Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos bring sweet, savory, and crunchy into one bite. They use crisp baked wonton shells, glazed chicken, and a fresh slaw. If you enjoy simple bar-style dishes, you might also like the hearty flavors in this buffalo chicken bowls recipe for another easy meal idea.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe balances textures and tastes. The baked wonton shells give crunch. The hoisin-glazed chicken adds sweet and savory notes. The coleslaw adds brightness and crunch. These parts work together to make each bite interesting and full. For more ideas on pairing bold chicken flavors in handhelds, check a similar take like these cheesy chicken garlic wraps.
Why you should try this recipe
This recipe is fast and crowd-pleasing. It uses easy ingredients you can buy at any store. You can make the tacos ahead and bake shells just before serving to keep them crisp. Kids and adults usually like the mix of sweet chili sauce and glazed chicken.
How to make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Follow clear, simple steps. Make the chicken glossy with hoisin and soy, bake wonton shells in a muffin tin, toss a quick slaw, then assemble. You can reuse leftover diced chicken in other dishes like a quick chicken crust pizza if you have any left.
Ingredients :
- 2 chicken breasts, finely diced
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp minced fresh ginger
- 1 bag coleslaw mix
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (for slaw)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (for slaw)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 16 wonton wrappers
- Sweet chili sauce, for serving
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Equipments Needed
- Oven
- Muffin tin
- Cooking spray
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions :
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly spray the back of a muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Drape wonton wrappers over inverted muffin cups to form taco shells. Bake 5-7 minutes until crisp and golden.
- Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes until no longer pink.
- Stir in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Cook another 2-3 minutes until chicken is glazed.
- In a bowl, mix coleslaw, green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey until coated.
- Fill wonton shells with chicken. Top with slaw, sweet chili sauce, cilantro, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately for maximum crunch!
How to serve Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Serve the tacos right after you fill them so the shells stay crisp. Arrange on a platter with extra sweet chili sauce on the side. Add lime wedges if you like a citrus lift. Serve with a light beer or iced tea.
How to store Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Store any leftover glazed chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep baked wonton shells in a cool, dry place in a sealed container for up to 2 days, but they are best fresh. Reheat chicken in a skillet, then assemble just before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Do not fill shells too early. Fill right before serving to keep them crunchy.
- Use a non-stick spray on the muffin tin so wontons release easily.
- Cut the chicken small so it fits well in the small shells.
- If you need more sauce, add a little extra hoisin or sweet chili.
- To use extra cooked chicken in another meal, try a quick stir and serve like in this chicken lo mein recipe for a fast dinner.
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
- Use gluten-free wonton wrappers to make this gluten-free.
- Add shredded carrot or apple to the slaw for extra crunch.
- Substitute hoisin with teriyaki sauce for a milder glaze.
- Make spicy: add sriracha to the hoisin mix or to the slaw dressing.
FAQs
Q: Can I fry the wonton wrappers instead of baking?
A: Yes. Frying gives a different crunch. Drain on paper towels and cool before filling.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Make chicken and slaw ahead, but bake and fill shells right before serving to keep them crisp.
Q: How do I make the chicken more spicy?
A: Add 1 tsp sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the hoisin mix while cooking.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes. Shred it and toss with the hoisin-soy glaze in the skillet to warm and coat.
Q: Are there vegetarian options?
A: Use firm tofu or cooked mushrooms instead of chicken. Glaze the same way.
Conclusion
Try this recipe to enjoy a simple, crunchy, and flavorful snack or meal like at the restaurant. See the official Applebee’s menu for the original inspiration at Applebee’s® Chicken Wonton Tacos – Dine-in, Takeout, or Delivery, or read a home cook’s copycat take at Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos – The Girl on Bloor.
PrintApplebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Enjoy sweet, savory, and crunchy Chicken Wonton Tacos that are easy to make and crowd-pleasing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, finely diced
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp minced fresh ginger
- 1 bag coleslaw mix
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (for slaw)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (for slaw)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 16 wonton wrappers
- Sweet chili sauce, for serving
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the back of a muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Drape wonton wrappers over inverted muffin cups to form taco shells. Bake for 5-7 minutes until crisp and golden.
- Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes until no longer pink.
- Stir in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Cook an additional 2-3 minutes until chicken is glazed.
- In a bowl, mix coleslaw, green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey until coated.
- Fill wonton shells with chicken. Top with slaw, sweet chili sauce, cilantro, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately for maximum crunch!
Notes
Do not fill shells too early. Fill right before serving to keep them crunchy. Use a non-stick spray on the muffin tin to ensure wontons release easily.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg