Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos bring together crispy texture and bold flavor in a single handheld bite. This easy recipe lets you enjoy restaurant-style tacos at home with juicy marinated chicken and a lively Asian-inspired slaw tucked into crunchy wonton shells. The vibrant contrasts of savory chicken warmth and cool tangy slaw quickly make these a party favorite or a weeknight treat.

I started making these when my best friend requested something unique for a girls’ night. From then on they became my go-to recipe when I want something fun and crowd-pleasing. The leftovers have never lasted long in our house.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: diced small for quick marinating and even cooking look for firm pink chicken with minimal moisture for best texture
• Hoisin sauce: adds bold umami sweetness pick a brand where soybeans are listed as the first ingredient
• Sesame oil: gives nutty aroma and deep flavor always use toasted sesame oil for richer taste
• Soy sauce: provides savory depth and balances sweetness choose low sodium if watching salt
• Garlic: fresh cloves round out the marinade with pungency always use newly peeled garlic to avoid bitterness
• Fresh ginger: delivers bright warming zing opt for smooth light-skinned pieces with no shriveling
• Coleslaw mix: makes prep simple and keeps slaw crisp use a bag with mostly cabbage and a few carrots if possible
• Green onions: add sharpness and color look for crisp stalks with bright green tops
• Rice vinegar: gently lifts the flavors in the slaw select a mild rice vinegar without added sugar
• Honey: brings a hint of natural sweetness the floral kind pairs best
• Wonton wrappers: are light and shatteringly crisp after baking choose a pack with no cracks or dryness
• Sweet chili sauce: lends tangy heat and a glossy finish choose a Thai brand for authentic flavor
• Chopped cilantro: offers fresh herbal brightness pick leafy sprigs with little to no browning
• Sesame seeds: add crunch and a nutty pop toast lightly in a dry skillet for extra aroma if desired

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Wonton Shells:

Gently spray or brush wonton wrappers with a neutral oil and drape over the side edges of a large baking dish so each forms a taco shape. Bake at 375 F for about seven to eight minutes. Watch closely as they brown. Pull the wrappers apart with tongs while soft for easier filling and finish baking until crisp and golden.

Marinate and Cook the Chicken:

In a big bowl thoroughly mix diced chicken with hoisin sauce sesame oil soy sauce garlic and ginger. Heat a nonstick skillet over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for seven to eight minutes stirring or tossing often until all pieces are completely cooked through and deeply savory. Every bit should be golden and glazed.

Mix the Asian Slaw:

While the chicken cooks toss together coleslaw mix green onions sesame oil rice vinegar soy sauce and honey in a fresh bowl. Blend well until the slaw is glossy and everything is coated. Taste for freshness the slaw should be tangy and slightly sweet.

Assemble and Garnish:

Carefully fill each crispy wonton shell with hot chicken and a generous helping of cool slaw. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce over the top and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while the shells are still snappy.

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Ever since discovering sesame oil as a pantry essential I find its aroma comforts me instantly. The toasted notes remind me of family gatherings where we’d build our own Asian-inspired snacks together. There is something joyful about crisp wrappers crackling at the first bite.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover chicken and slaw in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The crispy wonton shells are best eaten fresh but if needed cool them completely and store in a paper towel-lined container to preserve some crunch. Always assemble tacos just before eating so the shells do not soften.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs if you prefer extra juiciness and flavor. If you are out of hoisin sauce a mixture of a little barbecue sauce and soy can mimic its sweetness. Gluten-free soy sauce or tamari easily fits dietary needs. Vegans can use diced baked tofu and agave in the dressing for a plant-based twist.

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Serving Suggestions

These tacos pair perfectly with pickled cucumbers or a quick Asian-inspired noodle salad. I also like to offer extra sweet chili sauce at the table for dipping. For parties set out bowls of toppings so guests can build their own and customize their tacos with extra herbs or spicy sauces.

Cultural Context

The inspiration for these tacos comes from the growing trend of Asian-fusion dishes in American casual restaurants. Combining the familiar taco format with bold sweet and tangy Asian flavors creates a truly satisfying and playful appetizer. The crunchy wrapper nods to classic wonton snacks found throughout Chinese cuisine.

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I ensure the wonton shells turn out crispy?

Bake the wonton wrappers as directed, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Use a light coating of oil and separate gently if needed for maximum crispiness.

→ What kind of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced into small pieces cook quickly and evenly, absorbing the marinade for a flavorful filling.

→ Can I make the slaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the slaw components in advance, but for the best texture, toss everything together just before serving to keep it crisp.

→ What sauces pair well as a dip?

Sweet chili sauce complements the flavors, but sriracha mayo or a light sesame vinaigrette also work well as dipping sauces.

→ Are there any garnish suggestions?

Sprinkle chopped cilantro and sesame seeds on top for a fresh finish and visually appealing presentation.