Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos became the highlight of a casual movie night that slowly turned into a full dinner gathering. My brother arrived early with a stack of board games, my best friend brought sparkling drinks, and my neighbor walked in carrying fresh cilantro from her balcony garden. The living room filled with laughter and the kitchen turned into a quick assembly station.

The idea started as a fun appetizer challenge. Everyone agreed on recreating restaurant favorites at home, and wonton tacos quickly won the vote. A muffin tin lined the counter while wonton wrappers waited in neat stacks. The skillet warmed as diced chicken hit the pan, releasing the aroma of garlic and ginger that instantly drew people closer.

As the tacos were assembled, the crisp shells crackled gently and the sweet chili drizzle glistened under the kitchen lights. Plates disappeared quickly as the first bites delivered crunch, sweetness, and savory glaze. Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos transformed the evening into a lively, shareable dinner.

Short Description

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos feature crispy baked wonton shells filled with savory glazed chicken, sesame slaw, and sweet chili sauce.

Key Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 bag coleslaw mix
• 4 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil for slaw
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce for slaw
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 16 wonton wrappers
• Sweet chili sauce
• Chopped cilantro
• Sesame seeds

Tools Needed

• Skillet
• Muffin tin
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board
• Tongs

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Bake wonton shells
Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray the back of a muffin tin and drape wonton wrappers over inverted cups. Bake 5 to 7 minutes until crisp and golden.

Step 2: Cook the chicken
Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Cook diced chicken 3 to 4 minutes until no longer pink.

Step 3: Add glaze
Stir in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Cook 2 to 3 minutes until chicken is glossy and coated.

Step 4: Prepare sesame slaw
Mix coleslaw, green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey until evenly coated.

Step 5: Assemble tacos
Fill wonton shells with chicken, top with slaw, drizzle sweet chili sauce, and finish with cilantro and sesame seeds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant style at home

Quick and easy appetizer

Crispy and flavorful

Perfect party food

Balanced sweet and savory flavor

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overbaking wonton shells
Shells can burn quickly.
Solution: Watch closely and remove when golden.

Overcrowding the skillet
Crowding prevents proper browning.
Solution: Cook chicken in batches if needed.

Adding slaw too early
Slaw softens shells.
Solution: Assemble right before serving.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve as party appetizer

Pair with fried rice or noodles

Serve buffet style for gatherings

Pair with sparkling lemonade or iced tea

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store chicken and slaw separately up to 3 days

Reheat chicken in skillet before serving

Bake fresh wonton shells for best crunch

Do not store assembled tacos

FAQs

1. Can I use ground chicken?
Yes, cook until fully browned and crumbly.

2. Can I fry the wonton shells?
Yes, fry in oil until golden for extra crispiness.

3. Is this recipe spicy?
Sweet chili sauce adds mild heat.

4. Can I make ahead?
Prepare fillings ahead and assemble before serving.

5. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, warm and toss with sauce before serving.

Tips & Tricks

Use a squeeze bottle for neat drizzle

Chop chicken finely for easier filling

Serve immediately for best texture

Recipe Variations

Spicy Version
Add sriracha to the chicken glaze.

Shrimp Wonton Tacos
Replace chicken with diced shrimp and cook 2 minutes per side.

Vegetarian Version
Use crispy tofu instead of chicken.

Final Thoughts

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos bring restaurant style flavor into a relaxed home setting. Their crunchy shells, savory filling, and bright toppings make them perfect for sharing.

Serving these tacos during a lively movie night turned a simple gathering into a memorable evening. Small appetizers like this bring people together around the kitchen and the table.