize each taco according to personal taste.

What’s the best way to keep wonton shells crispy?
To keep your wonton shells nice and crispy, it’s essential to assemble the tacos just before serving. If they sit too long with the filling, the moisture can make them soggy, compromising their delightful crunch.