Name: Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
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; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp honey; 16 wonton wrappers; Sweet chili sauce, for serving; Chopped cilantro, for garnish; Sesame seeds, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 14 reviews

I absolutely adore this Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe because it brings restaurant-quality flavor right into my kitchen with such effortless charm. Imagine crisp, golden wonton shells filled with a savory-sweet chicken mixture, topped with a crunchy refreshing slaw and drizzled with a sweet chili sauce that just sings. Every bite is delightfully layered with texture and rich flavors that make it impossible to stop at just one. Making these is fun, quick, and the perfect way to impress friends or spice up a weeknight dinner!

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

What really excites me about this recipe is the brilliant harmony of textures and flavors. The contrast between the crispy wonton shells and the tender, hoisin-glazed chicken filling creates an irresistible bite every time. Then, adding the fresh, zesty slaw with hints of sesame oil and honey lifts the dish with brightness and crunch. This mix of savory, sweet, and tangy notes has made it one of my all-time favorite appetizers or light meals to whip up.

Another reason I keep coming back to this Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe is just how easy it is to prepare. You don’t need complicated ingredients or techniques, and most of the magic happens by simply baking wonton wrappers in a muffin tin, then quickly cooking chicken in a flavorful sauce. It’s ideal for casual get-togethers when I want something crowd-pleasing without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it looks so cute and inviting on the plate, perfect for parties or a fun family dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marbled surface holds many small white and clear bowls arranged neatly. From left to right, there is a small white bowl filled with bright red sauce, a small clear bowl with a dark brown sauce, a small clear bowl containing a black sauce, and a small clear bowl of chopped green onions. A larger clear bowl holds diced raw chicken in the center. To the right, a wooden board carries several square sheets of yellow, thin wrappers stacked. Near the top right, three small white bowls contain light yellow minced ginger, light beige sesame seeds, and minced garlic. At the lower left corner, a clear bowl contains shredded cabbage and carrots in white and orange colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredient list for this dish is surprisingly simple but each component plays a key role in building the flavors and textures that make these tacos outstanding. From the crispy wonton shells to the sweet-savory chicken and crisp slaw, everything works together perfectly.

Chicken breasts, finely diced: This lean protein soaks up the sauce beautifully and cooks quickly.
Hoisin sauce: Adds a deep, slightly sweet and savory Asian-inspired flavor to the chicken.
Sesame oil: Used both in cooking and slaw to deliver a nutty richness.
Soy sauce: Brings a salty umami punch that balances the sweetness well.
Garlic, minced: Gives the chicken an aromatic boost that’s impossible to resist.
Fresh ginger, minced: Adds a warm, zesty note to brighten the chicken filling.
Coleslaw mix: Offers crunch and freshness to contrast the cooked chicken.
Green onions: Provide a mild oniony crunch with added color.
Rice vinegar: Injects a subtle tang that livens up the slaw.
Honey: Sweetens the slaw and chicken slightly for a beautifully balanced taste.
Wonton wrappers: The essential crispy taco shell that holds everything together.
Sweet chili sauce: For drizzling on top, giving that classic lightly spicy-sweet finish.
Chopped cilantro: A fresh herbal garnish that pops with vibrancy.
Sesame seeds: Add a nutty crunch and appealing visual texture.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray the back of a muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking and to make it easier to remove the wonton shells later.

Step 2: Drape a wonton wrapper over each inverted muffin cup to form the perfect taco shell shape. Bake these for about 5 to 7 minutes until they turn golden and crisp—keep a close eye so they don’t brown too much.

Step 3: While the shells bake, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced chicken breasts and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is just cooked through and no longer pink inside.

Step 4: Stir in the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Let this mixture cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken becomes beautifully glazed and aromatic.

Step 5: In a bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, thinly sliced green onions, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Toss everything well so the slaw is evenly coated and bursting with flavor and crunch.

Step 6: Carefully remove the crispy wonton shells from the muffin tin and fill each with a spoonful of the glazed chicken mixture. Top generously with the crunchy slaw, then drizzle with sweet chili sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish.

