In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding a satisfying homemade meal can sometimes feel like a mini crisis. That’s where these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos shine! This fun copycat recipe brings together crispy wonton shells stuffed with tender, honey-garlic chicken and topped with a zesty slaw. What I love most about these tacos is their delightful crunch and vibrant flavor that will make you forget all about fast food. Plus, they’re not just quick to whip up; they’re also meal prep-friendly and high in protein—perfect for feeding a family or stashing some in the fridge for a busy week ahead. Are you ready to take your taste buds on a flavorful adventure? Let’s dive in!
Why are these tacos a must-try?
Crispy, Crunchy Perfection: Each taco features a delightful wonton shell that offers a satisfying crunch that’s utterly irresistible.
Flavor Explosion: Combining honey-garlic chicken with a refreshing slaw, every bite bursts with rich flavors that dance on your palate.
Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, these tacos can be ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight meals!
Meal Prep Friendly: Make these in advance and store the components separately; they’re ideal for busy schedules or unexpected guests.
Kid-Approved: Packed with protein and fun to eat, these tacos are a hit with kids, making mealtime enjoyable for the whole family.
If you’re in search of more quick and delicious meals, be sure to check out Chicken Wonton Tacos and Buffalo Chicken Dip for family favorites!
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Ingredients
• Dive into the deliciousness of these crispy tacos!
For the Chicken Filling
- Chicken Breasts – Finely dice for even cooking and ideal filling texture.
- Hoisin Sauce – Adds a sweet and rich depth; swap with teriyaki if needed.
- Sesame Oil – Provides a delightful nutty flavor; can use olive oil as a substitute.
- Soy Sauce – Balances flavors with a hint of saltiness; tamari works for gluten-free.
- Garlic (minced) – Elevates the flavor with its aromatic essence; fresh is best!
- Fresh Ginger (minced) – Infuses warmth and zest; ground ginger can be used in a pinch.
For the Zesty Slaw
- Asian-Inspired Slaw – Offers crunch and freshness; a pre-packaged mix saves time.
- Green Onions – Brightens the dish and adds a beautiful garnish; scallions can do the trick.
- Rice Vinegar – Adds the perfect acidity to balance flavors; apple cider vinegar is a great alternative.
- Honey – Sweetens the slaw beautifully; feel free to use maple syrup instead.
For the Taco Assembly
- Wonton Wrappers – Forms the crispy shells; lettuce wraps can be a low-carb alternative.
- Sweet Chili Sauce – A drizzle on top adds a nice sweetness; sriracha can add a spicy kick.
- Chopped Cilantro – Fresh herb for that burst of flavor; parsley works if you’re not a cilantro fan.
- Sesame Seeds – Adds an extra crunch; skip if you don’t have them on hand.
Craft these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos to enjoy a delightful culinary experience right at home!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Wonton Wrappers
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, take your wonton wrappers and lightly spray them with cooking spray. Drape them over the sections of a 9×13 baking dish, ensuring they form a cup shape. This will allow them to crisp up perfectly as they bake, providing a delicious crunch for your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos.
Step 2: Bake the Wonton Shells
Once your oven is preheated, place the wonton-wrapped baking dish into the oven. Bake for about 7–8 minutes until the wrappers become pliable. Carefully remove them from the oven, gently pull the wrappers apart, and return them to the oven for another 7–8 minutes. They should turn golden brown and crispy, creating the perfect shell for your filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Filling
While the wonton shells are baking, take a large bowl and combine your finely diced chicken breasts with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Toss everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated. This mixture, brimming with flavor, is the heart of your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos and will take about 5–10 minutes to prepare.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Mixture
Heat a skillet over high heat and add the marinated chicken mixture. Sauté the chicken for around 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked through and no longer pink. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is sizzling and shows a beautiful golden coloration. This step locks in all the juicy flavors for your tacos.
Step 5: Make the Zesty Slaw
In a separate bowl, combine the Asian-inspired slaw, chopped green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Mix the ingredients until well combined. The slaw adds a refreshing crunch and zing to your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, balancing the savoriness of the chicken beautifully. Set this aside while you prepare to assemble the tacos.
Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos
With both the chicken filling and slaw ready, it’s time to assemble your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos. Take a crispy wonton shell and fill it generously with the chicken mixture. Top it off with a spoonful of the zesty slaw, then drizzle on some sweet chili sauce. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra flair before serving.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange your assembled Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos on a serving platter, and watch the excitement as they’re brought to the table! They’re delicious when served warm, making them perfect for sharing as an appetizer or a fun family meal. Enjoy the delightful crunch and flavorful combination that makes these tacos so special!
Expert Tips for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
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Chicken Prep: Ensure to finely dice the chicken breasts for even cooking and optimal texture in your filling.
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Wonton Shells: Avoid overbaking the wonton wrappers initially. This helps maintain their pliability for easy filling later.
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Flavor Enhancements: Consider adding a touch of lime juice or zest to the slaw for an extra refreshing kick.
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Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the chicken filling and slaw a day in advance for a quicker assembly during busy weeknights.
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Storage Advice: Store leftover chicken filling in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheat before using. Wonton shells are best enjoyed fresh for the best crunch!
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Switch it Up: For a delightful twist, try swapping the chicken for rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time while still enjoying these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos.
What to Serve with Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Fall in love with the vibrant flavors and textures all while creating a well-rounded dinner experience that tantalizes the taste buds.
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Creamy Avocado Dip: A smooth and rich dip that complements the savory flavors of the chicken tacos beautifully. It’s perfect for enhancing each crunch and adds a refreshing creaminess.
