If you’ve ever tasted Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, you know why they’re such a hit. These crispy taco shells filled with juicy, seasoned chicken and fresh Asian-inspired slaw make a snack or dinner that everyone craves. The best part? You can recreate them at home with simple ingredients and get that same restaurant-quality flavor in less than 40 minutes. This easy version gives you the same crunch and tang but made entirely with wholesome ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
These homemade wonton tacos are light, flavorful, and perfect for both appetizers and quick weeknight meals. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how impressive they look on the table. The crispy shells hold tender, saucy chicken with a refreshing slaw on top, making every bite a balance of crunch and flavor. They’re also ideal for family gatherings or game-night platters. Plus, you can easily adjust the spice or sweetness to suit your taste.
Recipe
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Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy, flavorful Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos made at home in just 40 minutes. Juicy chicken with tangy slaw in golden wonton shells.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, finely diced
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce (30 ml)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (15 ml)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (15 ml)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp minced fresh ginger (5 ml)
- 1 (14 oz) bag coleslaw (397 g)
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (15 ml)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (15 ml)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (15 ml)
- 1 tbsp honey (15 ml)
- 16 wonton wrappers
- Sweet chili sauce, to serve
- Chopped cilantro, to serve
- Sesame seeds, to serve
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush wonton wrappers with oil and bake 7-8 minutes until golden.
- Mix diced chicken with sauces and seasonings. Cook in skillet until done.
- Combine slaw ingredients in bowl.
- Fill crispy shells with chicken and top with slaw, chili sauce, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
Notes
- For a lower-carb option, use lettuce wraps instead of wonton shells.
- Store leftover chicken up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
- Reheat before assembling for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American, Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 11
- Sodium: 957
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 33
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 75
Ingredients for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Chicken
2 chicken breasts, finely diced
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (30 ml)
1 tablespoon sesame oil (15 ml)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (15 ml)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger (5 ml)
Asian-Inspired Slaw
1 (14 oz) bag coleslaw (397 g)
4 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon sesame oil (15 ml)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15 ml)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (15 ml)
1 tablespoon honey (15 ml)
For Tacos and Toppings
16 wonton wrappers
Sweet chili sauce, to serve
Chopped cilantro, to serve
Sesame seeds, to serve
Ingredient Notes
You can swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs if you prefer juicier meat. If you want a lighter option, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the honey slightly. For the slaw, you can add shredded red cabbage or carrots for extra color. If you prefer baked shells instead of fried, baking gives the same crispy finish with less oil.
How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Step 1 – Prepare the Wonton Shells
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly brush each wonton wrapper with olive oil and drape them over the side of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes, keeping a close eye so they don’t overcook. Once they start to brown, take them out and gently separate while still pliable. Return to the oven for another 7 to 8 minutes until crispy.
Step 2 – Cook the Chicken
Combine diced chicken, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh ginger in a bowl. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté the mixture for about 7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and coated with sauce.
Step 3 – Mix the Slaw and Assemble
In a large bowl, toss coleslaw, sliced green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Stir until evenly coated. Spoon the cooked chicken into the crispy wonton shells, top with a scoop of slaw, drizzle with sweet chili sauce, and finish with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately for the best crunch.
Pro Tips for Success
• Bake the wonton shells on an inverted muffin tin for perfectly shaped taco shells.
• Don’t overfill the shells; a little goes a long way.
• Keep the slaw chilled until ready to serve for maximum freshness.
• Cook the chicken over high heat to get a quick sear without drying it out.
• Add the toppings just before serving so the shells stay crispy.
• For extra flavor, drizzle with a mix of sweet chili and a hint of rice vinegar.
Flavor Variations
• Spicy Kick: Add a touch of chili flakes to the chicken sauce.
• Peanut Twist: Mix a teaspoon of peanut butter into the slaw dressing.
• Citrus Burst: Add lime zest to the chicken for a bright, fresh flavor.
• Garlic Lover’s Version: Double the garlic for a stronger taste.
• Veggie Delight: Skip the chicken and use sautéed mushrooms or tofu instead.
Serving Suggestions
These tacos pair wonderfully with a side of jasmine rice or a small bowl of Crispy Wings with Honey Garlic Glaze. They’re ideal for party appetizers, lunch boxes, or even a fun dinner spread. Serve them on a wooden platter for an eye-catching presentation. A drizzle of extra sweet chili sauce on top brings all the flavors together.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warm. Keep the slaw separate and make fresh batches when serving again. For assembled tacos, refrigerate up to 2 days, but note that the shells may soften. To bring back some crunch, reheat them briefly in the oven.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 kcal | 30 g | 33 g | 11 g | 4 g | 957 mg |
FAQ About Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Can I air-fry the wonton shells?
Yes, air-frying works perfectly. Lightly spray the wrappers with oil, shape them over a rack, and air-fry at 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and crisp. It’s faster and gives an evenly crisp texture.
What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?
You can combine a tablespoon of soy sauce with a teaspoon of honey and a small dash of rice vinegar to mimic the flavor. It’s a simple way to recreate that slightly sweet, savory depth.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely. The chicken mixture can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just reheat before assembling your tacos to keep everything fresh and flavorful.
Are these tacos suitable for kids?
Yes, they’re mild, slightly sweet, and easy to hold. You can reduce the amount of chili sauce or skip it completely for a kid-friendly version.
How do I prevent the shells from getting soggy?
Always assemble right before serving. Keep the chicken warm and the slaw cold, then fill the tacos only when you’re ready to eat. That way, they stay crispy and fresh.
Final Thoughts
These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a fun, easy recipe that delivers incredible flavor every time. With crispy wonton shells, juicy chicken, and a tangy slaw, they’re sure to be a crowd favorite. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just craving something special, this recipe will impress. For more creative Asian-inspired dishes, check out Garlic Butter Chicken Sliders or the savory Broccoli and Beef Stir Fry.
