A delightful twist on classic flavors awaits you with these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos! The first time I tasted this dish, I was transported to a vibrant fusion of textures and tastes that made it impossible to forget. Imagine biting into a crispy wonton shell filled with savory chicken, topped with a refreshing coleslaw that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of chili sauce.
After a long day of juggling tasks, I often crave something that feels special without a hassle. That’s where these tacos shine! In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a dish that’s not only crowd-pleasing but also made from ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. Whether it’s a weekend gathering or a fun weeknight dinner, these tacos can easily be tailored to suit your taste. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create a dinner that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why will you love Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos?
Quick and Easy: You’ll have a delicious meal ready in just 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
Crispy Perfection: The wonton shells offer a satisfying crunch that complements the savory filling beautifully.
Flavorful Fusion: The blend of hoisin, sesame, and fresh veggies creates a mouthwatering taste sensation.
Customizable Delight: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or make it vegetarian with tofu!
Crowd-Pleaser: These tacos are sure to impress family and friends—ideal for gatherings or casual dinners.
Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, these tacos provide a satisfying and nutritious option.
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling
• Chicken breasts – finely diced for tender and juicy bites filled with flavor.
• Hoisin sauce – adds a sweet and savory dimension that elevates the dish.
• Sesame oil – imparts a nutty aroma and enhances the overall taste.
• Soy sauce – provides a hint of saltiness to balance the sweetness.
• Garlic – minced for a robust and aromatic kick.
• Fresh ginger – offers a zesty brightness that complements the savory elements.
For the Coleslaw
• Coleslaw mix – a blend of crunchy cabbage and carrots for texture and freshness.
• Green onions – thinly sliced to give a sharp, mildly sweet crunch.
• Rice vinegar – brings a tangy flavor that cuts through the richness.
• Honey – a touch of natural sweetness to marry the flavors together.
• Soy sauce – a splash to keep the coleslaw flavorful and vibrant.
For Assembly
• Wonton wrappers – the perfect crispy shells for holding all the deliciousness inside!
• Sweet chili sauce – serves as a delightful drizzle that enhances the flavors.
• Chopped cilantro – adds a fresh herbaceous note as a vibrant topping.
• Sesame seeds – for an extra crunch and nutty flavor to finish off your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos.
How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
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Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray wonton wrappers with cooking spray or brush with olive or canola oil. Drape them over the sides of a baking dish, then bake for 7-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. Gently pull apart the wonton shells while they’re still pliable for easier filling. Bake for an additional 7-8 minutes until they’re crispy and golden.
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Mix the chicken filling by combining diced chicken breast with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger in a large bowl. Heat a skillet over high heat, then sauté the chicken mixture for 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently until fully cooked through and deliciously fragrant.
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Combine the coleslaw ingredients! In another large bowl, mix together the coleslaw, green onions, rice vinegar, honey, and a splash of soy sauce until everything is coated and flavorful.
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Assemble your tacos by filling each wonton shell with the savory chicken mixture, then topping with a generous scoop of coleslaw. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve these crunchy delights warm, and enjoy every mouthful!
Optional: Serve with extra sweet chili sauce on the side for those who love a little extra kick.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Fridge: Store leftover tacos in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the filling and coleslaw separate to maintain crispiness.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap the filled wonton tacos individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the wontons soggy.
Assembling Fresh: When ready to serve, consider preparing the filling and coleslaw fresh, then assemble the frozen wonton shells for the perfect taste and texture of Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos.
Expert Tips for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
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Wonton Wrappers: Make sure to keep an eye on the wonton wrappers while they bake; they can go from golden to burnt in a flash if not watched closely.
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Chicken Cooking: Use a high heat when sautéing the chicken to get a nice sear and lock in those savory flavors. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of browning.
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Coleslaw Crunch: Prepare the coleslaw mixture right before assembling the tacos to ensure it stays crisp. Avoid adding dressing too early to prevent sogginess.
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Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, add sliced jalapeños to the coleslaw or drizzle extra sweet chili sauce over the finished tacos for that perfect spicy-sweet contrast.
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Presentation Matters: For a beautiful presentation, serve your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos on a colorful platter, garnished with additional cilantro and sesame seeds for that professional touch.
What to Serve with Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos?
Creating a delightful meal around your tacos can elevate your dining experience with exciting textures and flavors.
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Creamy Avocado Dip: This rich and creamy dip adds a smooth contrast, perfectly complementing the crispy wontons. A squeeze of lime brightens everything up!
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Spicy Sriracha Slaw: Kick up the flavor with a spicy slaw that echoes the coleslaw in the tacos but adds an extra zing. It’s a refreshing crunch that will make every bite sing.
