Name: Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 4 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe with friends and family because it perfectly blends crispy textures with sweet and savory flavors in such a delightful way. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy yet is surprisingly easy to make at home, so I always recommend it as a fun and impressive treat. The combination of crunchy wonton shells filled with tender, glazed chicken and a fresh, tangy slaw topped with a drizzle of sauce just hits every craving spot for me. Trust me, once you try these tacos, they’ll become a staple in your recipe collection too.

Why You’ll Love This Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe

What really grabs me about this recipe is the incredible flavor profile; the hoisin and soy sauce-infused chicken has that perfect balance of sweet and savory, boosted by the fragrant notes of garlic and fresh ginger. Then you’ve got the crunchy wonton shells that add a satisfying crisp with every bite, making it feel like you’re getting a little party of textures and tastes all at once. I find that the slaw, sprinkled with green onions and lightly dressed with honey and rice vinegar, brings a cool, refreshing counterpoint that makes this dish so well-rounded.

On top of being delicious, I appreciate how straightforward it is to prepare. Baking the wonton shells in a muffin tin is a clever trick that creates the perfect taco shape without any fuss, and the quick stovetop chicken glazing only takes minutes. I often make this when I want a meal that’s impressive but simple, especially for casual gatherings or a fun weeknight dinner. This recipe stands out because it transforms everyday ingredients into something that feels vibrant, fresh, and totally crave-worthy, which is why I always come back to it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A row of golden crispy dumplings sits neatly on a long white plate on a white marbled surface. Each dumpling is triangular with a bubbly, crunchy texture, and they are topped with a drizzle of dark brown sauce running down their curved sides. Finely chopped green onions and small bits of white grated topping are scattered on top, adding pops of green and white. On the left side of the plate, a small white bowl holds a dark reddish-brown dipping sauce, partly visible. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet essential because each one contributes noticeably to the deliciousness and texture of the dish. From the tender chicken and flavorful sauces to the crisp wonton wrappers and refreshing slaw mix, they all come together perfectly to create a memorable meal.

Chicken breasts: Finely diced for quick cooking and easy filling.
Hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy depth to the chicken.
Sesame oil: Used both for cooking and in the slaw to impart a rich, nutty aroma.
Soy sauce: Brings saltiness and umami to the chicken and slaw.
Garlic: Minced for a punch of savory flavor.
Fresh ginger: Adds a zesty brightness.
Coleslaw mix: The crunchy base for the fresh slaw topping.
Green onions: Thinly sliced for mild onion flavor and color.
Rice vinegar: Gives the slaw its tangy balance.
Honey: Sweetens the slaw naturally.
Wonton wrappers: Form the crispy taco shells when baked.
Sweet chili sauce: For drizzling on top, adding a little kick and sweetness.
Cilantro: Chopped for fresh herbaceous garnish.
Sesame seeds: Toasted for an extra crunch and nuttiness.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly spray the back of a muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This will form the perfect shape for your wonton taco shells.

Step 2: Drape a wonton wrapper over each inverted muffin cup, gently pressing them to take the taco shape. Bake them for 5 to 7 minutes until they are crisp and golden. Keep an eye on them because they can brown quickly.

Step 3: While your shells are baking, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced chicken and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until no longer pink in the center.

Step 4: Stir in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Keep cooking the chicken for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce has glazed the pieces nicely, coating them with rich flavor.

Step 5: In a mixing bowl, toss together the coleslaw mix, thinly sliced green onions, the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Mix everything well so the slaw is evenly coated and bursting with flavor.

Step 6: Carefully fill each crisp wonton shell with the saucy chicken mixture, then top with a generous portion of the fresh coleslaw. Drizzle sweet chili sauce over the top, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds to finish.

Step 7: Serve the tacos immediately to enjoy the maximum crunch of the shells and the layers of vibrant textures and flavors.

Servings and Timing

This Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe yields approximately 16 wonton tacos, perfect for serving 8 people if you allot 2 tacos per person. Prep time takes about 10 minutes, and cooking, including baking the shells and cooking the chicken, takes another 15 to 20 minutes. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 30 minutes to have these delicious tacos ready to enjoy. There’s no resting time needed, so you can dig in as soon as everything is assembled.

