Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe

The Best Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe Made at Home

Craving something deliciously different, these applebees chicken wonton tacos bring an unexpected twist to your meal routine.

Small crispy shells cradle tender, juicy chicken with vibrant flavors dancing across your palate.

Mexican and Asian influences merge in this playful dish that breaks traditional taco boundaries.

Wonton wrappers create a unique crunch that standard tortillas can’t match.

Zesty seasonings and perfectly balanced ingredients make this recipe a standout crowd-pleaser.

Restaurant-quality comfort emerges right from your kitchen with minimal effort.

Each bite promises a delightful explosion of textures and tastes you won’t want to miss.

What’s So Tasty About Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

  • Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up these delectable wonton tacos in no time, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings with friends.
  • Flavor Explosion: Packed with Asian-inspired tastes from hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and sweet chili sauce, these tacos deliver a mouthwatering punch that'll make taste buds dance.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chicken for tofu or adding extra veggies, making it a versatile dish that pleases everyone from picky eaters to adventurous foodies.
  • Crispy Texture Delight: Baked wonton shells provide an irresistible crunch that elevates these tacos from ordinary to extraordinary, creating a satisfying contrast with the tender chicken and fresh coleslaw.

Ingredients for Applebee’s Wonton Tacos

Main Ingredients:

Wonton Wrappers: Thin, delicate squares perfect for creating crispy taco shells.

Chicken: Tender meat that forms the protein base of the tacos.

Chicken Marinade:
  • Hoisin Sauce: Sweet and tangy Chinese-style sauce.
  • Sesame Oil: Nutty and aromatic oil for flavor.
  • Soy Sauce: Salty Asian condiment that enhances taste.
  • Garlic: Pungent ingredient that adds depth.
  • Ginger: Spicy root that provides warmth.
Coleslaw Components:
  • Coleslaw Mix: Shredded cabbage and carrots for crunch.
  • Green Onions: Mild onion flavor with a fresh bite.
  • Rice Vinegar: Mild and slightly sweet vinegar.
  • Honey: Natural sweetener for balance.
Garnish and Topping:
  • Sweet Chili Sauce: Spicy and sweet sauce for drizzling.
  • Cilantro: Fresh herb with bright flavor.
  • Sesame Seeds: Small seeds for added texture.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Cooking Spray, Olive Oil, or Canola Oil: For preparing wonton shells.

How to Assemble Chicken Wonton Tacos

Step 1: Prepare Wonton Shells

Grab your wonton wrappers and lightly coat them with cooking spray or olive oil.

Carefully drape them over the sides of a 9×13 baking dish.

Pop them in the oven at 375°F for 7-8 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Once they start to take shape, gently separate the shells while they’re still flexible.

Return to the oven for another 7-8 minutes until they become delightfully crispy.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Diced chicken
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Soy sauce
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated ginger

Fire up a large skillet on high heat.

Toss the chicken mixture into the pan, stirring frequently for 7-8 minutes until the chicken is perfectly cooked through.

Step 3: Whip Up the Zesty Coleslaw

In another bowl, mix together:
  • Coleslaw mix
  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame oil
  • Rice vinegar
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey

Stir until all ingredients are well combined and create a vibrant, tangy slaw.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Carefully fill each crispy wonton shell with the sizzling chicken.

Top generously with the prepared coleslaw.

Drizzle sweet chili sauce over the tacos.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro and a handful of sesame seeds for that extra crunch and flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Devour

Plate up these mouthwatering wonton tacos and get ready to enjoy a burst of Asian-inspired flavors in every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Wonton Tacos Crisp and Flavorful

  • Spray wrappers lightly with cooking spray and drape carefully over baking dish edges to create perfect taco-like shells without breaking.
  • Use high heat when sautéing chicken to ensure quick cooking and seal in flavors, but stir frequently to prevent burning or sticking.
  • Adjust coleslaw dressing by adding more rice vinegar for tanginess or honey for sweetness, depending on personal preference.
  • Drizzle sweet chili sauce sparingly to complement the chicken's savory marinade without overwhelming the delicate wonton shells.
  • Marinate chicken mixture and prepare coleslaw in advance to reduce cooking time and enhance flavor infusion.

