Name: Crispy Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos You Can Make at Home
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 cups chicken breasts (finely diced); 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (can substitute with teriyaki); 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for cooking); 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced); 1 bag coleslaw mix; 4 stalks green onions (thinly sliced); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; 16 pieces wonton wrappers (for tacos); to taste sweet chili sauce (for drizzling); to taste chopped cilantro (for garnishing); to taste sesame seeds (for garnishing)

As I prepared for a cozy night in, the craving hit me like a wave: I needed something crisp, savory, and utterly satisfying. Enter my homemade crispy Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos! They deliver that deliciously familiar taste you adore without the hassle of a restaurant visit. This budget-friendly gem is not only quick to whip up but also perfect for impressing your friends or simply treating yourself on a quiet evening at home. With the satisfying crunch of the wonton shell paired with succulent chicken, topped off with a refreshing slaw, each bite is a celebration of flavors and textures. Ready to dive into this delightful culinary adventure? Let’s get started!

Why Choose Homemade Chicken Wonton Tacos?

Deliciously Satisfying: Each bite of these tacos delivers a perfect blend of crispy, savory goodness, reminiscent of your favorite restaurant dish.

Quick Meal Solution: Whipping up this dish takes minimal time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.

Budget-Friendly: Enjoy a gourmet experience at home without breaking the bank, using simple, readily available ingredients.

Customizable Flavors: Tailor the recipe to your taste by swapping hoisin for teriyaki or adding more veggies in the slaw for extra nutrition.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for gatherings, your friends and family will be coming back for seconds! If you’re looking for more easy-to-make options, check out Cottage Cheese Chicken or experience the comforting flavors of Hearty Bokchoy Chicken.

Get ready to impress everyone with these homemade delights!

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Ingredients

For the Filling
• Chicken breasts – A lean protein source, finely diced for quick cooking.
• Hoisin sauce – Adds a sweet and rich depth; you can substitute teriyaki for a milder flavor.
• Sesame oil – Packs extra flavor and is essential to both the chicken and slaw prep.
• Soy sauce – Provides savory umami; use tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Infuses aromatic goodness into the filling.
• Fresh ginger (1 tsp, minced) – Adds a zesty warmth that elevates the flavor.

For the Slaw
• Coleslaw mix (1 bag) – Brings a delightful crunch and freshness to your tacos.
• Green onions (4, thinly sliced) – Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the filling.
• Rice vinegar (1 tbsp) and honey (1 tbsp) – Balance the slaw’s flavors with a perfect touch of acidity and sweetness.

For the Shells and Toppings
• Wonton wrappers (16) – These create the crispy taco shells that hold all the deliciousness.
• Sweet chili sauce – Ideal for drizzling, adding sweetness and just a hint of spice.
• Chopped cilantro and sesame seeds – For garnishing, they provide freshness and visual appeal to your dish.

Now that you have everything you need, you’re one step closer to enjoying those delightful homemade Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos!

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). While the oven heats, prepare a muffin tin by spraying it lightly with cooking spray. This will ensure your wonton wrappers release easily after baking. The spray adds a layer of crispiness and helps achieve that perfect golden brown color for your taco shells.

Step 2: Bake the Wonton Wrappers
Place the wonton wrappers over the inverted muffin cups, pressing them gently to mold into taco shapes. Bake in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as you want that crispy texture without burning. Once done, remove them and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced chicken breasts and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the chicken is no longer pink. This quick cooking will keep the chicken tender. As the chicken cooks, the savory aroma will fill your kitchen, hinting at the delicious Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos to come.

Step 4: Add Flavorful Sauces
Once the chicken is cooked through, stir in the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce glaze the chicken beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fully coated and glossy, with the flavors melding together perfectly.

Step 5: Prepare the Slaw Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, sliced green onions, a drizzle of sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey. Toss everything together until the coleslaw is well-coated. This crunchy mixture will add freshness and balance to the richness of the chicken in your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos
Now it’s time for the fun part! Fill each baked wonton shell with a generous scoop of the savory chicken mixture. Top it with a hearty portion of the coleslaw for added crunch. Drizzle your tacos with sweet chili sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and sesame seeds for a pop of flavor and visual appeal.

Step 7: Serve Immediately
Serve your homemade Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos right away to enjoy them at their crispy best. Pair with extra sweet chili sauce for dipping if desired. These delightful tacos make for an impressive meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Expert Tips for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Crispy Shells Reminder: Fill the wonton shells just before serving to keep them crispy. This prevents sogginess from the fillings.
Flavorful Filling: For an even richer flavor, marinate the chicken in hoisin sauce and sesame oil for a few minutes before cooking.
Quick Cooking: If using ground chicken instead of diced breasts, reduce cooking time slightly to avoid drying out the meat in your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos.
Veggie Boost: Feel free to add shredded carrots or diced bell peppers to your coleslaw mix for extra nutrition and flavor.
Spicy Kick: Want some heat? Mix in sriracha with the chicken or drizzle it on top of the tacos before serving.

