If you’re craving something that brings a burst of flavor with an effortless twist, let me introduce you to my take on Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos. While scrolling through my favorite recipe books, I had a sudden craving for a crunchy bite paired with savory goodness, and these tacos were the answer!
Imagine the sound of crispy wonton shells giving way to tender chicken, infused with hoisin sauce and a hint of ginger. As I whipped up this dish, the delightful aroma filled my kitchen, instantly transporting me to a bustling street market where tasty treats come alive. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a satisfying weeknight meal that steers clear of fast food, these tacos offer the perfect solution.
With a prep time of only 20 minutes, they bring together fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors that please everyone – even the pickiest eaters! Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a dish that feels exotic yet familiar, sure to impress friends and family alike. Let’s get cooking!
Why Love Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos?
Crispy textures await you with perfectly baked wonton shells that provide a satisfying crunch. Bold flavors shine through tender chicken marinated in hoisin sauce, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste. Quick and easy, these tacos can be on your table in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. Crowd-pleaser status is guaranteed; they’re ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying solo. Versatile and fun, customize your toppings to suit your family’s preferences for a personal touch! Try serving them with a side of homemade dips for an extra flavor boost!
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Ingredients
Get ready to savor every bite!
For the Chicken Filling
- Chicken breasts – a protein powerhouse, diced for quick cooking.
- Hoisin sauce – adds a unique sweetness and depth to the chicken.
- Sesame oil – infuses a nutty flavor that elevates the dish.
- Soy sauce – brings a savory umami kick that’s hard to resist.
- Garlic – enhances the savory notes, making every bite aromatic.
- Minced fresh ginger – adds a zesty freshness that balances the flavors.
For the Coleslaw
- Coleslaw mix – provides crunch and freshness, perfect for topping.
- Green onions – lend a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- Sesame oil – complements the coleslaw with its rich aroma.
- Rice vinegar – adds a tangy brightness to the slaw.
- Soy sauce – ties the slaw flavors together for a savory twist.
- Honey – balances the tang with a touch of sweetness.
For the Wonton Assembly
- Wonton wrappers – the delightful, crispy shells that hold it all together.
- Sweet chili sauce – offers a sweet and spicy kick to drizzle on top.
- Chopped cilantro – brightens up the dish and adds a fresh touch.
- Sesame seeds – provide a crunchy finish and a dash of nuttiness.
Get all these ingredients together, and you’re just a few steps away from enjoying your homemade Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos!
How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
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Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray the wonton wrappers with cooking spray or brush them with olive or canola oil. Drape them over the edge of a 9×13 baking dish for that perfect taco shape. Bake for 7-8 minutes; keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once out of the oven, gently separate the wonton shells while they’re still warm and pliable.
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Crisp the wonton shells by baking for another 7-8 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. This double-baking gives them that satisfying crunch, ready to hold the delicious fillings!
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Combine diced chicken in a large bowl with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger. Heat a large skillet over high heat, and sauté the chicken for about 7-8 minutes, tossing frequently until it’s fully cooked and juices run clear.
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Prepare the coleslaw by mixing together the coleslaw mix, chopped green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey in a large bowl. Stir until all ingredients are well-combined and the flavors meld together.
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Assemble the tacos by adding the chicken mixture into the crispy wonton shells. Top generously with your fresh coleslaw mix. For the final touch, drizzle with sweet chili sauce and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful dish!
Optional: Serve with extra sweet chili sauce for a delicious dipping experience.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Variations
Feel free to put your own twist on this delightful recipe by mixing and matching flavors!
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of sriracha to the chicken mixture for an exciting heat that elevates the dish.
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Vegetarian Delight: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, marinated in the same sauces. Sauté until golden for a satisfying meatless option.
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Crunchy Add-in: Toss in some chopped water chestnuts into the coleslaw for an extra crunch that’ll surprise your taste buds with every bite.
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Sweet & Savory: Drizzle a bit of teriyaki sauce over the chicken filling for a unique, sweet flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the coleslaw.
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Herbaceous Twist: Mix fresh herbs like mint or basil into the coleslaw for a refreshing and aromatic layer of flavor that enhances each taco.
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Crispy Onions: Top each taco with crispy fried onions for an additional texture that complements the crunch of the wonton shells.
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Exotic Fruits: Add diced mango or pineapple to the coleslaw for a hint of tropical sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory ingredients.
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Creamy Upgrade: Spread a layer of avocado or guacamole inside the wonton shells before adding fillings for a creamy touch that ties everything together.
