If you’re searching for a dish that bursts with flavor and crunch, let me introduce you to this Crispy Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe—an absolute crave-worthy delight. These tacos feature perfectly crispy wonton shells filled with tender, savory chicken glazed in a sweet and tangy hoisin sauce, paired beautifully with a fresh, vibrant coleslaw. It’s a harmonious blend of texture, taste, and color that will quickly become a new favorite for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Trust me, once you try this Crispy Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe, you’ll be hooked on making it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might sound simple, but each one plays a vital role in building those irresistible layers of flavor and texture in the Crispy Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe. From the tender chicken providing hearty protein to the crisp wonton shells adding the much-needed crunch, every component is well-thought-out and easy to find.
- Chicken breasts (2 pieces, finely diced): The star protein that soaks up all the delicious sauces for maximum flavor.
- Hoisin sauce (2 tbsp): Adds a sweet and savory depth that makes the chicken irresistibly tasty.
- Sesame oil (2 tbsp, divided): Infuses a nutty aroma that enhances the entire dish.
- Soy sauce (2 tbsp, divided): Brings a rich, savory umami that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Offers a punchy, aromatic lift that wakes up the palate.
- Fresh ginger (1 tsp, minced): Adds a bright, zesty heat to the chicken glaze.
- Coleslaw mix (1 bag): Provides a crisp, refreshing texture that contrasts the warm filling.
- Green onions (4 pieces, thinly sliced): Bring a gentle oniony sharpness and pretty green flecks.
- Rice vinegar (1 tbsp): Introduces a pleasant tang that brightens the slaw.
- Honey (1 tbsp): Balances acidity with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Wonton wrappers (16 pieces): The incredibly crispy shells that hold everything together with a golden crunch.
- Sweet chili sauce: For drizzling on top—adds a sweet heat finish that ties all the flavors.
- Chopped cilantro: A fresh herbaceous garnish that livens up every bite.
- Sesame seeds: For a delightful nutty crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Crispy Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Bake the Wonton Shells
Start by heating your oven to 375°F, which is just right for crisping the wonton wrappers to perfection. Prepare a muffin tin by lightly spraying the back of the cups with cooking spray—it helps release the wontons without sticking. Then, gently drape each wonton wrapper over the inverted muffin cups. Bake them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they puff up lightly and turn that gorgeous golden brown color. These crispy shells are the foundation of the entire recipe and the key to that addictive crunch.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken with Glaze
While your shells bake, warm a tablespoon of sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your finely diced chicken and cook until just opaque, about 3 to 4 minutes—it’s important that the chicken stays tender, not dry. Then add hoisin sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger, sautéing for another 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is beautifully glazed and fragrant. The sauce caramelizes nicely, coating each bite with a sweet and savory punch.
Step 3: Toss the Refreshing Coleslaw
Now it’s time to assemble the slaw that will lend freshness and crunch. In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with green onions, the remaining sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Give everything a good toss so that the vegetables are evenly coated with the tangy-sweet dressing. This balance of crisp and bright veggies adds a lively contrast that complements the rich chicken filling perfectly.
Step 4: Assemble Your Crispy Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Fill each crispy wonton shell with a generous spoonful of the glazed chicken, then top with the vibrant coleslaw. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce for that final burst of flavor, and sprinkle chopped cilantro and sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately while the shells are still wonderfully crispy—you want that delightful combination of textures and flavors to shine.
How to Serve Crispy Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this dish beyond delicious to truly memorable. I love adding chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a fresh, herbal brightness and extra nutty crunch. A little drizzle of sweet chili sauce adds that perfect sweet heat that balances the richness of the chicken, making each bite exciting and flavorful.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, serve these tacos alongside light, refreshing sides. A simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame pairs fantastic, giving your palate a break while keeping the theme fresh and Asian-inspired. You could also whip up a quick miso soup to complement the meal without overpowering those crispy wontons.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun touch, arrange your Crispy Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe on a colorful platter lined with banana leaves or parchment paper. Add small bowls of extra sweet chili sauce and even some lime wedges for a citrusy squeeze. You could also serve them with mini skewers or toothpicks to make these tacos perfect finger foods for parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store the chicken filling and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping the wonton shells stored on their own at room temperature helps them retain their crunch longer. This way, you can quickly reassemble your tacos later without soggy shells.
Freezing
The chicken filling freezes well, so pop it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to one month. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready. I would avoid freezing the wonton shells or coleslaw as their textures tend to suffer after freezing.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the chicken filling in a skillet until heated through. To bring back the crispness of your wonton shells, pop them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes. The coleslaw is best served chilled and fresh, so add it just before serving again for that perfect texture contrast.
FAQs
Can I use different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp or ground pork works beautifully with this recipe and pairs well with the sweet and savory sauces. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so the protein stays tender.
What can I substitute for wonton wrappers if I can’t find them?
You can use small flour or corn tortillas for a softer taco, but you’ll miss out on that signature crispy texture. For a similar crunch, try baked tortilla chips or fried wonton strips as a fun alternative.
How spicy are these tacos?
The recipe as is offers mild heat mainly from the ginger and sweet chili sauce. You can easily adjust spiciness by adding sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to kick things up a notch.
Can I make the tacos vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for sautéed tofu or a mix of hearty vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers, then glaze with the same hoisin-soy sauce mix to keep all the delicious flavors intact.
How long do the wonton shells stay crispy?
They are best enjoyed immediately after baking because the shells can soften when exposed to moisture. If not serving right away, store them airtight at room temperature and re-crisp in the oven just before assembling.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe is truly a game-changer—combining irresistible crunch with bold, balanced flavors all wrapped into one delightful bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, I promise this recipe will bring smiles and satisfy cravings every time. Don’t hesitate to give it a go and make this crunchy, savory, and fresh taco your new go-to comfort food.
Print
Crispy Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 tacos
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Description
These Crispy Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos combine tender, hoisin-glazed chicken with a fresh, tangy coleslaw, all nestled inside golden, oven-baked wonton wrappers for a crunchy, flavorful taco experience you’ll crave forever.
Ingredients
Chicken Filling
- 2 pieces chicken breasts, finely diced
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil, divided
- 2 tbsp soy sauce, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
Coleslaw
- 1 bag coleslaw mix
- 4 pieces green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
Wonton Taco Shells and Garnishes
- 16 pieces wonton wrappers
- Sweet chili sauce, for serving
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for crisping the wonton shells perfectly.
- Prepare Muffin Tin: Lightly spray the back of a muffin tin with cooking spray to ensure the wonton wrappers release easily after baking.
- Bake Wonton Shells: Gently drape each wonton wrapper over the inverted muffin cups. Bake for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then remove and let cool.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes until no longer pink.
- Glaze Chicken: Stir in hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until chicken is well-coated and fragrant.
- Prepare Coleslaw: In a bowl, combine coleslaw mix, green onions, remaining sesame oil, rice vinegar, remaining soy sauce, and honey. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
- Assemble Tacos: Fill each crispy wonton shell with glazed chicken. Top generously with the prepared coleslaw, a drizzle of sweet chili sauce, chopped cilantro, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately for maximum crunch and flavor.
Notes
- To make the wonton shells extra crispy, avoid overcrowding the muffin tin when baking.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor in the chicken glaze.
- Sweet chili sauce can be adjusted or replaced with your favorite spicy sauce to taste.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Chicken can be swapped with tofu or shrimp depending on dietary preference.
