There’s something special about transforming ordinary weeknight dinners into unique experiences, and that’s exactly what I found when I made Homemade Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos. These delightful little bites feature crispy wonton shells that cradle a delectable mix of sweet and savory chicken, all topped with a zesty slaw that adds an irresistible crunch. This easy recipe is not only budget-friendly, but it’s also adaptable for any gathering, whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy meal at home. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, these tacos bring the charm of restaurant dining right to your kitchen. Ready to impress? Let’s dive into making these scrumptious tacos that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

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Why are these tacos so irresistible?

Crispy Wontons: The key to unforgettable flavor is the perfectly baked wonton shells that deliver a delightful crunch with every bite.
Savory Chicken Filling: Infused with hoisin sauce and sesame oil, the chicken becomes rich and satisfying, making even the pickiest eaters smile!
Fresh Slaw: The addition of crunchy slaw provides a refreshing contrast, elevating the texture and taste to new heights.
Easy to Customize: Whether you prefer ground chicken or need gluten-free options, this recipe adapts effortlessly to your tastes, just like our easy Garlic Butter Chicken.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners, these tacos quickly become the star of the show. You can even serve them alongside BBQ Chicken Tostadas for a fun taco night!

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling
• Chicken Breasts – Primary protein source, finely diced for even cooking.
• Hoisin Sauce – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor; substitute with teriyaki for a milder taste.
• Sesame Oil – Imparts a rich, nutty flavor essential for authentic taste.
• Soy Sauce – Provides umami and saltiness; use tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Garlic (minced) – Adds aromatic flavor; fresh is best for maximum intensity.
• Fresh Ginger (minced) – Brings warmth and a hint of spice to the filling.

For the Slaw
• Coleslaw Mix – Adds crunch and freshness; feel free to make your own slaw mix!
• Green Onions (sliced) – Provides color and a mild onion flavor to balance the dish.
• Rice Vinegar – Balances flavors with a touch of acidity for a well-rounded taste.
• Honey – Adds a touch of sweetness to the slaw mix for brightness.

For the Tacos
• Wonton Wrappers – Form the crispy taco shells; ensure they are fresh for the best crunch.
• Sweet Chili Sauce – Perfect for dipping, adds a sweet and spicy kick.

For Garnishing
• Chopped Cilantro – Enhances presentation and flavors with a fresh herbaceous note.
• Sesame Seeds – Adds a decorative touch and a nutty flavor to the finished dish.

Experience the delight of Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos right in your own kitchen with these flavorful and easy-to-find ingredients!

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). This temperature is essential for achieving that perfect golden crisp on the wonton shells. While the oven heats, take a muffin tin and lightly grease each cup with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Shape the Wonton Shells
Next, take the wonton wrappers and gently drape them over the inverted cups of the muffin tin. Make sure they fit snugly to form taco shapes. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the wonton shells turn a lovely golden brown and are crisp to the touch.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken
While the wonton shells bake, heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced chicken to the skillet, cooking for about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken is no longer pink and is cooked through, releasing a delicious aroma.

Step 4: Flavor the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, stir in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, tossing gently until the chicken is well-coated and glazed in the savory sauce, giving it more depth and flavor.

Step 5: Prepare the Slaw
In a separate bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, sliced green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey. Toss the ingredients together until evenly coated. This fresh slaw will provide a delightful crunch, balancing the savory chicken filling in your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
After the wonton shells are baked, carefully remove them from the muffin tin. Fill each taco shell with the flavorful chicken mixture, then top generously with the prepared slaw. Drizzle sweet chili sauce over the top, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for a colorful presentation.

Step 7: Serve Immediately
Serve your homemade Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos right away while the shells are still crispy. These delightful bites are best enjoyed fresh, allowing you to experience the contrasting textures of tender chicken and crunchy slaw in each flavorful bite. Happy cooking!

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What to Serve with Homemade Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Elevate your dining experience by pairing these delightful tacos with complementary sides and drinks that bring out their irresistible flavors.

Crispy Asian Slaw: This fresh, crunchy slaw mirrors the texture of the taco filling, enhancing the meal with zesty notes that brighten each bite.
Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce: Perfect for drizzling or dipping, this sauce adds a sweet-spicy kick that complements the savory chicken beautifully.
Fried Rice: The slightly sticky, savory rice absorbs the rich flavors of the tacos while providing a satisfying, hearty base to your meal.
Garlic Edamame: Lightly salted and seasoned, these vibrant green beans offer a pop of color and nutrition, balancing the richness of the tacos.
Pineapple Salsa: Freshly chopped pineapple mingled with cilantro and lime adds a tropical sweetness that contrasts wonderfully with the savory fillings.
Craft Beer or Iced Tea: A light beer or refreshing iced tea serves as a cooling counterpoint to the warm spices in the tacos, enhancing the dining experience.
Chocolate Mousse Cups: A rich, creamy dessert is the perfect way to end your meal, providing a delightful contrast to the savory main dish.
Mango Lassi: This creamy yogurt-based drink cools the palate and adds a hint of sweet tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with these tacos.

