Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos: A Crispy, Flavorful Delight at Home

Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy wonton shell, filled with tender, honey-garlic chicken and a refreshing, zesty slaw. That’s the experience of Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, a beloved appetizer that you can now easily recreate in your own kitchen. I remember the first time I tried these tacos at a casual dinner with friends. We were looking for something fun and shareable, and these wonton tacos were an instant hit. The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, along with the satisfying crunch of the wonton shell, made them utterly irresistible. I knew I had to try making them at home, and I was pleasantly surprised by how simple the process was.

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This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks. It’s straightforward, uses readily available ingredients, and offers a delicious way to explore Asian-inspired flavors. Plus, it’s a fantastic alternative to traditional tacos, providing a lighter and more unique appetizer or meal. If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish, these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are the perfect choice. It’s a culinary adventure that’s accessible to everyone, regardless of their cooking experience. This recipe is a gateway to exploring the versatility of wonton wrappers and the excitement of creating restaurant-quality appetizers in your own kitchen. It’s a reminder that cooking should be fun and approachable, even for those new to the kitchen.

Ingredients and Preparation: The Key to Authentic Flavor

This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients, making it a breeze for even the most novice cooks to assemble.

Chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts, finely diced – Alternative: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Ensure the chicken is finely diced for even cooking and easy filling. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute with diced firm tofu or mushrooms. Consider using chicken tenders for quicker cooking. Cut the chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce – Alternative: You can use teriyaki sauce, oyster sauce, or a combination of soy sauce and brown sugar. Hoisin sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor. Use a high-quality hoisin sauce for the best flavor. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the hoisin sauce for a touch of heat.
• 1 tbsp sesame oil – Alternative: You can use vegetable oil or canola oil, but sesame oil adds a distinct nutty flavor. A little goes a long way. Use toasted sesame oil for a more intense flavor.
• 1 tbsp soy sauce – Alternative: You can use tamari for a gluten-free option. Soy sauce adds a savory, umami flavor. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Alternative: You can use 1 tsp garlic powder, but fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor. Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor. Consider roasting the garlic before mincing for a sweeter, milder flavor.
• 1 tsp minced fresh ginger – Alternative: You can use 1/2 tsp ginger powder, but fresh ginger adds a bright, zesty flavor. Use freshly minced ginger for the best flavor. Consider grating the ginger instead of mincing for a finer texture.

Asian-inspired Slaw:

• 1 (397g) bag coleslaw mix – Alternative: You can shred your own cabbage and carrots. Pre-packaged coleslaw mix is a convenient option. Use a mix of green and red cabbage for a colorful slaw. Consider adding shredded broccoli or Brussels sprouts to the coleslaw mix.
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced – Alternative: You can use chives or a small red onion, finely diced. Green onions add a mild onion flavor. Use the white and green parts of the green onions. Consider soaking the green onions in ice water for a crisper texture.
• 1 tbsp sesame oil – Alternative: You can use vegetable oil or canola oil, but sesame oil adds a distinct nutty flavor. Use toasted sesame oil for a more intense flavor.
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar – Alternative: You can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Rice vinegar adds a mild, sweet acidity. Use seasoned rice vinegar for added flavor.
• 1 tbsp soy sauce – Alternative: You can use tamari for a gluten-free option. Soy sauce adds a savory, umami flavor. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content.
• 1 tbsp honey – Alternative: You can use agave nectar, maple syrup, or brown sugar. Honey adds sweetness and a sticky texture. Use a high-quality honey for the best flavor. Consider adding a pinch of salt to the honey to balance the sweetness.

For Tacos + Toppings:

• 16 wonton wrappers – Alternative: You can use small flour tortillas for a different texture. Wonton wrappers provide a crispy, light shell. Use fresh wonton wrappers for the best texture. Consider using square wonton wrappers for easier shaping.
• Sweet chili sauce, to serve – Alternative: You can use sriracha, hoisin sauce, or a homemade sweet and sour sauce. Sweet chili sauce adds a sweet and spicy kick. Use a high-quality sweet chili sauce for the best flavor. Consider making your own sweet chili sauce for a customized flavor.
• Chopped cilantro, to serve – Alternative: You can use parsley or basil. Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor. Use fresh cilantro for the best flavor. Consider using the stems of the cilantro for added flavor.
• Sesame seeds, to serve – Alternative: You can use chopped peanuts or cashews. Sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and texture. Use toasted sesame seeds for a more intense flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Crispy Wonton Tacos

