Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos: Crispy, Flavorful, and Fun to Eat

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a fan-favorite appetizer that combines tender, savory chicken with crisp wonton shells and fresh, crunchy slaw. This copycat recipe allows you to recreate that restaurant-quality experience at home with ingredients that are easy to find. The tacos are bursting with flavor thanks to a combination of hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, while the fresh slaw adds a vibrant, crunchy contrast. Sweet chili sauce on top brings a touch of heat and sweetness, completing the perfect bite.

These tacos are ideal as an appetizer for parties, game nights, or a fun weeknight dinner. They are customizable—add more heat with extra chili sauce or more freshness with additional cilantro. By making them at home, you can enjoy this restaurant classic without the wait or cost. This guide provides a full ingredient list, step-by-step preparation instructions, tips for success, serving suggestions, storage advice, and frequently asked questions to help you master this dish.

Ingredients for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

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

Slaw

1 bag coleslaw mix
4 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tbsp sesame oil (for slaw)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce (for slaw)
1 tbsp honey

Wontons and Garnish

16 wonton wrappers
Sweet chili sauce, for serving
Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish

The hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger create a flavorful, umami-rich filling. The slaw provides crunch and a tangy-sweet contrast, while sweet chili sauce, cilantro, and sesame seeds finish the tacos with color and flavor.

Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Finely dice the chicken breasts into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken with 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Slaw

In a separate bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with thinly sliced green onions. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon honey. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss until evenly coated. Set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Wonton Shells

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Place the wonton wrappers on the sheet and lightly brush or spray with oil to help them crisp. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. You can also fry the wontons in hot oil for 1-2 minutes for extra crunch.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Once the wonton shells are ready, spoon a portion of the cooked chicken into each shell. Top with a generous amount of slaw. Drizzle sweet chili sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds for a vibrant finish.

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately while the wonton shells are crisp. These tacos are best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

Flavor Profile and Texture

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos balance multiple textures and flavors. The chicken is savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich, while the wonton shell is crispy and light. The slaw provides a refreshing crunch with tangy-sweet notes, complemented by the heat and sweetness of the chili sauce. Sesame seeds and cilantro add freshness, aroma, and visual appeal, creating a well-rounded bite in every taco.

Tips for Best Results

Dice chicken uniformly for even cooking.
Do not overcrowd the pan while cooking the chicken; this helps it caramelize instead of steaming.
Brush or spray wonton wrappers lightly with oil for maximum crispiness.
Prepare slaw just before assembly to prevent sogginess.
Serve immediately for the best contrast between crispy shells and fresh slaw.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as an appetizer or part of a casual dinner.
Pair with a side of steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or extra sweet chili sauce for dipping.
These tacos are perfect for parties or game nights as a finger food that’s easy to share.

Storage and Reheating

Wonton tacos are best served immediately. Leftover chicken and slaw can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave before serving. Do not store the assembled tacos, as the wontons will lose their crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Can I make the chicken filling ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare and cook the chicken a day in advance, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble tacos just before serving.

Can I use pre-shredded chicken?

Yes, but finely diced fresh chicken works best for even cooking and flavor absorption.

Can I fry the wonton shells instead of baking?

Absolutely. Frying for 1-2 minutes in hot oil yields extra crispy shells.

How spicy are these tacos?

They are mildly spicy. You can increase heat by adding diced jalapeños or extra chili sauce.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free wonton wrappers and tamari in place of soy sauce.

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Conclusion

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a fun, flavorful dish that balances savory chicken, crisp wonton shells, and fresh slaw with sweet and spicy accents. Easy to make at home, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, appetizers, or party finger food. With vibrant flavors, satisfying textures, and minimal prep, these tacos are sure to become a family favorite.