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Coconut Rice: Fluffy rice with a hint of coconut creates a tropical twist, making an ideal base that softens the crunchy tacos. Its subtle sweetness balances out the savory chicken.
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Mango Salsa: A sweet and tangy mango salsa offers a bright pop of flavor. Its juicy pieces contrast beautifully with the crunchy tacos and adds a refreshing element to every bite.
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Garlic Edamame: These tender, lightly salted pods provide a satisfying bite and a burst of protein. Their slight nuttiness gives the meal a wholesome touch.
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Chilled Herbal Tea: A refreshing iced herbal tea pairs well with the spicy and savory elements of the dish. Try mint or hibiscus for a fragrant finish.
Each of these sides and drinks can enhance your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, making your meal not just filling but a delightful culinary adventure!
Make Ahead Options
These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to streamline your cooking process and savor homemade flavors any night of the week! You can prepare the chicken filling up to 3 days ahead; just store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and flavorful. The coleslaw can also be prepped and refrigerated up to 24 hours ahead—just mix the ingredients and give it a gentle stir before serving to revitalize the flavors. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake the wonton shells according to the instructions and assemble the tacos with the prepared filling and coleslaw for a quick and delightful meal!
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Variations
Customize this dish to elevate your dining experience and excite your taste buds!
- Spicy Twist: Add chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture for a fiery kick that enhances the savory flavors.
- Vegetarian Delight: Swap chicken for diced tofu or tempeh, marinating them in the same sauces for a delicious plant-based option.
- Crunchy Additions: Mix in some slivered almonds or crushed peanuts into the coleslaw for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt intake without sacrificing taste, making these tacos wholesome and heart-healthy.
- Herbal Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like mint or basil in the coleslaw to give a refreshing twist that brightens the dish.
- Sweet Variations: Add diced mango or pineapple to the coleslaw for a burst of tropical sweetness that perfectly offsets the savory chicken.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free wonton wrappers or lettuce leaves instead to enjoy a lighter, gluten-free version of these delightful tacos.
- Creamy Finish: Drizzle with a tangy yogurt sauce or avocado crema for a creamy contrast to the crispy wonton shells.
Feel free to mix and match these variations according to your cravings!
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for the coleslaw?
Selecting fresh and crisp vegetables is key! Look for vibrant green cabbage and bright orange carrots without any wilting or browning. Ensure the green onions have a firm texture and a fresh aroma. The fresher your ingredients, the better your coleslaw will taste!
How long can I store leftover tacos?
Absolutely! You can store leftover Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, keep the filling and coleslaw separate from the wonton shells to avoid sogginess. This way, you can enjoy that satisfying crunch when you’re ready for round two!
Can I freeze the filled wonton tacos?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, wrap the filled tacos individually in plastic wrap and place them in a labeled freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply bake them from frozen at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
What if my wonton wrappers aren’t crispy?
Very! If your wonton wrappers aren’t crispy, it may be due to moisture. Ensure they are baked long enough until they turn a lovely golden color. Another tip is to let excess moisture evaporate while baking—keep an eye on them, and if they look pale, consider giving them a few extra minutes. Always pull them apart gently while they’re still pliable to avoid tearing!
Are there any dietary considerations for serving these tacos?
Absolutely! If you’re serving individuals with allergies, check to ensure no one is allergic to soy products or sesame oil. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free wonton wrappers. You can also make these vegetarian by substituting the chicken with tofu or your favorite plant-based protein!
Can I use different sauces in the filling?
The more the merrier! While hoisin and soy sauce provide that classic flavor, feel free to experiment with sweet and sour sauce or even teriyaki sauce if you want a different twist. Just ensure that the sauces balance each other in sweetness and saltiness. Happy cooking!
Savor Homemade Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Tonight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray wonton wrappers with cooking spray or brush with olive or canola oil. Drape them over the sides of a baking dish, then bake for 7-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. Gently pull apart the wonton shells while they're still pliable for easier filling. Bake for an additional 7-8 minutes until they’re crispy and golden.
- Mix the chicken filling by combining diced chicken breast with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger in a large bowl. Heat a skillet over high heat, then sauté the chicken mixture for 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently until fully cooked through and deliciously fragrant.
- Combine the coleslaw ingredients! In another large bowl, mix together the coleslaw, green onions, rice vinegar, honey, and a splash of soy sauce until everything is coated and flavorful.
- Assemble your tacos by filling each wonton shell with the savory chicken mixture, then topping with a generous scoop of coleslaw. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve these crunchy delights warm, and enjoy every mouthful!