How to Serve This Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe - Recipe Image

I love serving these wonton tacos as part of a lively and colorful spread. They go wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or even a light cucumber salad to enhance the Asian-inspired flavors without overwhelming the palate. For gatherings, I often present the tacos on a large platter with small bowls of extra sweet chili sauce and sriracha on the side so everyone can customize their heat level.

When it comes to garnishing, a handful of fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds not only brighten the appearance but also add layers of aroma and crunch. I recommend serving these tacos warm so the wonton shells keep their delightful crispness, which contrasts beautifully with the juicy, saucy chicken and crisp slaw. Portion-wise, two tacos per person are usually just right for a main course, but for parties, these make excellent finger foods to nibble on.

For drinks, these tacos pair perfectly with a light, crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing pineapple mojito. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a chilled green tea or a sparkling citrus soda complements the sweet and savory flavors beautifully. These tacos really shine at casual dinners, weekend lunches, or even holiday gatherings where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Variations

I’ve found that this Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe is wonderfully versatile and easy to customize. If you want a gluten-free version, you can swap out traditional wonton wrappers for rice paper or gluten-free wonton wrappers, which keeps that crisp texture without compromising taste. For vegans, replacing chicken with firm tofu marinated in the same hoisin-soy sauce mixture works beautifully—just be sure to press the tofu well before cooking to get a nice browned texture.

You can also vary the flavor by switching hoisin sauce for teriyaki sauce if you want something milder or adding a dash of sriracha or chili flakes to the chicken while cooking for an extra spicy kick. For a smoky twist, I sometimes grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it, which adds a lovely charred note to the dish. Feel free to experiment with different slaw mixes, like adding shredded carrots or red cabbage for color and crunch changes.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When you have leftovers of this Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe, I recommend storing the chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The wonton shells should be kept dry and at room temperature if possible to avoid losing their crispness. Stored this way, the chicken and slaw will keep fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy quick taco fixings anytime.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the chicken filling, it freezes well in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. However, the wonton shells and slaw do not freeze well as they will lose their texture upon thawing. I recommend freezing only the chicken mixture and making fresh shells and slaw when ready to serve for the best experience.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken filling, I prefer warming it gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through to avoid drying it out. If needed, add a splash of water or a bit more hoisin sauce to keep it saucy. Avoid microwaving the wonton shells with the filling, as they will become soggy. Instead, refresh the shells briefly in a preheated oven at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes to crisp them up before assembling your tacos again.

FAQs

Can I make the wonton shells from scratch instead of using store-bought wrappers?

Absolutely! If you enjoy making dough from scratch, homemade wonton wrappers can add a special touch, but keep in mind that store-bought wrappers are convenient and provide consistent results for crispness and texture. Making them fresh might take more time but will taste wonderful if you prefer that extra effort.

What can I substitute for hoisin sauce if I can’t find it?

If hoisin sauce isn’t available, a mixture of soy sauce, peanut butter, a little honey, and a splash of rice vinegar can mimic its sweet and savory qualities. Alternatively, teriyaki sauce is a great milder substitute and will give you delicious flavor for the chicken.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken filling a day in advance and refrigerate it. The slaw can also be prepped early, but I recommend tossing it with dressing closer to serving time to keep it crisp. Bake the wonton shells right before the party or store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crunchy.

How spicy are these tacos, and can I adjust the heat level?

The recipe as given is mild and balanced, but you can easily adjust spiciness by adding sriracha to the chicken or drizzling extra on top. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can omit these additions, or if you love spice, add crushed red pepper or jalapeños to the slaw for an extra kick.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Definitely! Shrimp, pulled pork, or even crispy tofu work wonderfully as alternatives. The key is to season and cook your protein similarly to the chicken, using the same sauce base to maintain consistent flavors that complement the wonton shells and slaw.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress and satisfy. It combines flavorful ingredients and textures in a way that’s both approachable and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these tacos bring excitement and freshness to the table with every bite. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll want to keep coming back for more!