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 5 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe because it perfectly balances crispy textures with bold, savory flavors that instantly brighten up any meal. From the crunchy wonton shells to the sweet and tangy chicken filling layered with fresh, zesty slaw, these tacos deliver a restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whenever I make this dish, the blend of sesame, garlic, and ginger just sings, and the sweet chili sauce drizzle puts it over the top. It’s a fun, vibrant dish that never fails to impress guests or satisfy my own craving for something deliciously different.

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

One of the reasons I am so enthusiastic about this Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe is the explosion of flavors packed into each bite. The chicken is beautifully glazed with a mix of hoisin sauce, soy, garlic, and ginger, giving it a sweet yet savory punch that is totally addictive. The crisp wonton shells provide a wonderful contrast to the tender filling, while the coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and brightness from the rice vinegar and honey. Every element is thoughtfully layered to create a perfect harmony of taste and texture that keeps me coming back for more.

Another thing I love about this recipe is how straightforward and quick it is to prepare. I can have these tacos ready in about 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights or when I want to wow friends without spending all day in the kitchen. Plus, they’re great for entertaining because they’re handheld and fun to eat, yet they look so impressive when plated. Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a weekend gathering, or even a festive party appetizer, I know these wonton tacos will be a crowd-pleaser that stands out for both flavor and presentation.

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

Let me tell you, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients that each play a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and color. From the tender chicken to the crisp veggies and glossy sauces, everything comes together perfectly without any complicated steps.

Chicken breasts, finely diced: The star protein that soaks up all the delicious sauces for moist, savory bites.
Hoisin sauce: Adds a rich, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor that’s essential for the glaze.
Sesame oil: Used in both the chicken and slaw for that irresistible nutty aroma.
Soy sauce: Brings depth and umami, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the chicken with a vibrant, aromatic punch.
Fresh ginger, minced: Adds a subtle warmth and zing that lifts the whole dish.
Coleslaw mix: Crunchy and colorful, it adds freshness and a cool contrast to the warm chicken.
Green onions, thinly sliced: They brighten the slaw with a mild onion flavor and a pop of green.
Rice vinegar: Gives the slaw a light, tangy acidity that makes every bite refreshing.
Honey: Rounds out the slaw dressing with natural sweetness.
Wonton wrappers: The crispy shell that holds all the tasty fillings – unbeatable texture!
Sweet chili sauce: A drizzle of this adds just the right amount of sweet heat on top.
Chopped cilantro: Fresh, herbal garnish that brightens the whole dish.
Sesame seeds: A final touch of crunch and visual appeal.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly spray the back of a muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Take your wonton wrappers and drape each one over an inverted muffin cup to form taco-shaped shells. Bake these in your preheated oven for 5 to 7 minutes until they are crisp and golden brown. Watch carefully so they don’t burn.

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 them for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are no longer pink inside.

Step 4: Stir in the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Keep cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is fully glazed and fragrant. The sauce should cling beautifully to each bite of chicken.

Step 5: In a large bowl, toss together the coleslaw mix, green onions, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey until every bit of slaw is evenly coated. This will add a crisp, fresh crunch to contrast the warm chicken.

Step 6: Carefully fill each crispy wonton shell with the luscious chicken mixture. Top generously with the prepared slaw, then drizzle all over with sweet chili sauce for a touch of heat and sweetness.

Step 7: Garnish each taco with chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add that last burst of flavor and color. Serve these immediately to enjoy the perfect crunch of the shells with every bite!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 16 delightful wonton tacos, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, which includes chopping and mixing all your ingredients. The cooking and baking take roughly another 15 minutes, so the total time from start to finish is around 30 minutes. You won’t need any resting or cooling time since these are best served fresh and crunchy right out of the oven.

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

Whenever I serve these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, I like to keep things vibrant and colorful on the plate. They pair beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar. The freshness of the sides complements the richer, glaze-coated chicken filling perfectly. If I’m entertaining, I often add some sliced radishes and extra chopped green onions for a bright garnish that guests love.

For presentation, don’t hesitate to stack a few tacos on a platter, sprinkle on extra cilantro and sesame seeds, and serve the sweet chili sauce in a small bowl on the side for dipping. I find these tacos are best enjoyed warm so the wonton shells stay crisp but the filling is still delightfully juicy. They make a fantastic main course for weeknight dinners or a fun appetizer for parties and get-togethers.

When it comes to drinks, I often reach for a cold, crisp beer or a bubbly white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc to balance the sweet and savory flavors. For non-alcoholic options, iced green tea with a slice of lemon or a ginger-lime soda adds a refreshing zest that pairs wonderfully with the Asian-inspired notes of the dish.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For instance, if you want a gluten-free version, you can substitute the soy sauce with tamari and look for gluten-free wonton wrappers or switch to small corn tortillas for a different but equally delicious crunch. Chicken thighs also work beautifully if you want juicier, more flavorful meat.

If I’m in the mood for something with a little more kick, I add a drizzle of sriracha to the chicken mixture or mix it into the sweet chili sauce for serving. On the flip side, swapping the hoisin sauce for teriyaki creates a milder, slightly sweeter profile that’s great if you prefer less bold flavors.

For my vegan friends, I’ve tried tofu or chickpea crumbles cooked in the same sauce mixture and topped with a vegan slaw, and it’s a fantastic alternative. Baking vs. frying the wonton shells is another way to tweak texture—frying gives an even crispier shell but baking keeps it lighter and less oily.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, I recommend storing the chicken filling and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The wonton shells unfortunately don’t keep their crispness well once filled and stored. The chicken and slaw will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days, which is perfect for quick next-day meals or lunches.

Freezing

Freezing the fully assembled wonton tacos isn’t ideal because the shells lose their texture when thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken filling by placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It keeps well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before assembling with fresh slaw and baked wonton shells.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken filling, I like to use a skillet over medium heat to maintain moisture and avoid drying it out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can alter texture. Warm the wonton shells separately in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to refresh their crispness before filling. Add freshly mixed slaw just before serving to keep that signature crunch.

FAQs

Can I make the wonton shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the wonton shells a few hours ahead of serving. Just store them at room temperature in an airtight container to keep them crisp. Avoid stacking them while warm to prevent sogginess.

What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?

If you don’t have hoisin on hand, teriyaki sauce makes a great substitute for a slightly milder and sweeter flavor. You can also mix soy sauce with a little honey and five-spice powder for a homemade alternative.

Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat level?

The base recipe is mildly sweet and savory with a gentle kick from the garlic and ginger. You can easily add heat by stirring in sriracha, chili flakes, or adding more sweet chili sauce when serving to match your spice preference perfectly.

Can I use shredded chicken instead of diced chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Shredded chicken works well and provides a different texture that some people love. Just be sure to cook and season it thoroughly so the flavors are evenly distributed.

Are there vegan options for this recipe?

Definitely. I recommend using firm tofu or seasoned chickpeas as a protein substitute and swapping out the sauces for vegan versions. Use vegetable oil instead of sesame oil if you want to be extra cautious, and ensure your wonton wrappers are vegan or opt for corn tortillas as a substitute shell.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to bring a little excitement and irresistible flavor to your next meal, you really must try the Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe. It’s a deliciously fun way to enjoy chicken tacos with an Asian twist, combining crunchy textures, bold sauces, and fresh slaw that truly hit all the right notes. I’m confident that once you make them, they’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes for family dinners, casual parties, or any time you crave something tasty and unique. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!