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Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos bring together crisp shells, sweet-savory glazed chicken, and zesty cabbage slaw for a restaurant-style starter or easy weeknight meal right from your own kitchen. The contrast between the crunchy wonton, tender chicken, and creamy slaw makes every bite exciting and crowd-pleasing.
The first time I made these was for a game night and they disappeared before the main course came out. They have become my favorite thing to whip up when I want to impress guests without a lot of effort.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast diced: ensures juiciness and fast cooking look for firm fresh fillets with minimal fat
- Olive oil: helps chicken caramelize without sticking use a good extra virgin variety for best flavor
- Low sodium soy sauce: brings umami and saltiness opt for tamari if gluten free
- Honey: sweetens and thickens the glaze local honey gives the richest flavor
- Sesame oil: adds deep nutty fragrance toasted sesame oil works best
- Rice vinegar: gives balanced tang and brightness unseasoned is best
- Brown sugar: creates a glossy sauce and deeper caramel flavor
- Garlic minced: for savory warmth fresh cloves release more flavor than pre-minced
- Ginger minced: gives lovely zing and brightness buy a plump piece with smooth skin
- Wonton wrappers: become crisp shells look for even square shapes with no tears
- Nonstick cooking spray: crisps the wrappers without excess oil
- Green onions chopped: for freshness and color bright green tops have the freshest flavor
- Sesame seeds: provide a nutty finish toast them for extra crunch
- Coleslaw mix: makes the slaw quick and easy choose a bag with vibrant colors
- Mayonnaise: adds creaminess full fat mayo tastes best
- Honey: gives a hint of sweetness in the slaw
- Rice vinegar: balances and brightens the slaw
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add diced chicken and cook for six to eight minutes stirring often until each piece is golden brown on the outside and cooked through to the center The chicken should be firm and no longer pink
- Make the Glaze:
- Mix low sodium soy sauce honey sesame oil rice vinegar brown sugar minced garlic and minced ginger in a small bowl Pour this mixture into the skillet with the cooked chicken Simmer everything together for two to three minutes stirring until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken well Remove the pan from heat and let it sit so the flavors meld
- Mix the Slaw:
- In a medium mixing bowl toss coleslaw mix with mayonnaise honey and rice vinegar Stir until the vegetables are evenly coated and creamy Cover and refrigerate until ready for assembly This helps the flavors develop and keeps the slaw crisp
- Form and Bake the Wonton Shells:
- Preheat your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit Lightly spray both sides of each wonton wrapper with nonstick cooking spray Hang each wrapper over the bars of an oven safe rack to shape them into tacos Place the rack onto a baking sheet Bake the shells for five to seven minutes watching closely until they are golden crisp and lightly blistered Remove and let them cool slightly so they hold their shape
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Spoon a generous amount of chicken filling into each crisp wonton shell Top each with a heaping spoonful of the chilled cabbage slaw Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you like for color and crunch
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange all the finished tacos on a platter Serve immediately while the shells are at their crispest and enjoy the layers of flavor
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Sesame oil is my secret star ingredient Its nutty aroma transforms both the chicken glaze and the slaw A few drops go a long way and my family always asks about that irresistible flavor as soon as the tacos hit the table I love seeing everyone reach for seconds and compare whose shell is the crispiest
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers keep chicken and slaw separate from the shells Store each in an airtight container in the fridge Chicken lasts up to three days Wonton shells can be crisped again in a low oven for a few minutes right before serving
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find wonton wrappers use small flour tortillas or lettuce cups for a softer option For a different protein swap chicken for cooked shrimp or tofu The glaze pairs well with almost any filling
Serving Suggestions
These work perfectly with a quick cucumber salad or edamame on the side For a larger party set up all the components buffet style and let guests assemble their own tacos with extra toppings like chopped cilantro or a drizzle of sriracha
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A Little History
Applebees made these tacos famous as a novel American Asian fusion appetizer The sweet savory glaze on chicken with crisp vegetables in a crunchy wrapper combines familiar comfort food with bold flavors It is fun to bring a bit of that restaurant flair to your table
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep wonton shells crispy?
Bake wonton wrappers on a wire rack and serve tacos immediately to maintain their crisp texture.
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
While fresh chicken is recommended for best flavor, pre-cooked chicken can be quickly tossed in the glaze for convenience.
- → What can I use instead of coleslaw mix?
Shred fresh cabbage and carrots if coleslaw mix isn't available for a similar crunchy slaw base.
- → Are these tacos spicy?
No, the flavor profile is sweet and savory; however, you can add chili flakes for a kick if desired.
- → Can I prepare components ahead?
Yes, you can prep the chicken filling and slaw in advance, but assemble the tacos just before serving.