Storing and Reheating Wonton Taco Leftovers

  • Store leftover chicken wonton tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Separate the crispy wonton shells from the filling to prevent sogginess.
  • Crisp up wonton shells in a preheated oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. Place directly on the oven rack to maintain crunchiness.
  • Gently reheat chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out. Add a splash of soy sauce to keep moisture.
  • Always add fresh coleslaw and garnishes after reheating to maintain crisp texture and vibrant flavors.

What Goes Well with Wonton Tacos

  • Taste Fusion Pairing: Crisp Asian-inspired lager perfectly complements the sweet and savory wonton tacos, cutting through the rich chicken and balancing the zesty coleslaw.
  • Refreshing Beverage Match: Chilled sake with light, clean notes enhances the hoisin and sesame flavors, providing a smooth counterpoint to the dish's complexity.
  • Flavor-Boosting Side: Steamed edamame with sea salt creates a protein-packed accompaniment that echoes the Asian-fusion profile of the tacos while offering a clean, fresh texture contrast.
  • Palate-Cleansing Option: Cucumber-mint spritzer delivers a bright, cooling effect that helps neutralize the spicy sweet chili sauce and cleanses the palate between bites.

Recipe Variations and Ingredient Twists for Wonton Tacos

  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Replace wonton shells with crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter, carb-free alternative that maintains the original flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with crumbled extra-firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute, keeping the original marinade and seasoning intact for similar taste experience.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free wonton wrappers or rice paper wraps, ensuring all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Spicy Asian Fusion Remix: Increase heat by adding sriracha to the chicken marinade and incorporating diced jalapeños into the coleslaw for adventurous spice lovers.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make the chicken flavorful?

The chicken is marinated with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, creating a rich and complex Asian-inspired flavor profile that gives the dish its signature taste.

  • Are wonton wrappers hard to work with?

Wonton wrappers are actually quite easy to use. Simply spray with cooking spray, drape over a baking dish, and bake until crispy. They transform into crunchy taco shells with minimal effort.

  • Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, you can increase the heat by adding sriracha sauce to the chicken mixture or using a spicier sweet chili sauce. Adjust the spice level to your personal preference.

  • Is this recipe considered healthy?

While not a low-calorie dish, it provides a good balance of protein from chicken, vegetables from coleslaw, and includes beneficial ingredients like ginger and sesame oil, making it a moderately nutritious meal option.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe

Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy wonton shells cradle zesty Asian-inspired chicken in Applebee’s legendary Chicken Wonton Tacos. Spicy, tangy flavors dance with fresh ingredients, creating an irresistible fusion that brings restaurant magic right to your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts, finely diced
  • 16 wonton wrappers
  • 1 bag coleslaw
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Garnishes and Serving:

  • Sweet chili sauce, to serve
  • Chopped cilantro, to serve
  • Sesame seeds, to serve

Instructions

  1. Craft crispy wonton shells by spraying or brushing with oil and draping over a baking dish. Bake at 375°F for 7-8 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent burning. Gently separate the shells while still pliable, then return to oven for additional 7-8 minutes until achieving a golden, crunchy texture.
  2. Marinate diced chicken with aromatic blend of hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a mixing bowl. Sear the seasoned chicken in a high-heat skillet, stirring frequently until thoroughly cooked and developing caramelized edges, approximately 7-8 minutes.
  3. Prepare vibrant coleslaw by combining shredded cabbage mix, thinly sliced green onions, sesame oil, tangy rice vinegar, savory soy sauce, and a touch of honey. Toss ingredients until evenly coated and flavors meld together.
  4. Assemble tacos by filling the crisp wonton shells with the succulent chicken mixture. Layer the zesty coleslaw on top, creating a colorful and textural contrast.
  5. Enhance the dish with a drizzle of sweet chili sauce, then garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Crisp wonton shells work best when baked on the side of a baking dish, creating a perfect taco-like shape for easy filling and optimal crunchiness.
  • Marinate chicken beforehand for deeper flavor infusion, allowing the hoisin and sesame oil to penetrate the meat more thoroughly.
  • Gluten-free option: Replace wonton wrappers with lettuce wraps or gluten-free tortilla shells to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
  • Make-ahead trick: Prepare wonton shells and chicken filling separately, storing them in airtight containers to quickly assemble fresh tacos when ready to serve.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star