Step 7: Serve these tasty little tacos immediately to enjoy the full crunch of the shells and the freshness of the slaw. They are best eaten while warm and crisp!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 16 wonton tacos, which is perfect for a group appetizer or a fun main dish for 4 to 6 people. Prep time is approximately 15 minutes to dice chicken and prepare the slaw and sauce. Baking and cooking take about 15 minutes, so the total time is around 30 minutes. There is no resting time required, but you want to fill the shells just before serving to keep them crispy.

How to Serve This Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe

The image shows a white round plate on a white marbled surface, holding three soft tacos filled with a mix of ingredients. Each taco has a yellow, slightly toasted shell filled with shredded purple cabbage at the bottom, topped with grilled pieces of golden brown chicken, and small green herb leaves on top. Around the plate are three lime wedges in light green color and two small white bowls on the surface nearby, one with orange sauce and the other with chopped green herbs. A woman's hand is reaching from the left side to hold one of the tacos. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these wonton tacos as a party appetizer or alongside a light Asian-inspired meal. They pair beautifully with a chilled cucumber salad or steamed edamame for some added green and freshness. For a more indulgent spread, you could add some steamed jasmine rice or even garlic noodles on the side to round out the textures and flavors.

When plating, I arrange the tacos closely together on a large platter and garnish with extra cilantro leaves and a scattering of toasted sesame seeds to make the presentation pop. For an extra flavor boost and visual appeal, I drizzle a little more sweet chili sauce over the top right before serving. These tacos are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, so everyone gets that delicious crunch in every bite.

As for drinks, I usually go with something crisp and refreshing like a lightly sweet Riesling or a citrusy Asian beer like Sapporo to complement the sweet and savory flavors. If you prefer non-alcoholic, a sparkling iced green tea or ginger-lime soda works wonderfully too. These options make the meal feel festive and complete whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a lively gathering with friends.

Variations

I love how flexible this Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe is. For example, you can easily swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu if you want a pescatarian or vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly — shrimp cooks very fast, and tofu is best pan-fried until crispy before mixing with the sauce.

If you need to make this gluten-free, look for gluten-free wonton wrappers or use small corn tortillas instead. Tamari can replace soy sauce to keep it gluten-free as well, without sacrificing flavor. To add some heat, mixing in a bit of sriracha or chopped fresh chili to the chicken filling or drizzling extra spicy chili sauce on top really elevates the dish.

For a different twist, some nights I like to throw in shredded carrots or thinly sliced bell peppers to the slaw mix. It gives extra sweetness and crunch that refreshes the palate. You could even experiment with baking the wonton shells in mini muffin tins, creating bite-sized taco cups that are perfect for cocktail parties.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover filling or slaw, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken filling will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. Be sure not to store the crispy wonton shells with the filling as they will become soggy quickly.

Freezing

The cooked chicken filling freezes well if stored in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It keeps best for up to one month. However, I don’t recommend freezing the wonton shells because they lose their crunch and become chewy after thawing.

Reheating

When reheating the chicken filling, I prefer to do it gently on the stove over medium heat to preserve moisture and re-glaze the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible because it can dry out the chicken. To enjoy the recipe at its best, reheat the filling and freshly bake some wonton wrappers as taco shells, then assemble right before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of diced chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works well and cooks faster. Just brown it thoroughly and then add the sauces. It gives a slightly different texture but still tastes delicious.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or even use a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and vegetables. Just ensure the tofu is pressed and pan-fried to develop a nice texture before mixing with the sauce.

Can I make the wonton shells ahead of time?

You can bake the shells up to a day ahead but store them in an airtight container at room temperature. However, I recommend filling them just before serving to keep their perfect crunch.

What side dishes go best with these tacos?

Light, fresh sides like cucumber salad, steamed veggies, or jasmine rice are excellent choices. You could also serve with egg rolls or potstickers for a more complete Asian-inspired meal.

How spicy are these tacos and can I make them less spicy?

They’re generally mild, but the sweet chili sauce may add mild heat. You can control the spice by adjusting or omitting any extra chili sauce or sriracha. For a gentler flavor, stick to the hoisin and soy sauce combination.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe enough if you want a fun, flavorful dish that dazzles both the eyes and taste buds. It’s a personal favorite that never fails to impress guests or make weeknights exciting. The combination of crispy wonton shells, juicy glazed chicken, and vibrant slaw is truly irresistible. Give it a go—you’ll be so glad you did!