Jump to Recipe Print Recipe“I can’t believe I waited so long to try these!” my friend exclaimed, as she took her first bite of the Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos I whipped up for our dinner gathering. This delightful copycat recipe captures the essence of the beloved restaurant dish with its crispy wonton shell and tender honey-garlic chicken, making it a fun twist on taco night. Perfect for busy weeknights, these high-protein tacos come together quickly and are a hit with kids and adults alike, turning any meal into a festive experience. Plus, they’re meal prep friendly—just assemble the filling in advance, and you’ll be ready to savor an exciting homemade treat in no time. Are you ready to make your own version of this tasty dish? Why are these tacos so irresistible? Crispy Texture: Baked wonton shells deliver a delightful crunch that perfectly holds the savory filling. Savory & Sweet Harmony: The blend of honey-garlic chicken and vibrant coleslaw brings an explosion of flavor in every bite. Kid-Friendly Fun: These tacos turn dinnertime into an interactive experience, making it easy to get kids involved in assembling their own! High-Protein Convenience: Packed with protein, this recipe is perfect for nutritious meals without sacrificing taste. Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble the chicken filling ahead of time, ensuring you have a quick and easy dinner option ready for those busy weeknights. Versatile Dish: Feel free to experiment with fillings or serve them alongside some extra sweet chili sauce for dipping! You’ll love how they bring an Asian twist to taco night! Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Ingredients For the Chicken Filling Chicken Breasts – Main protein source; finely diced to ensure quick cooking. Hoisin Sauce – Provides sweetness and depth; can substitute with teriyaki sauce for a different flavor. Sesame Oil – Adds nuttiness and richness; use olive oil if unavailable, but flavor may vary. Soy Sauce – Enhances umami taste; consider low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option. Garlic – Infuses flavor; fresh minced garlic is recommended over powdered for optimal taste. Fresh Ginger – Provides a spicy warmth; ground ginger can be used in a pinch, though fresh is preferable. For the Slaw Coleslaw Mix – Adds crunch and freshness; can swap with shredded cabbage or a homemade slaw mix. Green Onions – For garnish and mild onion flavor; substitute with chives if desired. Rice Vinegar – Offers acidity to balance flavors; white vinegar can be used as an alternative. Honey – Sweetens the slaw; maple syrup can replace it for a vegan option. For the Taco Assembly Wonton Wrappers – Forms the taco shell; can use lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative. Sweet Chili Sauce – For drizzling on top; a spicy Thai sauce adds flavor. Cilantro & Sesame Seeds – For garnish; omit cilantro if you dislike its taste. This delightful combination of ingredients is what makes your homemade Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos a true crowd-pleaser! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Step 1: Preheat the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the wonton wrappers will become crispy and golden while baking. While the oven heats up, prepare your baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray. This will prevent the wontons from sticking and allow for easy removal later. Step 2: Prepare Wonton Wrappers Unwrap your wonton wrappers and gently spray both sides with cooking spray. Carefully drape them over the edges of your baking dish, creating a taco-like shape. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 7-8 minutes, until the edges are starting to crisp up and turn a light golden color. Step 3: Crisp the Wontons After the initial baking time, remove the wonton shells from the oven. While they are still warm and pliable, gently pull apart the shells to help maintain their shape. Return them to the oven for an additional 7-8 minutes, checking for perfect crispiness. You want them to be golden and crunchy, ready to hold your chicken filling. Step 4: Mix the Chicken Filling In a mixing bowl, combine the finely diced chicken breasts with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Stir until the chicken is well coated in these aromatic flavors. This mixture will create the savory filling for your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, packed with deliciousness. Step 5: Cook the Chicken Mixture Heat a non-stick skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the chicken mixture and sauté it for 7-8 minutes. Stir frequently until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice, caramelized exterior. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s no longer pink and has a wonderful aroma filling your kitchen. Step 6: Prepare the Slaw In another bowl, mix together the coleslaw ingredients, including the coleslaw mix, chopped green onions, rice vinegar, and honey. Toss everything until well combined and the cabbage is coated with the sweet and tangy dressing. This crunchy slaw adds a delightful contrast to the warm chicken filling. Step 7: Assemble the Tacos Now it’s time to bring your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos together! Fill each crispy wonton shell with the sautéed chicken mixture, then generously top with the prepared slaw. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle some sweet chili sauce over the top and sprinkle with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds. Step 8: Serve and Enjoy Your homemade Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are now ready to serve. Arrange them on a platter, and consider adding extra sweet chili sauce for dipping on the side. Gather your family or friends, and enjoy this delicious, interactive meal together! Make Ahead Options These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are perfect for busy weeknights and can be prepped in advance to save you valuable time! You can prepare the chicken filling and slaw up to 3 days ahead—simply store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. To maintain the quality, ensure the wonton wrappers remain unfilled until you’re ready to bake them. When it’s time to serve, just reheat the chicken mixture in a skillet on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Assemble your tacos with the crispy wonton shells and slaw, then drizzle with sweet chili sauce for a delicious homemade meal that’s just as flavorful as the restaurant version! Expert Tips for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Watch the Baking: Keep a close eye on the wonton wrappers as they bake to prevent burning; they crisp up quickly! Extra Crunch Option: For a crunchier shell, try frying the wonton wrappers in hot oil instead of baking them. Prep Ahead: It’s great to prep the chicken filling and slaw in advance; just assemble and reheat before serving for quick weeknight meals. Avoid Sogginess: Fill the wonton shells right before serving; baking assembled tacos can lead to soggy wrappers. Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to mix up the chicken with pre-cooked shredded chicken or try different sauces to add your personal twist to these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos! What to Serve with Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos? Creating the perfect meal around these delightful tacos enhances your dining experience with vibrant colors and flavors. Creamy Guacamole: This luscious dip brings a rich creaminess that balances the tacos’ crunch and savory flavor perfectly. Pair it with tortilla chips for a delightful appetizer. Fresh Vegetable Sticks: Crisp, colorful veggie sticks like carrots and bell peppers add a refreshing crunch and healthy balance, making your meal feel lively and vibrant. Serve them alongside a zesty dip for extra fun! Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce: Elevate the flavor experience by serving extra sweet chili sauce for dipping. Its sweet and spicy notes complement every tasty bite, enhancing the meal with delightful contrast. Spicy Szechuan Noodles: A side of spicy Szechuan noodles adds a wonderful kick, aligning beautifully with the Asian flavor profile of the tacos. Their chewy texture pairs nicely against the crispy taco shells. Coconut Rice: Serve a side of fluffy coconut rice for a hint of sweetness and creaminess that complements the savory chicken filling while enhancing the overall texture of the meal. Tropical Fruit Salad: A bright and refreshing tropical fruit salad filled with pineapple, mango, and kiwi offers a refreshing contrast to the tacos. The natural sweetness is a delightful palate cleanser. Crispy Onion Rings: These crunchy sides add an extra layer of texture to your meal. The delightful crunch and savory flavor will make it feel like a restaurant-style feast at home. Cold Sparkling Water: Pair your meal with refreshing sparkling water infused with lime or lemon. It cleanses the palate and offers a refreshing contrast to the warm, flavorful tacos. Chilled Green Tea: For a more relaxed dining vibe, offer chilled green tea as a drink option. Its subtle taste and health benefits beautifully balance the meal’s bold flavors. Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Variations Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these delicious tacos to suit your taste buds! Shredded Chicken: Use pre-cooked shredded chicken to cut down on prep time and make assembly a breeze. It’s a perfect shortcut for busy nights! Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, low-carb option, swap out the wonton wrappers for crispy lettuce leaves. This fresh twist is both refreshing and nutritious! Veggie Delight: Make it vegetarian by using sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers in place of chicken. It creates a savory filling without sacrificing flavor. Extra Spicy: Add a splash of sriracha or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken filling for a delightful heat that will tantalize your taste buds. Savory Egg Rolls: Use the chicken mixture as a filling for egg rolls instead! Just roll them up in egg roll wrappers, fry, and serve with sweet chili sauce. Sweet Maple Slaw: Swap honey for maple syrup in the slaw for a unique, sweet twist! This change maintains the flavor while resonating with those who prefer natural sweetness. Crunchy