When I first bit into Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, I was charmed by the surprising crunch of the wonton shell, paired with tender, flavorful chicken glistening in a sweet and savory glaze. It was love at first taste! Inspired to recreate this delightful dish at home, I discovered just how easy it is to whip up these crowd-pleasers with ingredients I already had in my pantry.
Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these tacos combine crispy textures with a burst of flavor from fresh ingredients. Imagine filling your home with the mouthwatering aroma of garlic and ginger as you prepare these fast and fabulous delights. Plus, the versatility of this recipe means you can customize the slaw or add your favorite toppings, making them a staple for any occasion. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this homemade version that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Why love Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos?
Easy and Quick: The entire process takes under 30 minutes, making dinner a breeze.
Crispy Delight: Baked wonton shells deliver that irresistible crunch in every bite.
Flavor Explosion: A delightful combination of hoisin, garlic, and ginger elevates the classic taco experience.
Customizable Slaw: Mix and match your favorite veggies in the slaw for a personal twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for gatherings, these tacos are sure to impress friends and family alike.
Elevate your home cooking game and indulge in these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, a delicious alternative that feels like a restaurant treat without the wait!
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Taco Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling
• Chicken breasts – finely diced for tenderness and quick cooking.
• Hoisin sauce – adds a sweet and savory depth to the chicken.
• Sesame oil – brings a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Soy sauce – provides a rich umami flavor; consider tamari for gluten-free versions.
• Garlic – minced to infuse the dish with aromatic goodness.
• Fresh ginger – freshly minced gives a zesty kick that compliments the chicken.
For the Slaw
• Coleslaw mix – a shortcut for crunchy texture and freshness.
• Green onions – thinly sliced for a mild onion flavor and color.
• Sesame oil (for slaw) – ties the flavors together, making it irresistibly tasty.
• Rice vinegar – adds a tangy acidity that balances the rich filling.
• Soy sauce (for slaw) – ensures the mix is well-seasoned.
• Honey – a touch of sweetness that elevates the slaw.
For Assembly and Garnish
• Wonton wrappers – the key ingredient, creating the signature crispy shells.
• Sweet chili sauce – for a delicious dip that adds sweetness and heat.
• Chopped cilantro – for a fresh and herbaceous finish.
• Sesame seeds – a lovely garnish that adds texture and visual appeal.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to bring the flavor of Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos right to your kitchen!
How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
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Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray the back of a muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure a crispy taco shell.
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Drape the wonton wrappers over the inverted muffin cups, pressing gently to shape them into taco shells. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are crisp and golden brown.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring until the chicken is no longer pink and cooked through.
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Stir in the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is beautifully glazed and fragrant.
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Combine the coleslaw mix, green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey in a bowl. Toss until all the ingredients are well coated and vibrant.
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Fill the baked wonton shells with the glazed chicken mixture, then generously top with the slaw. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately for that perfect crunch!
Optional: Add a squeeze of lime juice over the tacos for an extra zesty flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Fridge: Store assembled tacos in an airtight container for up to 2 days; however, for best results, separate chicken and slaw from wonton shells to maintain crispness.
Freezer: Freeze filled wonton shells individually on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from the freezer.
Reheating: Bake thawed tacos in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through, ensuring the shells regain their crunch.
Assembly Tips: If storing the filling separately, prepare the slaw and chicken mixture ahead to simplify meal prep. Enjoy your homemade Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos hot and fresh!
Variations & Substitutions for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own with these delightful twists!
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Ground Turkey: Swap chicken for ground turkey for a lean alternative that’s just as tasty and easy to cook.
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Vegetarian: Replace chicken with a medley of mushrooms and diced tofu for a delicious plant-based option that offers a lovely umami flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha to the chicken mixture for a fiery twist that elevates the flavor profile.
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Crunchy Add-ins: Toss in diced water chestnuts or shredded carrots into the slaw for an added crunch that enhances each bite.
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Asian Fusion: Try using kimchi in the slaw for a bold twist that brings spice and tang to your tacos, creating a fusion party in your mouth!
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free wonton wrappers and tamari in place of soy sauce to enjoy the same great taste without the gluten.
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Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs, like mint or basil, in your slaw for a refreshing lift that’s particularly delicious in summer months.
