Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to spice up your dinner routine, these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are just the ticket! Imagine crispy wonton shells filled with tender honey-garlic chicken and a zesty slaw. It’s a flavor explosion that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, they’re super easy to make—your loved ones will be begging for seconds!

This recipe is not only a fantastic copycat of a beloved restaurant dish, but it also brings joy to your kitchen. It’s quick to prepare and full of vibrant flavors, making it an instant favorite in our household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Whip up these tacos in about 40 minutes! Perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the crunch of wontons and the sweet-savory chicken filling.
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste! Add extra veggies or switch up the protein.
• Great for Meal Prep: These tacos can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for an easy grab-and-go meal.
• Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of crispy, savory, and sweet creates a delightful taste experience in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is half the fun of cooking! For these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, you likely already have many of these staples at home. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken Filling

• 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

For the Slaw

• 1 (397g) bag coleslaw
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey

For Assembly

• 16 Wonton wrappers
• Sweet chili sauce, to serve
• Chopped cilantro, to serve
• Sesame seeds, to serve

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Swap the protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
• Add more crunch: Toss in some diced bell peppers or cucumbers to your slaw for extra texture.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of sriracha to your chicken mixture.
• Make it a salad: Skip the wonton wrappers and serve everything over a bed of greens for a lighter meal.

How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray the wonton wrappers lightly with cooking spray or brush them with olive oil. Drape them over the sides of a 9×13 baking dish. Bake them for 7-8 minutes while keeping an eye on them so they don’t burn. Once out of the oven, gently pull apart any that may have stuck together while they are still warm. Then, bake again for another 7-8 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. This step gives your tacos that satisfying crunch!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, mix together your diced raw chicken with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger. Heat a large skillet over high heat and sauté the chicken mixture for about 7-8 minutes. Stir frequently until fully cooked through. This step infuses your chicken with fantastic flavor and ensures it’s perfectly tender.

Step 3: Make the Slaw

While your chicken is cooking away, mix together all slaw ingredients in another large bowl. Combining coleslaw mix with green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey creates a refreshing topping that complements the warm chicken perfectly.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos

Once everything is ready, fill each crispy wonton shell with the delicious chicken mixture first. Top it generously with your zesty slaw then drizzle sweet chili sauce on top. Finally, sprinkle with cilantro and sesame seeds for that extra flair! Serve immediately and enjoy these delightful Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos with friends or family; they won’t last long!

Pro Tips for Making Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

These delicious tacos are sure to impress, and with a few handy tips, you’ll make them even better!

• Choose the right chicken: Using skinless, boneless chicken breasts ensures a leaner, healthier taco that still packs a punch of flavor. The tenderness of the chicken will complement the crispy wonton shells perfectly.

• Don’t overbake the wonton wrappers: Keep an eye on your wontons while they bake! Overbaking can lead to tough shells. You want them golden and crisp but still pliable enough to hold all those yummy fillings.

• Customize your slaw: Feel free to add your favorite veggies like shredded carrots or red cabbage to the slaw for extra crunch and color. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds more nutrients and flavors.

• Experiment with sauces: While sweet chili sauce is a classic choice, try drizzling some sriracha or adding a splash of lime juice for an extra zesty kick. These simple changes can elevate your dish to new levels!

• Chill the coleslaw: For the best flavor and texture, let your coleslaw mix sit in the fridge for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

How to Serve Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Presentation is key when it comes to serving these tasty tacos—making them visually appealing will delight your guests even before they take their first bite!

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: A sprinkle adds freshness and bright color.
• Sliced jalapeños: For those who enjoy some heat, fresh jalapeños bring both spice and a pop of color.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime just before eating enhances all the flavors in each bite.

Side Dishes

• Crispy Asian Salad: A light salad made with mixed greens, mandarin oranges, and sesame dressing complements the rich flavors of the tacos.
• Vegetable Spring Rolls: These crispy rolls filled with fresh vegetables provide a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft textures of your wonton tacos.
• Steamed Edamame: Simple yet nutritious, steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes for a satisfying side that balances out your meal.
• Thai Coconut Rice: Fluffy rice cooked in coconut milk adds a touch of sweetness that harmonizes with the spicy and savory tastes of your tacos.

Now you’re ready to serve up these fantastic Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos! Enjoy every crunchy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare the chicken and slaw ahead of time, making it a breeze to assemble when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 3 days for the best flavor and freshness.
• Keep cooked wonton shells in a separate container to maintain their crispiness.

Freezing

• The chicken mixture can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Coleslaw is best enjoyed fresh but can be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge.

Reheating

• To reheat the chicken, simply sauté it in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.
• If you’ve frozen the chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• For crispy wonton shells, you can reheat them in the oven at 375 F for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

If you have questions about making these tacos, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries that might help.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken in Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos?

Absolutely! You can substitute with ground turkey, tofu, or even shrimp. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What can I serve with Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos?

These tacos pair wonderfully with a side of fresh guacamole, salsa, or even a simple avocado salad!

How do I make the coleslaw for my Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos?

Mix coleslaw mix with green onions, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey. It’s quick and adds great flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos as much as I do! They bring together delightful flavors and textures that make every bite special. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these tacos are sure to impress. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences! Happy cooking!