If you’ve ever found yourself craving a bite that perfectly balances crispy, savory, and just a hint of sweet, then you are going to love this Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe. These little pockets of delight combine tender, flavorful chicken with crunchy wonton shells to create a fun and unique twist on the classic taco. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe starts with simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, adding texture, and bringing bright, fresh colors to your dish.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, finely diced: The star protein, tender and easy to infuse with bold flavors.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet, and savory depth to the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings saltiness and umami that perfectly balances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: For that distinct, nutty aroma that highlights Asian-inspired dishes.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Introduces a touch of acidity to brighten the palate.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Fresh and pungent, it wakes up the flavor profile instantly.
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger: Adds warmth and a zesty spice that complements the garlic.
- 2 green onions, sliced: A fresh crunch and a mild oniony bite to finish off the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Used for sautéing the chicken to a perfect golden color.
- 16 wonton wrappers: These are the crunchy taco shells that make this recipe so special and fun.
- Cooking spray or oil for brushing: Helps the wonton shells crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- 1 cup shredded lettuce: Adds freshness and a cool crunch under the warm chicken.
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots: For a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional): A fragrant herb that lifts the entire dish with its bright notes.
- 1/3 cup Asian-style sweet chili sauce or sesame dressing: A gorgeous drizzle of saucy sweetness for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Taco Shells
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly coat both sides of the wonton wrappers with cooking spray or brush them gently with oil. Then, press each wrapper into the cups of an upside-down muffin tin to form charming little taco cups. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until they are beautifully golden and irresistibly crisp. Once done, set these shells aside and get ready for the delicious filling.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Filling
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced chicken and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until it’s cooked through and starting to brown. Now for the magic moment: stir in the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Let these flavors mingle and caramelize for another 2 to 3 minutes. Finally, remove from heat and toss in the sliced green onions for a fresh bite that balances out the rich chicken.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
Assembly is where the fun shines! Start by placing a little shredded lettuce in each crisp wonton shell, then spoon in a generous amount of the savory chicken mixture. Top with shredded carrots and chopped cilantro if you like that extra burst of freshness. Finish each taco off with a drizzle of sweet chili sauce or sesame dressing — this final touch ties it all together with a perfect zing.
How to Serve Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes like fresh cilantro and sliced green onions not only add color but elevate the flavors with their bright, herbal notes. For an extra dose of heat, feel free to sprinkle a few red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha right on top. It’s these little details that turn simple tacos into a mouthwatering experience.
Side Dishes
These tacos pair wonderfully with light, refreshing sides like a crisp cucumber salad or edamame beans tossed with sea salt. You could also serve them alongside steamed jasmine rice or a tangy Asian slaw to complement the bold, saucy chicken filling. The goal here is to keep sides fresh and easy to balance the flavors without overpowering the tacos.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving the Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe on a vibrant platter garnished with lime wedges and extra cilantro adds an inviting pop of color. You can also line up the tacos neatly on a wooden board or serve them in individual mini taco holders for a fun party presentation. Offering extra dipping sauces like spicy mayo or soy glaze on the side lets everyone customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken filling keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, because the wonton taco shells are at their best when crisp, it’s best to store them separately and assemble just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken mixture in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop. It’s best not to freeze assembled tacos since the wonton shells will lose their crunch.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken filling, use a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If you have leftover shells that softened, you can crisp them back in a 350°F oven for a few minutes. Then reassemble and serve immediately for that perfect crunch and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of wrappers instead of wonton wrappers?
Wonton wrappers are essential for achieving that signature crispness and taco shape in this recipe. While some other wrappers might work, they likely won’t get as crispy or hold the shape as well as wonton wrappers do.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Try swapping the chicken for tofu or a hearty vegetable mix like mushrooms and bell peppers, and use vegan hoisin and soy sauces. The key is maintaining a balance of savory and sweet flavors for that authentic taste.
How spicy is the Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe?
The base recipe is mildly flavored with no strong heat, but you can easily add spiciness by including sriracha, red pepper flakes, or a spicy chili sauce to suit your preferences.
What’s the best way to keep wonton shells from getting soggy?
Brushing them lightly with oil and baking until golden and crisp is the secret. Also, keep the filling and shells separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain that perfect crunch.
Can I prepare the chicken filling ahead of time?
Yes! The chicken filling can be made in advance and refrigerated. Just warm it up before filling the shells. This saves prep time and makes assembling a breeze when guests arrive.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about crafting these crunchy, flavor-packed Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe at home. They bring together textures and tastes that are both familiar and exciting, making every bite a joyful experience. So next time you want to impress friends or enjoy a tasty treat for yourself, give this recipe a try — it’s a little piece of flavor-packed fun that never disappoints!
Print
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 16 tacos)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a delicious fusion appetizer featuring crispy baked wonton shells filled with savory, hoisin and soy sauce-glazed chicken, fresh vegetables, and drizzled with a sweet chili sauce. Perfect for a party or a flavorful snack, these tacos blend Asian-inspired flavors with easy-to-make techniques.
Ingredients
Chicken Filling
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Taco Shells
- 16 wonton wrappers
- Cooking spray or oil for brushing
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1/3 cup Asian-style sweet chili sauce or sesame dressing for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly coat both sides of each wonton wrapper with cooking spray or brush with oil, then gently press them into the cups of an upside-down muffin tin to shape taco shells.
- Bake wonton shells: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake the wonton wrappers for 8 to 10 minutes until they turn golden and crisp. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced chicken and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until fully cooked.
- Add sauces and aromatics: Stir in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger into the skillet. Continue cooking and stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is well coated and the sauce slightly caramelizes.
- Finish chicken mixture: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in sliced green onions to add freshness and mild onion flavor.
- Assemble tacos: Fill each baked wonton shell first with shredded lettuce, then spoon in the flavorful chicken mixture. Top with shredded carrots and chopped cilantro if using.
- Add final touch: Drizzle each filled taco with Asian-style sweet chili sauce or your choice of sesame dressing to add a sweet and tangy finish.
- Serve immediately: Serve the chicken wonton tacos right away to enjoy the crispness of the shells and the vibrant flavors at their best.
Notes
- For extra heat, add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the chicken while cooking.
- These tacos are best assembled just before serving to maintain wonton shell crispiness.
- You can substitute the sweet chili sauce with sesame dressing for a different flavor profile.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 2 days but do not assemble tacos ahead to prevent sogginess.