Expert Tips for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
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Perfect Crispiness: Ensure your wonton wrappers are thinly coated with oil and baked until golden. Watch closely, as they can burn quickly!
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Flavorful Chicken: Marinate the diced chicken in the hoisin and soy sauces for at least 15 minutes before cooking to deepen the flavors.
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Fresh Coleslaw: Use fresh ingredients for the coleslaw and mix just before serving to maintain its crunchiness, avoiding sogginess.
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Customizable Toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Add your favorite veggies, or try avocado slices for a creamy addition to your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve with extra sweet chili sauce for dipping, enhancing the flavor profile and making it even more enjoyable!
Make Ahead Options
These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the diced chicken in hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Additionally, you can prepare the coleslaw by mixing the coleslaw mix, green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake the wonton wrappers for that crispiness (around 15-16 minutes total), sauté the marinated chicken until cooked through, and assemble with the coleslaw toppings. This way, you enjoy restaurant-quality tacos with minimal effort on busy weeknights, just as delicious as if made fresh!
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 wonton shells separate to maintain crispiness.
- Freezer: For freezing, wrap theChicken Wonton Tacos tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, first thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes to restore the crispiness.
- Make-Ahead: You can prep the chicken filling and coleslaw a day in advance; just assemble the wonton tacos just before serving to keep everything fresh and delicious!
What to Serve with Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos?
Enhance your dining experience with perfect accompaniments that elevate every bite.
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Creamy Avocado Dip: A cool, creamy dip that complements the crunchy tacos and adds a rich texture. It also brings in those well-loved flavors of guacamole!
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Cilantro Lime Rice: The citrusy freshness of lime paired with vibrant cilantro balances the savory elements of the tacos, making every mouthful delightful.
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Sweet Potato Fries: These crispy, slightly sweet fries offer a wonderful contrast to the savory chicken, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your meal.
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Asian Cucumber Salad: With its light, refreshing crunch, this salad brings brightness and a touch of tang to your plate, making it a perfect pairing.
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Spicy Pickled Vegetables: The heat and tang of pickled veggies cut through the richness of the wonton tacos, adding a punch of flavor that leaves you wanting more.
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Mango Salsa: Bright and fruity, mango salsa adds a burst of freshness that complements the sweetness of the hoisin sauce in the tacos, making it a match made in heaven.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances the meal, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the savory taco flavors and making dinner feel special.
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right chicken breasts?
Absolutely! When choosing chicken breasts, look for ones that are pink in color with no dark spots or blemishes. Make sure they feel firm, but not hard, and avoid any that have an unpleasant odor, as freshness is key to a delicious dish.
How should I store leftover Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos?
For the best results, store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend keeping the wonton shells and the filling separate to maintain their crispy texture. Just reassemble and enjoy them again!
Can I freeze the tacos for later enjoyment?
Very! To freeze your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, wrap each assembled taco individually in plastic wrap, then place them inside a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date so you know when you made them!
What’s the best method to reheat frozen tacos?
Absolutely! To reheat frozen Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, start by thawing them overnight in the refrigerator. Then, to regain that crispy texture, preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for about 10 minutes or until heated through and golden.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Yes, it’s worth noting! If you’re preparing these tacos for someone with allergies, be cautious about the soy sauce and sesame oil, as they can trigger allergic reactions. For a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free soy sauce and check that your wonton wrappers are wheat-free. Always consult with diners on their dietary restrictions for a worry-free meal!
What if my wonton wrappers are tearing while baking?
No worries! If your wonton wrappers are tearing, they might be getting too dry during baking. Make sure you’re applying an even, light layer of oil to keep them pliable. If they’re too dry, try lowering the oven temperature slightly and keeping a closer eye on their baking time, checking at every 5 minutes. The more the merrier when it comes to keeping those wraps intact!
Savor Homemade Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Tonight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray the wonton wrappers with cooking spray or brush them with olive or canola oil. Drape them over the edge of a 9×13 baking dish for that perfect taco shape. Bake for 7-8 minutes; keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once out of the oven, gently separate the wonton shells while they’re still warm and pliable.
- Crisp the wonton shells by baking for another 7-8 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Combine diced chicken in a large bowl with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger. Heat a large skillet over high heat, and sauté the chicken for about 7-8 minutes, tossing frequently until it’s fully cooked and juices run clear.
- Prepare the coleslaw by mixing together the coleslaw mix, chopped green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey in a large bowl. Stir until all ingredients are well-combined.
- Assemble the tacos by adding the chicken mixture into the crispy wonton shells. Top generously with your fresh coleslaw mix, drizzle with sweet chili sauce and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