Chickpeas: For added texture, top your tacos with crunchy chickpeas. Simply roast them for a few minutes until crispy, providing a satisfying crunch. Asian Fusion: Serve with a side of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves for a delightful dinner spread. It’s a fun way to mix flavors and cuisines! Get ready to savor your very own Applebee’s inspired creation! Storage Tips for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Room Temperature: If you have leftovers, let them cool and store at room temperature for up to 2 hours before refrigerating. Fridge: Store the taco filling in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the wonton shells separate to maintain their crunch. Freezer: Freeze unfilled wonton shells in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking. Filled tacos are best consumed fresh, as freezing can affect texture. Reheating: To reheat the chicken mixture, warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Avoid microwaving the wonton shells to keep them crispy—re-bake for a few minutes instead. Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe FAQs How can I select the best chicken breasts for this recipe? Absolutely! Look for chicken breasts that are plump and have a light pink color with no dark spots or bruises. Fresh chicken should feel moist but not sticky to the touch. If possible, buy organic or free-range chicken for better taste and quality. How should I store leftover taco filling? Very simple! After letting it cool, place the leftover taco filling in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Remember to keep the wonton shells separate to prevent them from losing their delightful crunch. Can I freeze the wonton shells for later use? Yes, you can! To freeze, lay unfilled wonton shells in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Transfer them to a sealed bag, and they can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use them, just thaw in the fridge for a few hours before baking. What should I do if my wonton shells become soggy after baking? To prevent sogginess, fill the wonton shells right before serving. If they do get soggy, you can re-bake them in a 375°F oven for about 5 minutes to regain some crispiness. Be sure to store leftover taco filling separately until you’re ready to enjoy them again! Is this recipe suitable for someone with a soy allergy? Great question! If you or your loved ones have a soy allergy, you can substitute the soy sauce with coconut aminos, which provides a similar salty flavor without the soy. Always check for any pre-packaged ingredients, like sauces, to ensure they are allergy-friendly. Can I make these tacos ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture and slaw in advance, storing them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just warm the chicken mixture on the stove, fill the wonton shells, and assemble your delicious Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos for a quick meal! Crispy Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos You Can Make at Home No ratings yet Delight in the flavors of Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos with this easy homemade recipe. Enjoy crispy wonton shells filled with savory honey-garlic chicken. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 4 tacosCourse: AppetizersCuisine: American, AsianCalories: 230 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken Filling2 cups Chicken Breasts finely diced3 tablespoons Hoisin Sauce1 tablespoon Sesame Oil or olive oil2 tablespoons Soy Sauce low-sodium optional2 cloves Garlic minced1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger gratedFor the Slaw4 cups Coleslaw Mix or shredded cabbage3 tablespoons Green Onions chopped2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar or white vinegar1 tablespoon Honey or maple syrup for vegan optionFor the Taco Assembly20 pieces Wonton Wrappers or lettuce wraps1/2 cup Sweet Chili Sauce for drizzling1/4 cup Cilantro for garnish, optional2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds for garnish Equipment Ovennon-stick skilletMixing bowlsbaking dish Method Preparation InstructionsPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.Spray both sides of wonton wrappers with cooking spray and drape them over the baking dish edges.Bake the wonton shells for 7-8 minutes until edges are crisp and golden.Pull apart the shells gently and return them to the oven for another 7-8 minutes for full crispiness.In a bowl, mix diced chicken with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.Cook the chicken mixture in a hot skillet for 7-8 minutes until fully cooked.In another bowl, mix coleslaw ingredients until well combined.Fill each wonton shell with chicken and top with prepared slaw, drizzle with sweet chili sauce, and garnish.Serve and enjoy with extra sweet chili sauce on the side. Nutrition Serving: 1tacoCalories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 550mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg NotesWatch the baking time closely to prevent burning. Prep ahead for quick meals and avoid sogginess by filling just before serving. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