Storage Tips for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Fridge: Store the chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keeping them apart ensures your wonton shells remain crispy and fresh.

Freezer: If you have leftovers, freeze the chicken filling in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, microwave the chicken filling until hot, about 1-2 minutes, and fill your baked wonton shells right before serving for the best texture.

Wonton Shells: For the crispiest experience, avoid refrigerating the wonton shells. Instead, bake fresh shells as needed, especially for your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos!

What to Serve With Homemade Crispy Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Elevate your taco night with these delightful sides and drinks that perfectly complement the crunchy, savory goodness of your tacos.

Creamy Avocado Dip: A velvety dip adds a luxurious touch, balancing the crunchy texture of the tacos with its smoothness. Perfect for dipping or spreading!
Spicy Black Bean Soup: This hearty soup brings a comforting warmth and rich flavor to your meal, making every bite of the tacos even more satisfying.
Cilantro Lime Rice: The zesty, fragrant rice acts as a refreshing side that pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory chicken filling in your tacos.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these fries are perfect for adding a bit of sweetness to your meal without overpowering your tacos.
Refreshing Cucumber Salad: Tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, this salad offers a crisp, cool contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken filling and slaw.
Sweet Chili Sauce Dipping Bowl: Serve extra sweet chili sauce on the side for an added kick or drizzle, amplifying the taco experience with each bite.

For a delightful dessert to round out your meal, consider pairing it with fresh fruit salad or simple coconut macaroons for a sweet finish!

Make Ahead Options

These Homemade Crispy Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a fantastic option for meal prep! You can prepare the chicken filling and coleslaw mixture up to 3 days in advance—simply store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. For the best results, fill the baked wonton shells just before serving to keep them crispy. When you’re ready to enjoy your tacos, reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, then assemble with the slaw and garnishes. This approach not only saves you time during busy weeknights but also ensures you enjoy restaurant-quality flavors right at home!

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Variations

Feel free to explore these delicious twists, making each bite even more exciting!

Gluten-Free: Use tamari in place of soy sauce and gluten-free wonton wrappers for a safe option.
Vegetable-Packed: Add shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, or cucumbers to the slaw for extra crunch and nutrition, enhancing each mouthful with vibrant flavors.
Spicy Kick: Mix sriracha into the chicken filling or drizzle it over the assembled tacos for a fiery burst of heat, making these perfect for spice lovers.
Hoisin Alternative: Swap hoisin sauce with teriyaki for a lighter and sweeter flavor profile, creating a delightful change that’s still mouth-watering.
Quick Oven Tacos: Instead of frying, air-fry the wonton wrappers at 375°F for about 5 minutes for a healthier and equally crispy option.
Savory Veggie Fusion: Toss in baby spinach or shredded cabbage into the filling for an earthy twist, elevating both flavor and health benefits.
Protein Variation: Try using ground turkey or tofu as a substitute for chicken, providing different tastes while keeping cooking times in mind.

Explore these ideas to customize your meal, and if you’re up for more tasty adventures, don’t miss out on the flavors of Mongolian Chicken Wow! Cooking should be as fun and fulfilling as eating these delightful Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos!

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe ingredients for my chicken wonton tacos?
Absolutely! When picking chicken breasts, look for ones that are firm, pink, and free from any dark spots. For the fresh ingredients, choose green onions that are vibrant and fresh with no wilting, and select coleslaw mix that appears crisp and not overly wilted.

How should I store leftovers, and how long do they last?
Store your chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This separation helps keep the wonton shells crispy and fresh. You can also store any unused wonton wrappers in an airtight container to maintain their quality.

Can I freeze the chicken filling for later use?
Very! To freeze your chicken filling, let it cool completely and then place it in an airtight container. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, and fill your freshly baked wonton shells right before serving for the best texture.

What should I do if my wonton shells turn out soggy?
If your wonton shells become soggy, it’s likely because they were filled too early or stored improperly. To fix this, fill the shells just before serving. If you have leftover wonton shells, you can bake them again at 375°F for 2-3 minutes to regain their crispiness.

Are these chicken wonton tacos suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Yes, you can easily customize this recipe. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce and find gluten-free wonton wrappers. It’s also a good idea to check the ingredients in your sauces to make sure they meet any other dietary needs, especially if you have allergies.

What if I want to add more veggies to my slaw?
The more the merrier! Feel free to mix in shredded carrots, diced peppers, or even some chopped cilantro for added flavor and crunch. Simply toss them in along with the coleslaw mix and dressings, and you’ll have a colorful and nutritious addition to your tacos!