Crispy & Flavorful: The Ultimate Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe

Craving the iconic taste of Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos? Look no further! This perfect copycat recipe brings those beloved crispy, flavor-packed bites right to your kitchen. Imagine succulent honey-garlic chicken, vibrant and zesty Asian slaw, all nestled within a perfectly crunchy wonton shell. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that captures the essence of your favorite restaurant appetizer or main course.

Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner, a fun appetizer for friends, or a show-stopping party snack, these homemade Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are guaranteed to impress. Their unique combination of textures and flavors makes them incredibly satisfying, and the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to customize with your favorite toppings, allowing you to personalize each bite to perfection. Prepare to delight your taste buds and earn rave reviews from everyone who tries them!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Copycat Recipe

This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary journey that delivers on flavor, texture, and convenience. Here’s why these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Unforgettably Crispy and Delicious: The star of this dish is the incredible texture contrast. Each bite offers the satisfying crunch of a perfectly baked wonton shell, followed by the tender, juicy goodness of honey-garlic chicken. This is beautifully complemented by a tangy, refreshing Asian slaw that adds a burst of freshness and a delightful counterpoint to the savory chicken. The harmony of sweet, savory, and zesty notes creates an explosion of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
• Perfect for Any Gathering: These chicken wonton tacos are a true crowd-pleaser, making them an ideal choice for entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a casual get-together, or a more formal dinner party, they work wonderfully as an appetizer or a creative main dish. Their individual serving size makes them easy to manage, and their vibrant presentation is sure to spark conversation. Plus, they’re highly customizable, allowing your guests to add their preferred toppings for a personalized culinary experience.
• Surprisingly Easy to Make: Don’t be intimidated by the restaurant-quality taste. This recipe is designed with simplicity in mind. With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, you can recreate this Applebee’s classic without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a fantastic option for busy individuals or anyone looking for a gourmet-tasting dish that doesn’t require advanced cooking skills.
• Versatile and Customizable: One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adjust the spice level, swap out proteins, or experiment with different vegetables and sauces to match your personal preferences or dietary needs. This adaptability ensures that every batch can be a unique and exciting culinary adventure.

Essential Ingredients and Clever Substitutions

Crafting these delicious Applebee’s chicken wonton tacos requires a few key ingredients, but don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand. I’ve got you covered with some smart substitutions that will still deliver fantastic results!

For the Flavorful Chicken Filling

• Chicken Breasts: Finely diced chicken breasts are ideal for their lean texture and ability to absorb flavors. However, if you prefer a richer, more succulent filling, boneless and skinless chicken thighs can be used instead. They tend to stay juicier and offer a deeper flavor profile. Ensure whatever chicken you choose is cut into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Hoisin Sauce: This thick, fragrant sauce is a cornerstone of Asian cuisine, offering a unique blend of sweet, salty, and umami flavors with a hint of spice. It’s crucial for the authentic taste of the honey-garlic chicken. If hoisin sauce isn’t available, you can create a similar flavor profile using bean paste (often found in Asian markets). Alternatively, a quick mix of 2 tablespoons of honey with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce can serve as a decent substitute, though it might lack the depth of hoisin.
• Sesame Oil: Used in the chicken marinade, sesame oil provides a distinctive nutty aroma and flavor that is characteristic of many Asian dishes. While essential for authentic taste, if you need a substitute, a neutral cooking oil like olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil can be used, though you’ll miss out on the nutty notes. Consider adding a pinch of toasted sesame seeds for some flavor back.
• Soy Sauce: A fundamental ingredient for adding saltiness and umami to the chicken. For those with gluten sensitivities, tamari is an excellent gluten-free alternative that tastes very similar. Coconut aminos also work well, offering a slightly sweeter and less salty profile, which might require a minor adjustment to the overall seasoning.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the most potent and aromatic flavor to the chicken. However, if time is short, the pre-minced jarred variety is a convenient alternative. Just be aware that its flavor can be slightly milder.
• Ginger: Freshly minced ginger adds a warm, pungent zing that brightens the chicken filling. If fresh ginger is not accessible, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of ground ginger powder. Keep in mind that dried ginger has a more concentrated flavor, so adjust to taste.