These easy-to-follow instructions will guide you through each step of creating your delicious Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos:

1. Prepare Wonton Shells: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray wonton wrappers with cooking spray or brush with a bit of olive/canola oil, then drape over the side of a 9×13 baking dish. Bake for 7-8 minutes, watching closely so they don’t burn. Take wonton shells out of the oven, then gently pull them apart while they are still pliable so that they are more easily filled with toppings. Bake another 7-8 minutes until crispy. Watch the wonton wrappers closely as they bake, as they can burn quickly. Draping them over the side of the baking dish creates a taco shell shape. Pulling them apart while warm prevents them from cracking later. Use a baking dish that is large enough to accommodate the wonton wrappers. Beginner Note: Use a pastry brush to apply the oil evenly to the wonton wrappers.  
2. Cook the Chicken: Mix diced raw chicken in a large bowl with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Heat a large skillet over high heat and sauté chicken for 7-8 minutes, tossing frequently until cooked through. Ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Tossing frequently ensures even cooking. Use a non-stick skillet for easy cooking. Use a skillet that is large enough to accommodate the chicken. Beginner Note: Use a spatula or wooden spoon to toss the chicken.  
3. Prepare the Slaw: Meanwhile, mix ingredients for coleslaw together in a large bowl. Mix the slaw ingredients thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution. Use a large bowl for easy mixing. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the slaw. Beginner Note: Taste the slaw and adjust the seasonings as needed.
4. Assemble the Tacos: Add chicken mixture to wonton shells, then top with coleslaw, drizzle with sweet chili sauce, and sprinkle with cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve and enjoy! Assemble the tacos just before serving to prevent the wonton shells from becoming soggy. Use a spoon or tongs to add the chicken to the wonton shells. Use a squeeze bottle to drizzle the sweet chili sauce. Beginner Note: Garnish the tacos with fresh herbs for a visually appealing presentation.  

Beginner Tips and Notes: Your Kitchen Companion

Even simple recipes have a few tricks to make them even better:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning. Overcrowding the skillet can prevent the chicken from browning properly.
• Use a Non-Stick Skillet: A non-stick skillet will prevent the chicken from sticking and burning. Use a skillet that is in good condition.
• Adjust Spiciness: Adjust the amount of sweet chili sauce to your desired level of spiciness. Add more or less sweet chili sauce to the tacos.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken.

Serving Suggestions: Completing the Taco Experience

These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are delicious and satisfying on their own, but you can also enhance them with some complementary sides and pairings.

• Edamame: Edamame adds a healthy and flavorful side dish. Serve the edamame warm or cold.
• Asian-inspired Salad: An Asian-inspired salad with a sesame ginger dressing adds a refreshing side dish. Use a variety of greens and vegetables for a colorful salad.
• Fried Rice: Fried rice is a classic Asian side dish that pairs well with the tacos. Use leftover rice to make fried rice.
• Spring Rolls: Spring rolls are a light and refreshing appetizer that complements the tacos. Serve the spring rolls with a peanut dipping sauce.

Storage Tips for Leftovers:

It’s best to enjoy these tacos immediately after assembly. However, if you have leftover chicken and slaw, you can store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave. The wonton shells are best made fresh, as they will become soggy if stored. Reheat the chicken until it is heated through. Avoid reheating the chicken multiple times. The slaw can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The wonton shells can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, but they will not be as crispy as when freshly made.

Conclusion: A Crispy, Flavorful Treat at Home

These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful way to enjoy a restaurant-quality appetizer at home. They’re a fantastic way to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills without spending hours in the kitchen. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sauces, toppings, and fillings to create your perfect wonton taco masterpiece. Share your culinary creations and experiences in the comments below – I’d love to see your variations! This easy and versatile recipe is a game-changer for parties, game nights, or any time you need a quick and delicious appetizer or meal. It’s a flavorful way to get a satisfying and unique dish on the table without any fuss. And the best part? It’s so easy to customize! You can adjust the spiciness, choose your favorite toppings, and even add other vegetables to the mix.