Recreate the beloved Ultimate Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos right in your own kitchen with this spot-on copycat recipe. These crispy, flavorful bites combine tender Asian-seasoned chicken with a refreshing coleslaw, all nestled in perfectly fried wonton shells. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving restaurant-quality appetizers at home, these wonton tacos deliver the perfect balance of textures and flavors that made the original so popular.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Ultimate Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are the perfect fusion of Asian flavors and Mexican-inspired presentation. The crispy wonton shells provide an amazing crunch that pairs beautifully with the savory hoisin-glazed chicken and crisp, tangy coleslaw. They’re incredibly versatile – serving as an impressive appetizer for entertaining, a fun weeknight dinner, or even a creative lunch option. The recipe is surprisingly simple to make at home, yet delivers restaurant-quality results that will have your family and friends asking for the recipe. Plus, they’re ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy schedules.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts, finely diced
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp minced fresh ginger
For the Coleslaw:
- 1 bag coleslaw mix
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
For Assembly:
- 16 wonton wrappers
- Sweet chili sauce, to serve
- Chopped cilantro, to serve
- Sesame seeds, to serve
- Oil for frying
How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and cook the diced chicken breasts until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and soy sauce, coating the chicken evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Coleslaw: In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with the sliced green onions. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey until well combined. Pour this dressing over the coleslaw mixture and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Prepare the Wonton Shells: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Working with one wonton wrapper at a time, carefully place it in the hot oil and use tongs to gently fold it into a taco shell shape while it fries. This should take about 30-45 seconds per shell. The wonton should be golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining wrappers.
Assemble the Tacos: Fill each crispy wonton shell with a spoonful of the seasoned chicken, followed by a generous portion of the Asian coleslaw. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce and garnish with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds.
Helpful Tips
Temperature control is crucial when frying the wonton wrappers – oil that’s too hot will burn them before they crisp properly, while oil that’s too cool will make them greasy. Use a candy thermometer to maintain 350°F consistently. When shaping the wontons, work quickly but carefully to avoid burns, and don’t be discouraged if the first few don’t turn out perfectly – you’ll get the hang of it quickly.
For the chicken, make sure to dice it into small, uniform pieces for even cooking and easier eating. The hoisin sauce can burn easily, so add it after the chicken is mostly cooked through. If you’re making these for a party, you can prepare all components ahead of time and assemble just before serving to maintain the crispiness of the shells.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people (16 tacos)
Difficulty: Intermediate
The Ultimate Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos strike the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The hoisin-glazed chicken provides umami depth, while the honey-dressed coleslaw adds freshness and crunch. The crispy wonton shells not only provide textural contrast but also serve as the perfect edible vessel for these flavor-packed bites.
Notes
Wonton wrappers can usually be found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores near the tofu and Asian ingredients. If you can’t find them, egg roll wrappers cut into smaller squares can work as a substitute, though the texture will be slightly different.
For a healthier version, you can bake the wonton shells instead of frying them. Brush them with oil and bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, shaping them over an inverted muffin tin to create the taco shape.
The chicken mixture can be made up to 2 days in advance and reheated when ready to serve. The coleslaw is actually better after sitting for a few hours, as the flavors have more time to develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these gluten-free? Unfortunately, traditional wonton wrappers contain wheat flour. You could try using rice paper or corn tortillas as alternatives, though the texture will be different from the original.
How do I prevent the wonton shells from getting soggy? Serve immediately after assembling, and make sure both the chicken and coleslaw are well-drained before filling the shells. You can also place the shells on a wire rack after frying to ensure proper drainage.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead? Absolutely! Shred about 2 cups of rotisserie chicken and toss it with the sauce mixture. Heat it through in a skillet before assembling the tacos.
What other toppings work well? Sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, crushed peanuts, or a drizzle of sriracha mayo all make excellent additions to these tacos.
Storage Instructions
These Ultimate Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are best enjoyed immediately after assembly. However, you can prepare the components separately and store them for later use. The seasoned chicken will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
The coleslaw can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though it may release some liquid over time – simply drain before using. The fried wonton shells can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, though they may lose some crispiness. To refresh them, place in a 350°F oven for 2-3 minutes.
For food safety, assembled tacos should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours and should be consumed the same day they’re made.
Related Recipes
Looking for more delicious appetizers and Asian-inspired dishes? Check out these popular recipes from Run of Life:
- Asian Lettuce Wraps – Another crowd-pleasing appetizer with similar flavors
- Crispy Orange Chicken – Perfect for your next Asian-themed dinner
- Vegetable Spring Rolls – Light and fresh appetizers that pair perfectly with these tacos
Conclusion
These Ultimate Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos bring restaurant-quality flavors straight to your home kitchen. With their perfect combination of crispy textures, savory-sweet chicken, and refreshing coleslaw, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering or family dinner. The recipe is forgiving enough for beginners while still delivering the complex flavors that make these tacos so addictive.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – you can easily adjust the spice level, swap proteins, or add your favorite toppings to make it your own. Once you master the technique of frying the wonton shells, you’ll find yourself creating all sorts of creative variations.
So fire up that skillet, heat up the oil, and get ready to create these incredible Ultimate Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos that will have everyone asking for seconds. Your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you!