Enjoy these pairings for a harmonious and memorable meal that will have your guests raving!

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Variations

Feel free to get creative with this delightful recipe, customizing it to suit your taste and dietary preferences!

Ground Chicken: Swap diced chicken with ground chicken for quicker preparation. The texture will be equally satisfying and can be seasoned just as richly!
Gluten-Free Wontons: Use gluten-free wonton wrappers to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. It’s a small change that makes a huge difference for gluten-sensitive friends.
Teriyaki Twist: Substitute hoisin sauce with teriyaki sauce for a milder, sweeter flavor. This small swap brings a fresh twist to the beloved classic.
Veggie Delight: For a meatless option, fill the wonton shells with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini, spiced with ginger and garlic. It’s a vibrant vegetarian feast!
Spice It Up: Add sriracha to the chicken filling for a spicy kick. This turns up the heat and adds an exciting flavor dimension, perfect for spice lovers.
Peanut Butter Touch: Incorporate a tablespoon of peanut butter into the chicken filling for a richer taste. This gives it a nutty element that pairs beautifully with the other flavors.
Extra Crunch: Top the tacos with crushed nuts or crispy fried shallots for an additional crispy texture. This extra layer of crunch elevates each bite and surprises the palate!
Mango Salsa: Serve the tacos with a fresh mango salsa on the side to brighten up the dish. The sweet and tangy flavors will complement the savory chicken perfectly.

Feel free to explore these variations to make these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos your own! You might also enjoy them alongside Garlic Butter Chicken or Bbq Chicken Tostadas for a delicious feast!

Expert Tips for Perfect Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Crispy Shells: Fill wonton shells just before serving to maintain their delightful crunch. This prevents sogginess and preserves texture.
Garnish Wisely: Add chopped cilantro and sesame seeds right before serving for freshness and visual appeal; this elevates your presentation.
Don’t Overcrowd: When cooking chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure even cooking; this ensures that every piece is golden and flavorful.
Size Matters: Ensure chicken pieces are finely diced for uniform cooking; this helps them absorb the flavorful sauces better.
Adjust Flavor: Feel free to spice things up by mixing in some sriracha with the chicken for an extra kick; this adds a vibrant flavor profile to your tacos.

Make Ahead Options

These Homemade Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy nights! You can prepare the chicken filling and slaw up to 3 days in advance; simply cook the chicken mixture and toss the slaw, storing each in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The wonton shells can be made and baked up to 24 hours ahead as well; just keep them in a dry place until you’re ready to fill. To maintain their crispy texture, fill the wonton shells just before serving, and drizzle with sweet chili sauce for that finishing touch. Enjoy delightful flavors in no time!

How to Store and Freeze Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Fridge: Store cooked chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days to keep everything fresh and flavorful.

Freezer: If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the chicken filling in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Wonton shells can be frozen too, but fill them just before serving.

Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken mixture on the stovetop until heated through and crisp the wonton shells in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

Assembly Tip: If you’ve prepped components, assemble the tacos just before serving for the best texture, keeping those wonton shells crispy!

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Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken should I use for the filling?
Absolutely! For the filling, I recommend using chicken breasts, cut finely to ensure even cooking. This way, the chicken becomes tender and absorbs the rich flavors of the hoisin and soy sauce beautifully. If you’re in a hurry, ground chicken is also a fantastic option as it cooks faster and adds a lovely texture!

How do I store leftover chicken and slaw?
Very simple! Store the cooked chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. This method helps maintain the crunch of the slaw and the flavor of the chicken filling, ensuring your tacos remain delicious for later.

Can I freeze the chicken filling?
Yes, you can! To freeze the chicken filling, place it in an airtight container and enjoy it within 3 months for the best quality. When you’re ready to use it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What if my wonton shells become soggy?
If your wonton shells are soggy, it’s likely due to filling them too early. To keep them crisp, fill them just before serving! If you’ve pre-filled them, I recommend tossing them back in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This will help restore some crispiness.

Are these tacos safe for those with allergies?
It’s essential to be mindful! If you or your guests have any allergies, these tacos can be adapted. For those with gluten sensitivities, be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and wonton wrappers. Always check the labels, especially for sauces, to ensure they meet dietary restrictions.

How do I know when my chicken is cooked through?
Great question! The chicken is fully cooked when it turns from pink to white and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you’re unsure, you can cut into a piece to check; it should be moist and no longer pink inside. Happy cooking!