If you adore the fun, crispy bite of tacos but crave something a little different, this Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe is a total game-changer. Imagine tender, teriyaki-glazed chicken nestled inside crunchy, golden wonton shells, topped with a vibrant, tangy slaw that adds color, crunch, and freshness to every mouthwatering bite. It’s perfect as an appetizer for a party or a light, delightful meal that feels special without any fuss. These tacos bring together sweet, savory, and crisp textures that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds) in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role in bringing that signature Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe flavor to life. From the juicy chicken to the crispy wonton shells and the zesty slaw, every component makes the dish shine.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Finely chopped for perfect taco filling that’s tender and easy to eat.
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce: Adds a sweet and savory glaze that’s the heart of the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Brings depth and umami to the chicken mixture.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses a subtle nutty aroma that complements the Asian-inspired profile.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing garlic and chicken to golden perfection.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic wakes up the palate with its fragrant sharpness.
- 20 wonton wrappers: The crisp, crunchy shells that elevate these tacos from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Cooking spray or oil for brushing: Ensures those wonton shells bake up beautifully crispy.
- 1 cup coleslaw mix: Adds crispness and a refreshing balance to the savory chicken.
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots: Provides color and a natural sweetness to the slaw.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro: Brings a bright, herbal lift to the dish.
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced: Adds mild oniony crunch and freshness.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the slaw dressing.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Gives the slaw a tangy zip to cut through the richness.
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional): Sweetens the slaw just enough to balance the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional): A pretty, toasty garnish that adds texture.
How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Shells
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray both sides of the wonton wrappers with cooking spray or brush them with a little oil to encourage crispiness. Then, drape each wrapper over the bars of an upside-down muffin tin to shape them beautifully into taco shells. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden color and become crispy. These crunchy shells are what truly set this Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe apart from the rest.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Filling
While the shells are baking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and toss in the minced garlic. Cook just for about 30 seconds until it’s wonderfully fragrant—don’t let it brown. Next, add the finely chopped cooked chicken, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir everything together so the chicken is evenly coated with all those lovely sauces. Let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and develop a slightly caramelized, sticky exterior that’s bursting with flavor. Once done, remove it from the heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Slaw
In a mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix and shredded carrots with mayonnaise, rice vinegar, and honey if you want that hint of sweetness. Toss in freshly chopped cilantro and thinly sliced green onions to elevate the freshness of the slaw. Give it a good mix until everything is evenly coated. This crisp, tangy slaw balances the rich chicken perfectly and adds an irresistible crunch.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
Once your wonton shells have cooled slightly but are still crispy, fill each one generously with the warm chicken mixture. Top off each taco with a good spoonful of that vibrant slaw, and if you like, sprinkle with some sesame seeds to add a little nutty crunch and beautiful contrast. Serve them up immediately to keep those shells crisp and crunchy—the defining characteristic of this Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe.
How to Serve Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
To make your tacos look as delicious as they taste, consider garnishing with additional fresh cilantro leaves, a wedge of lime for a zesty finish, or even a drizzle of sriracha mayo if you want a spicy kick. These garnishes add fresh pops of color and extra layers of flavor that brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these wonton tacos with simple sides like steamed edamame, a light cucumber salad, or even some crispy sweet potato fries. These options complement the textures and flavors without overpowering the star dish. If you’re hosting a gathering, a chilled Asian noodle salad makes a fantastic side that keeps everything refreshing and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive presentation, arrange the tacos standing up in a narrow serving tray lined with parchment paper. You can also offer a variety of dipping sauces on the side like spicy ranch, sweet chili, or extra teriyaki sauce so everyone can customize their bites. If you want to impress guests, consider serving these tacos as bite-sized appetizers with toothpicks to make snacking effortless and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the wonton shells stored in a dry place at room temperature; refrigerating them can cause sogginess and ruin that signature crunch.
Freezing
The chicken mixture freezes well, so you can double the recipe and save some for later. Freeze the cooked chicken filling in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop. Avoid freezing the wonton shells or slaw, as their texture will not hold up well after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken filling in a skillet over low-medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. For the slaw, serve it cold or at room temperature after thawing. If you want crispy shells again after storage, briefly warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 2-3 minutes, but only right before serving to avoid burning.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves you prep time. Just finely chop it before tossing with the sauces.
How do I keep the wonton shells crispy?
Make sure not to store the assembled tacos too long before serving. Keep the shells separate from the filling until you’re ready to serve to maintain maximum crispiness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute gluten-free soy sauce and look for gluten-free wonton wrappers if available, but traditional wonton wrappers contain wheat. Verify your ingredients to suit your dietary needs.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Try swapping the chicken for finely chopped tofu or mushrooms and using a vegetarian-friendly teriyaki sauce. The slaw and crisp shells will keep it just as delicious.
Can I prepare the slaw ahead of time?
Yes, the slaw can be made a few hours ahead and kept chilled. Just give it a quick toss before serving to refresh its texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe that makes it a standout in the world of appetizers and light meals. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to wow your guests at a party. The combination of crispy, golden shells, luscious teriyaki chicken, and zippy slaw is downright addictive. Give it a try, and prepare to have a new favorite dish to share with friends and family again and again.
Print
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 tacos
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Delight in these crispy, flavorful Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos featuring tender teriyaki-glazed chicken nestled in crunchy baked wonton shells, topped with a refreshing Asian-inspired slaw. Perfect as a party appetizer or a quick weeknight treat, these tacos combine savory, tangy, and slightly sweet elements for a delicious fusion dish.
Ingredients
Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Wonton Shells
- 20 wonton wrappers
- Cooking spray or oil for brushing
Slaw Topping
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Wonton Shells: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray both sides of the wonton wrappers with oil. Drape each wrapper over the bars of an upside-down muffin tin to form taco shells. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes until they turn golden and crisp. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
- Cook the Chicken Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the finely chopped chicken, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the chicken is heated through and the sauce slightly caramelizes. Remove from heat.
- Make the Slaw: In a medium bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, shredded carrots, mayonnaise, rice vinegar, honey (if using), chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions. Toss well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Assemble the Tacos: Fill each baked wonton shell with a generous spoonful of the warm chicken mixture. Top with the prepared slaw. If desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the tacos fresh to enjoy the contrast between the crispy shells and flavorful filling at their best.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time and effort.
- For extra crunch and texture, add chopped water chestnuts to the chicken mixture.
- These tacos are best served fresh to maintain the crispiness of the wonton shells.