For the Zesty Asian-Inspired Slaw

• Coleslaw Mix: A pre-bagged coleslaw mix, usually containing shredded green cabbage and carrots, is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe. It saves prep time and ensures a consistent texture. For a fresher, more customized slaw, you can chop up some red or green cabbage yourself, adding a few shredded carrots for color and sweetness.
• Green Onions: These add a mild, fresh onion flavor and a touch of color to the slaw. Chives or finely chopped shallots would be the best substitutes if green onions are unavailable, offering a similar delicate oniony note.
• Sesame Oil: In the slaw dressing, sesame oil contributes to the overall Asian flavor profile with its nutty essence. As with the chicken marinade, a neutral oil such as avocado or canola oil can be used as a substitute, but the distinctive sesame flavor will be absent.
• Rice Vinegar: This mild, slightly sweet vinegar is key to the slaw’s zesty, tangy kick. White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are good substitutes, providing similar acidity, though rice vinegar’s unique sweetness adds a subtle depth that is hard to fully replicate.
• Soy Sauce: Again, for the slaw dressing, tamari is the ideal gluten-free alternative, and coconut aminos can be used for a slightly different, milder flavor. These ensure the slaw has the necessary savory balance.
• Honey: A touch of honey balances the tanginess of the vinegar and the savoriness of the soy sauce in the slaw. Agave syrup or brown rice syrup are excellent vegan-friendly substitutes that will provide a similar level of sweetness.

For the Crispy Tacos and Delightful Toppings

• Wonton Wrappers: These form the quintessential crispy shell for our tacos. Their thin texture bakes up beautifully into a crunchy vessel. For a delicious low-carb alternative, crisp lettuce wraps (such as butter lettuce or iceberg cups) can be used, providing a refreshing crunch without the carbs.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce adds a vibrant sweet and subtly spicy finish. You can easily make your own by blending your favorite hot sauce with an equal amount of honey, adjusting the ratio to achieve your desired balance of heat and sweetness. Store-bought versions are also readily available.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro provides a burst of herbaceous freshness and a beautiful green garnish. If you’re not a fan of cilantro or don’t have it, you can simply leave it out, or substitute with finely chopped parsley for a different, but still fresh, green element.
• Sesame Seeds: These tiny seeds add a delicate nutty flavor and a pleasing visual appeal to the finished tacos. Both white and black sesame seeds work perfectly, offering a subtle crunch and a decorative finish. Toasting them lightly before sprinkling can enhance their flavor.

Mastering Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos: A Step-by-Step Guide

Recreating these delicious Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos at home is simpler than you might think. Follow these detailed steps to ensure perfectly crispy shells and a rich, flavorful filling every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Zesty Coleslaw.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for your Asian-inspired coleslaw: the bagged coleslaw mix, thinly sliced green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Toss everything gently until the vegetables are well coated in the dressing. The flavors will meld beautifully as it sits, so you can set this aside while you prepare the other components. This allows the cabbage to slightly soften and absorb the tangy dressing, creating a more cohesive and flavorful slaw.

Step 2: Shape and Prep the Wonton Wrappers.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving crispiness without burning. Take your wonton wrappers and lightly spray both sides with cooking spray, or gently brush them with a small amount of olive or canola oil. This helps them crisp up evenly and prevents sticking. Carefully drape each prepared wonton wrapper over the side of an inverted 9×13 inch baking dish (or any oven-safe dish with a similar edge). The curve of the dish will help the wontons take on their taco shell shape as they bake. Ensure they are spaced adequately to allow for even airflow and crisping.

Step 3: Bake Wonton Shells Until Crispy.

Place the baking dish with the draped wonton wrappers into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 7-8 minutes. It’s crucial to watch them very closely during this stage, as wontons can go from perfectly golden to burnt quite quickly due to their thinness. Once they are lightly golden and starting to firm up, carefully remove the wonton shells from the oven. While they are still warm and slightly pliable, gently pull them apart from the baking dish. This makes them easier to handle and ensures they retain their taco shape. Return them to the oven for another 7-8 minutes, or until they are deeply golden brown and perfectly crispy. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack to maintain their crunch.

Step 4: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor.

In a separate large bowl, combine your finely diced raw chicken breasts with the hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced fresh ginger. Toss the chicken thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the rich marinade. For best results and deeper flavor penetration, let the chicken marinate for at least 15-30 minutes at room temperature, or up to an hour in the refrigerator if you have more time. This step is essential for infusing the chicken with the signature sweet and savory notes of this dish.

Step 5: Cook the Marinated Chicken.

Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. A hot pan is crucial for searing the chicken quickly and achieving a slight caramelization on the exterior while keeping the interior juicy. Add the marinated chicken to the hot skillet, spreading it out in a single layer if possible to ensure even cooking. Sauté the chicken, tossing frequently, for about 7-8 minutes, or until it is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The sauce will thicken and cling to the chicken, creating a glossy, irresistible coating. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can steam the chicken instead of searing it.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos and Serve!

