If you love the tantalizing mix of crispy textures and savory bites from your favorite restaurant, then you are going to adore making the Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe right at home. These little pockets of flavor bring together tender marinated chicken, crunchy wonton shells, and fresh toppings in a way that feels both fun and gourmet. The combination of Asian-inspired seasonings and fresh, crisp coleslaw is absolutely addictive, making this dish a standout for any casual gathering or weeknight treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together beautifully here, each bringing a unique touch to the Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe. From savory marinades to fresh crunch, every component plays an essential role in creating layers of flavor and texture.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: diced for quick marinating and even cooking, ensuring tender, flavorful bites.
- Soy sauce: adds a salty, umami base that deepens the chicken’s flavor.
- Hoisin sauce: brings a subtle sweetness and complexity to the marinade.
- Fresh garlic, minced: infuses the dish with an unmistakable aromatic punch.
- Fresh ginger, grated: provides a hint of warmth and zest, brightening the overall profile.
- Sesame oil: gives a nutty richness that rounds out the marinade perfectly.
- Vegetable oil: used for cooking, it ensures a nice caramelization on the chicken.
- Coleslaw mix: adds crisp texture and a fresh balance to the savory elements.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: introduces a burst of herbal brightness.
- Sesame seeds, toasted: offer a subtle crunch and visual appeal.
- Wonton wrappers: transformed into crispy taco shells, these bring the perfect crunch and a playful twist on traditional tortillas.
How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining soy sauce, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl to create a rich marinade. Toss the diced chicken breasts into this flavorful mixture and let it sit for 20 minutes. This step not only infuses the chicken with bold Asian flavors but also tenderizes it, making each bite irresistibly juicy.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s fully cooked through and beautifully caramelized. The caramelization is a key moment as it adds a savory depth and slight crispiness that balances perfectly when paired with the crunchy wonton shells.
Step 3: Prepare the Wonton Shells
While the chicken cooks, preheat your oven to 375°F. To shape the wonton wrappers into taco shells, carefully mold each square into the cups of a muffin tin or use a specialized rack designed for this purpose. Bake them for 6 to 8 minutes until they are golden, crispy, and ready to hold all the delicious fillings without sogging.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
Once the wonton shells have cooled just a little, it’s time to fill them. Spoon the succulent cooked chicken into each shell first, then top generously with the fresh coleslaw mix to add a refreshing crunch. Sprinkle chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds over the top for bursts of color, flavor, and texture that will make your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe truly shine.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
These tacos are at their best served warm and crunchy straight from the oven. The contrast of hot, tender chicken against the crisp wonton shells and fresh garnishes creates a delightful eating experience that’s sure to impress anyone at your table.
How to Serve Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Refreshing garnishes like extra chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or a drizzle of spicy mayo provide that finishing touch, elevating both taste and presentation. A squeeze of lime juice can also add a lively brightness that complements the rich chicken perfectly.
Side Dishes
The perfect side kicks off the meal beautifully, so consider serving these tacos with a light Asian cucumber salad or steamed edamame. You might also enjoy pairing them with a simple vegetable stir-fry or even some steamed jasmine rice to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party presentation, arrange the tacos on a long platter garnished with fresh herbs. You can also offer a variety of dipping sauces like sweet chili, sriracha, or a tangy soy-ginger dressing to create an interactive taco bar experience everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the cooked chicken and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the wonton shells in a sealed container at room temperature to maintain their crispness.
Freezing
While the cooked chicken portion freezes well, it’s best to avoid freezing the wonton shells as they can lose their crunch. Freeze the chicken alone in freezer-safe bags, and when ready to eat, thaw and reheat for a quick meal.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. For the wonton shells, a quick 2 to 3-minute bake in the oven at 350°F will restore their crispy texture. Assemble fresh with cool coleslaw right before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp or pork can be great alternatives that pair beautifully with the Asian flavors and crispy wonton shells. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Are wonton wrappers gluten-free?
Traditional wonton wrappers are made from wheat flour and contain gluten. For a gluten-free option, seek out specially made gluten-free wrappers or substitute with small corn tortillas, though the texture will differ.
What can I use if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
If hoisin sauce isn’t on hand, you can substitute with a mixture of soy sauce, peanut butter, and a touch of honey or molasses to mimic its sweet and savory profile.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe is mild, focusing on savory and slightly sweet flavors. You can easily add spice by incorporating chili sauce, fresh jalapeños, or spicy mayo as toppings.
Can I make the coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes, the coleslaw can be prepared a day ahead. Just keep it refrigerated and toss gently before serving to keep it crisp and fresh-looking.
Final Thoughts
Making the Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe at home is such a rewarding culinary adventure that brings together favorite restaurant-style flavors with fresh, homemade goodness. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a crowd-pleaser and one you’ll be excited to share again and again. Give it a try, and watch how these tasty little tacos become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 tacos
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a delightful fusion appetizer combining savory marinated chicken with crispy baked wonton shells, topped with fresh coleslaw and toasted sesame seeds. Perfect for parties or a flavorful snack, they bring together Asian-inspired flavors with a crunchy, handheld presentation.
Ingredients
Marinade & Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
Toppings & Assembly
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
- 12 square wonton wrappers
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and sesame oil. Add the diced chicken breasts and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sauté until fully cooked and caramelized, around 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Wonton Taco Shells: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape the wonton wrappers into taco shells by pressing them into a muffin tin or onto a rack to form a taco shape. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Assemble the Tacos: Fill each baked wonton shell with the cooked chicken. Top with a portion of coleslaw mix, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro, and scatter toasted sesame seeds over the top to garnish.
- Serve Warm: Serve the chicken wonton tacos immediately while the shells are warm and crunchy for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant before adding them as a topping.
- You can prepare the chicken marinade and coleslaw ahead of time to save on prep time.
- If you do not have a muffin tin or rack for shaping the wontons, gently mold them over an inverted mini muffin tray or similar mold for consistent shapes.
- These tacos are best served fresh to maintain the crispiness of the wonton shells.
- Feel free to customize the coleslaw with a light dressing or add shredded carrots for additional texture.
