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Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos will instantly upgrade your weeknight dinner game or game day snack lineup with their perfect mix of savory chicken, crispy shells, and a tangy slaw. This recipe brings restaurant flavor into your own kitchen using simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients. The intoxicating aroma from the hoisin-glazed chicken and toasted wontons never fails to draw everyone into the kitchen before they are even ready.
I love making these when friends visit because everyone can build their own tacos and the empty platter always speaks for itself Every time I serve these memories of family birthdays at Applebees make everyone nostalgic and happy
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Diced small for even cooking look for fresh chicken for the best texture and flavor
- Hoisin sauce: Adds sweet savory depth choose a thick quality brand for best results
- Sesame oil: Infuses warmth and nutty notes toasted sesame oil gives extra aroma
- Soy sauce: Brings savory umami always use low sodium if you want control over salt
- Fresh garlic and ginger: Bring aromatic sharpness use fresh for a punchy taste
- Coleslaw mix: For crunch and freshness grab a bag with colorful veggies for visual appeal
- Green onions: Sliced thin add zing and color select firm bright stalks
- Rice vinegar: Balances the slaw with a tangy lift
- Honey: Gives the slaw a touch of comforting sweetness
- Wonton wrappers: Create that signature crisp shell check for freshness to avoid cracking
- Sweet chili sauce: Brings heat and sweet for drizzling use your favorite brand
- Chopped cilantro: For herby brightness buy just before serving for freshest flavor
- Sesame seeds: Finish with crunch and subtle nuttiness toast lightly for extra aroma
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Shape and Toast the Wontons:
- Arrange wonton wrappers over the edge of a baking pan and coat with oil to help them crisp Bake at 375F for about eight minutes watching closely until they just start to brown but are still pliable Take them from the oven and gently separate the folds so they make taco shapes Return to the oven for another eight minutes until fully crisp and golden
- Cook the Marinated Chicken:
- Combine diced chicken with hoisin sauce sesame oil soy sauce minced garlic and ginger Mix well so every piece is coated evenly Heat a skillet over high heat and sauté chicken tossing often so it browns evenly and cooks through This takes about eight minutes Check for doneness so the pieces are moist but cooked through
- Make the Slaw:
- Toss the bagged coleslaw with sliced green onions sesame oil rice vinegar soy sauce and honey in a big bowl Mix until everything is coated and let it sit for five minutes This gives a quick pickle effect and makes the flavors pop
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Spoon hot chicken into each crispy wonton shell Top with a generous spoonful of the slaw Drizzle sweet chili sauce over and finish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange the filled tacos on a platter and serve right away The best experience is biting into a crackling shell with cool tangy slaw and savory chicken
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The cilantro always brings the dish alive by offering a fresh burst of flavor I remember once my daughter picked all the cilantro off her tacos and ended up stealing mine because the taste was just not complete without it Sometimes a little green makes all the difference in a dish
Storage Tips
These tacos are best enjoyed fresh when the wontons are at their crispiest However you can make the slaw and chicken a day ahead and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge For leftovers store the components apart and reheat the shells in the oven for a few minutes so they crisp up again before assembling
Ingredient Substitutions
Try ground chicken or turkey in place of chopped chicken breasts for a faster option Tempeh or sautéed mushrooms offer a great vegetarian swap If you are out of hoisin sauce a mix of extra soy sauce honey and a tiny bit of peanut butter brings a similar richness Use bagged shredded carrots or napa cabbage if coleslaw mix is hard to find
Serving Suggestions
Serve these with steamed edamame or a fresh cucumber salad for a lighter meal A side of crispy roasted potatoes rounds out heartier appetites Sometimes I even put out extra toppings like pickled onions crushed peanuts or sliced jalapenos so everyone can truly make their tacos just how they love them
Cultural and Historical Notes
The idea for these tacos takes inspiration from both Chinese and Mexican cuisine Mixing a savory sweet Asian chicken mixture with the fun presentation and crunch of tacos combines the best of both worlds This recipe reflects how much I enjoy playing with fusion flavors in my kitchen
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Enjoy every crispy, savory bite—these tacos disappear fast whenever I serve them!
Common Questions
- → How can I keep wonton shells crispy?
Allow wonton shells to cool slightly after baking so they retain crispness before filling. Assemble just before serving to avoid sogginess.
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Pre-cooked chicken can be substituted; just toss with hoisin, soy, garlic, and ginger in a skillet to infuse flavors before assembling.
- → What substitutes work for hoisin sauce?
If hoisin sauce isn’t available, try a mix of soy sauce with a little honey and a dash of five spice powder.
- → Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
Chicken and slaw can be made in advance, but fill the shells just before serving to maintain crispness.
- → How do I make the wonton wrappers form taco shells?
Drape wrappers over a baking dish edge, bake until lightly brown, and pull apart gently for a taco shell shape.