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Sweet and Savory: Top the tacos with a dollop of mango chutney for an unexpected burst of sweetness that complements the savory chicken beautifully.
These variations will help you create a personalized experience every time you whip up these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos! Enjoy exploring the delightful, tasty options.
Make Ahead Options
These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade dinner even on your busiest weeknights! You can prepare the chicken filling up to 3 days in advance by cooking it according to the recipe, then storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The coleslaw mixture can also be prepped ahead—mix everything together and refrigerate for up to 24 hours for the best flavor. To maintain the crunch of the wonton shells, bake them just before serving. When ready to enjoy, simply fill the taco shells with the chicken and slaw, drizzle with sweet chili sauce, and garnish. These tacos will taste just as fresh and delightful!
Expert Tips for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
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Perfectly Baked Shells: Keep an eye on the wonton wrappers while baking; they can go from golden to overdone quickly, ensuring a crispy but not burnt shell.
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Chicken Consistency: Dice the chicken into evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking. This ensures every bite is tender and flavorful, just like Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos.
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Sauce Balance: Don’t overwhelm the chicken with too much hoisin or soy sauce. A balanced glaze will enhance the flavor without overpowering the dish.
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Flexible Slaw: Experiment with different vegetables in your slaw! Carrots, bell peppers, or even sliced radishes can add additional crunch and color tailored to your taste.
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Serving Fresh: Serve the tacos immediately after assembling for maximum crunch. The longer they sit, the soggier the wonton shells can become, which is a common mistake.
What to Serve with Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos?
Pair these delightful tacos with sides that enhance their crunch and flavor, creating a feast everyone will enjoy!
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Coconut Rice: This fragrant, creamy rice complements the savory chicken and adds a touch of tropical sweetness to your meal.
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Spicy Black Bean Salad: A zesty salad brimming with black beans, corn, and avocado that offers a fresh and vibrant counterpoint to the crispy tacos.
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Garlic Edamame: The nutty flavors of these tender soybeans provide a delightful bite-sized appetizer that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
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Sesame Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad pairs beautifully, with the crunch of cucumbers and a sesame dressing balancing the richness of the tacos.
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Chilled Sake: A glass of chilled sake can elevate the dining experience, enhancing the flavors of the Asian-inspired tacos.
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Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce: On the side, this sauce serves as an irresistible dip, echoing the sweet and spicy notes found in the chicken.
With these delightful pairings, your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos will shine on the dinner table, transforming a simple meal into a memorable experience!
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients?
Absolutely! For the freshest flavors, look for chicken breasts that are pink and moist, with no dark spots. When choosing coleslaw mix, ensure the cabbage is crisp and vibrant without any wilting. For green onions, the greener the tops, the better!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Very important! Store assembled tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the wonton shells crisp, I recommend separating the chicken filling and slaw from the shells before refrigerating. This way, your tacos will stay delicious!
Can I freeze Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos?
Of course! To freeze, fill the wonton shells and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze individually until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last up to 2 months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake directly from the freezer at 375°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
What if my wonton wrappers crack or tear?
Don’t worry! If your wrappers crack while shaping, they may be too dry; try misting them with a little water before draping them over the muffin tin. If you have extra wrappers, you can always use them to make more shells or cut them into strips and bake for crispy chips.
Are these tacos safe for those with allergies?
Great question! This recipe contains soy and sesame allergens. If you or your guests have allergies, you can substitute with gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and omit sesame oil or replace it with a neutral oil. Always check the labels of your sauces to make sure they’re allergy-friendly.
Can I customize the slaw ingredients?
Absolutely! The more the merrier! You can tailor the slaw with extra veggies like shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, or even chopped apples for sweetness. Just be sure to keep the proportions balanced to maintain that delicious flavor blend. Enjoy experimenting!
Savory Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos You Can Make at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray the back of a muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Drape wonton wrappers over the inverted muffin cups and bake for 5-7 minutes until crisp and golden brown.
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet and cook the diced chicken for 3-4 minutes until no longer pink.
- Stir in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger; cook for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is glazed.
- Combine coleslaw mix, green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey in a bowl; toss to coat.
- Fill the baked wonton shells with the chicken mixture, top with slaw, drizzle sweet chili sauce, and sprinkle with cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.