Now for the fun part – assembly! Take your perfectly crispy wonton shells and spoon a generous amount of the cooked honey-garlic chicken mixture into each one. Next, top the chicken with a dollop of the refreshing Asian-inspired coleslaw you prepared earlier. To add the final flourish, drizzle each taco with sweet chili sauce for an extra layer of flavor, then sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro and a scattering of sesame seeds. Arrange your beautifully assembled Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos on a platter and serve immediately to enjoy them at their peak crispness and flavor. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Frequently Asked Questions About Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Here are some common questions to help you perfect your homemade Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos:

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken, such as leftover roasted chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken, is a fantastic time-saver. Simply shred or dice the pre-cooked chicken, then toss it thoroughly in the honey-garlic sauce mix. Heat it gently in a skillet for a few minutes until it’s warmed through and the chicken has absorbed the flavors of the sauce. This ensures your filling is hot and delicious when you assemble your tacos, making weeknight meals a breeze.

Is baking or frying better for the wonton shells?

Both methods have their merits, but baking is generally recommended for this recipe. Baking the wonton shells is a much lighter and healthier option, requiring significantly less oil. It still delivers a wonderfully crisp and crunchy shell, which is key to the taco experience. Frying, while offering an even more intensely crisp texture, also adds considerably more oil and calories. For the best balance of flavor, texture, and health, baking is the preferred method, yielding shells that are perfectly firm enough to hold your delicious filling.

How can I make these chicken wonton tacos low carb?

Making these tacos low-carb is surprisingly easy and still incredibly delicious! The most effective way is to swap out the wonton shells for crisp lettuce wraps. Butter lettuce, romaine lettuce, or even large cabbage leaves work perfectly as fresh, crunchy, and refreshing alternatives. You can also ensure your hoisin sauce and soy sauce substitutions (like coconut aminos or low-sodium tamari) are lower in sugar and carbs. This modification allows you to enjoy all the vibrant flavors of the chicken and slaw without the higher carbohydrate content of traditional wonton wrappers.

Elevate Your Tacos: Creative Topping Ideas

While the classic honey-garlic chicken and zesty slaw are a perfect combination, these Applebee’s-inspired wonton tacos can be taken to the next level with additional toppings. If you have a sharp knife and a few extra minutes for mincing, consider these additions to boost flavor, texture, and visual appeal:

• Minced Mushrooms: Adding finely minced mushrooms, such as cremini or shiitake, introduces a wonderful earthy flavor and a more substantial, umami-rich texture to the chicken filling. Sauté them briefly with the chicken for best results.
• Minced Bamboo Shoots: For an extra layer of authentic Asian flavor and a delightful textural crunch, incorporate finely minced bamboo shoots. Their subtle, slightly sweet taste pairs beautifully with the honey-garlic chicken.
• Grated Carrot or Parsnip: Beyond the coleslaw, a small amount of extra grated carrot or parsnip can brighten the tacos with a touch of natural sweetness and a fresh, vibrant color. They also add a fine, delicate crunch.
• Kohlrabi Matchsticks: If you’re looking for a unique and refreshing crunch, kohlrabi cut into thin matchsticks is an excellent choice. It offers a crisp texture similar to a radish or a mild cabbage, with a slightly peppery, sweet flavor.
• Plum Sauce: A drizzle of rich and sticky plum sauce can add an irresistible sweet and tangy glaze, providing a different dimension of flavor that complements the savory chicken filling perfectly.
• Sriracha Sauce: For those who love a good kick of heat, a dash of sriracha sauce is a simple yet impactful addition. Drizzle it directly over the filling or offer it on the side for guests to customize their spice level.

Storage and Reheating Best Practices

Planning ahead or managing leftovers for these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos is straightforward with these tips:

Make Ahead: To simplify meal prep, you can prepare the chicken filling and the Asian slaw up to a day in advance. Store both components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents the slaw from becoming watery. The wonton shells, however, should always be crisped just before serving to ensure maximum crunch and enjoyment. Assembling too early will result in soggy shells.

Store Leftovers: If you have leftover assembled tacos, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Be aware that the wonton shells will likely soften over time due to moisture from the filling and slaw. For best results, it’s always recommended to store the chicken and slaw separately from the crispy wonton shells. The leftover chicken filling itself can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining its flavor and texture well.

Reheat: To enjoy leftover chicken filling, simply warm it gently in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat until it’s heated through. For the best possible experience, assemble the reheated chicken with freshly crisped wonton shells. If you’re reheating already assembled tacos, warming them briefly in a toaster oven or air fryer might help restore some crispness to the shells, but they won’t be as good as freshly baked ones.

Freeze and Reheat from Frozen: The cooked chicken filling freezes exceptionally well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken filling overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until hot, then assemble with freshly prepared wonton shells and slaw for a meal that tastes as good as freshly made.

Recommended Meal Prep Tools

To make your cooking and meal prepping experience as smooth as possible, consider these helpful tools:

• Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on storing any leftover chicken or pre-made slaw. These are excellent for keeping food fresh and are microwave-safe.
• For high-quality, free-range chicken, I highly recommend Butcher Box. Their convenient delivery service brings premium meats directly to your door, frozen for freshness and ease of storage.