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Crispy Asian-Style Vegetable Spring Rolls: These light and crunchy rolls bring an additional texture to your meal. Filled with colorful veggies, they mirror the taco’s flavors while adding a fun, bite-sized option to savor.
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Spicy Thai Noodle Salad: A zesty salad tossed in peanut dressing offers a delightful contrast to the rich tacos. The crunchy veggies and flavorful noodles elevate your meal while keeping it light and fresh.
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Honey-Sesame Green Beans: Sautéed with a touch of sweetness and nuttiness, these beans are the ideal side. Their vibrant color and crisp texture brighten up the plate and balance the main dish perfectly.
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Mango Salsa: This fresh, fruity salsa adds a zesty punch, perfectly capable of cutting through the richness of the chicken. Pair it with tortilla chips for a fun, shared appetizer before indulging in your tacos.
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Cold Beer Pairing: Opt for a refreshing lager or craft beer that cools down the flavors and enhances the meal’s appeal. The carbonation pairs harmoniously with the crunch of the tacos.
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Chilled Coconut Lime Agua Fresca: This light and refreshing drink complements the flavors of your meal while providing a cooling effect. It’s perfect for warm nights and adds a tropical twist to your dinner.
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Mini Cheesecake Bites: End your meal on a sweet note with these bite-sized treats. Their creamy texture and hint of tangy flavor create a delightful contrast to the savory, spiced elements of your main dish.
Make Ahead Options
These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can easily prepare the chicken filling and zesty slaw up to 3 days in advance. Simply cook the chicken mixture as directed, allow it to cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its flavor. The slaw can also be mixed ahead and refrigerated, preventing the ingredients from wilting. When it’s time to serve, bake the wonton wrappers fresh for that perfect crunch and simply assemble the tacos by filling the crispy shells with your prepped chicken and slaw. This approach saves you time on busy weeknights while ensuring every bite is just as delicious!
How to Store and Freeze Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
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Fridge: Store leftover chicken filling in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or microwave before assembling your tacos.
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Wonton Shells: For optimal crunch, enjoy them fresh. If you must store, keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.
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Freezer: Freeze the chicken filling in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and assembling your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos.
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Reheating: When ready to serve, reheat the filling gently in a skillet to maintain moisture, and warm the wonton shells in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your tacos with these delicious twists!
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Rotisserie Chicken: Swap out fresh chicken for pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time while still enjoying great flavor.
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Spicy Slaw: Spice things up by adding sliced jalapeños or chili flakes to the slaw for an extra kick that’ll awaken your taste buds!
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Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with a medley of sautéed veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for a delightful vegetarian version, ensuring everyone at the table is satisfied.
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Mini Tortilla Shells: Use small tortillas instead of wonton wrappers for a different take that offers a soft yet chewy texture, making the tacos uniquely fun.
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Honey-Lime Drizzle: Mix lime juice and honey to create a zesty drizzle over your slaw—bright, tangy, and incredibly refreshing!
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Soy-Free Option: If you prefer to skip soy sauce, consider tamari for a gluten-free alternative or coconut aminos for a delightful sweetness without the soy.
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Garlic Butter Marinade: For a richer flavor, sauté your chicken in a garlic butter sauce before assembling—adding depth and a mouthwatering aroma.
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Pickled Veggies: Top your tacos with quick pickled vegetables like carrots or daikon for a tangy crunch that compliments the savory chicken beautifully.
And if you’re looking for more scrumptious ideas, don’t forget to explore my recipes for Garlic Parmesan Chicken or Cajun Chicken Alfredo for a world of flavors. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Absolutely, using boneless, skinless chicken breasts is ideal for this recipe. Finely dicing the chicken helps it cook evenly and provides a better texture within the tacos. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute!
How should I store leftovers from Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos?
I recommend storing the chicken filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’ve made some delicious slaw as well, store it separately to maintain its crunch. Just remember to reheat the filling before you put everything together for a fresh bite!
Can I freeze the chicken filling?
Yes, you can! To freeze your chicken filling, place it in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. Before assembling your tacos, reheat gently in a skillet until warmed through.
What should I do if my wonton wrappers don’t come out crispy?
If your wonton shells aren’t crispy enough, it may be due to baking time or temperature. Make sure to preheat your oven properly and bake them until they are lightly golden brown. If overbaked, they might become too dry. Keeping a close eye during the last few minutes is key to achieving that perfect crunch!
Can I use a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Very! You can substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option, and if you want to eliminate grains altogether, consider using lettuce wraps instead of wonton wrappers. This keeps it delicious while accommodating dietary restrictions.
How can I keep the slaw fresh for later?
To keep your slaw fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Adding the dressing right before serving helps prevent the slaw from becoming soggy. If you prepare a batch ahead of time, mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine when you’re ready to serve!
Savory Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos You Can Make at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray wonton wrappers with cooking spray. Drape over sections of a 9×13 baking dish to form cups.
- Bake the wonton shells for about 7-8 minutes until pliable, then remove, separate, and return to bake for another 7-8 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- In a large bowl, combine diced chicken with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Toss until coated.
- Heat a skillet over high heat and sauté the chicken mixture for around 7-8 minutes until cooked through and no longer pink.
- In another bowl, combine Asian-inspired slaw, green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Mix until combined.
- Assemble tacos by filling a wonton shell with chicken mixture, top with slaw, drizzle with sweet chili sauce, and garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds.
- Serve assembled tacos warm as an appetizer or family meal.
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