Name: Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos You Can’t Resist Making at Home
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups chicken breasts (diced); 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil (plus 1 more for slaw); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced); 1 bag coleslaw mix; 3 stalks green onions (chopped); 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 package wonton wrappers; 1 cup sweet chili sauce; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

“Have you ever experienced that exhilarating moment when a simple dish transforms your kitchen into a bustling culinary haven?” That’s exactly how I feel every time I make these Chicken Wonton Tacos, inspired by Applebee’s wildly popular creation. The crispy wonton shells cradle a sweet and savory chicken filling, topped with a vibrant slaw that brings everything together. Not only are these tacos fun and easy to prepare, but they’re also budget-friendly, letting you serve up restaurant-quality flavors without breaking the bank. Whether you’re craving a delightful weeknight dinner or need a showstopper for your next gathering, this recipe is adaptable enough to please everyone and can even cater to dietary needs. Curious about how to whip up this tasty twist on tacos? Let’s dive into the recipe together!

What makes these tacos irresistible?

Crispy Wonton Shells: The crunchy texture of the baked wonton wrappers creates a delightful vessel for the filling, providing an unparalleled contrast.

Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory chicken, sesame oil, and hoisin sauce delivers a taste that’s both rich and satisfying, making each bite a delicious experience.

Adaptable and Fun: This recipe easily adapts to dietary preferences, from gluten-free options to vegetarian-friendly alternatives. You could even try these with Honey Pepper Chicken for an exciting twist!

Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in just over 30 minutes, making it a time-saving solution for hearty meals.

Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for family dinners or parties, these tacos are sure to impress guests, providing a fun twist that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Vibrant Slaw: Topped with refreshing slaw, the tacos not only offer flavor but also a colorful presentation, making them as visually appealing as they are tasty.

Chicken Wonton Tacos Ingredients

To create these delectable Chicken Wonton Tacos, gather your ingredients for an unforgettable culinary experience!

For the Filling

Chicken breasts – Provides the main protein and savory flavor; can be substituted with ground chicken for quicker cooking.
Hoisin sauce – Adds sweetness and depth; swap with teriyaki sauce for a milder flavor.
Sesame oil – Enhances richness and provides a nutty aroma; essential for both chicken and slaw.
Soy sauce – Imparts umami and saltiness; use tamari to make it gluten-free.
Garlic, minced – Adds pungency and aroma for a flavorful base.
Fresh ginger, minced – Contributes warmth and spice that elevates the dish.

For the Slaw

Coleslaw mix – Provides crunch and freshness to complement the tacos.
Green onions – Adds brightness and a mild onion flavor, enhancing every bite.
Rice vinegar – Offers acidity to balance flavors in the slaw; freshens up the taste profile.
Honey – Adds natural sweetness to the slaw mix for a well-rounded flavor.

For the Taco Shells

Wonton wrappers – Forms crispy taco shells that cradle the tasty filling; perfect for a delightful crunch.

For Dipping

Sweet chili sauce – Adds an extra layer of sweetness and pairs wonderfully with the tacos.

For Garnishing

Chopped cilantro – Freshness that enhances both flavor and presentation.
Sesame seeds – For added texture and presentation; a charming finishing touch.

This Chicken Wonton Tacos ingredient list will set you on the path to creating a dish your family and friends won’t resist!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken Wonton Tacos

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is important for crisping up the wonton wrappers later. Meanwhile, gather a muffin tin and lightly spray the back with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step sets the foundation for creating those perfectly crunchy Chicken Wonton Tacos.

Step 2: Shape the Wonton Shells
Once the oven is preheated, take the wonton wrappers and drape them over the inverted muffin cups in your muffin tin. Make sure each wrapper forms a taco shape as it hangs down. Bake these shells for 5–7 minutes, or until they turn golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking, as the perfect shell is key to your Chicken Wonton Tacos.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken
While the wonton shells are baking, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken breasts and cook for 3–4 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and starts browning slightly. The enticing aroma will fill your kitchen, getting you excited for the Chicken Wonton Tacos to come!

Step 4: Add Flavoring Ingredients
Next, stir in the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger into the skillet. Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb all the rich flavors. Look for a glossy glaze as the chicken becomes well-coated, elevating the savory filling that will make your tacos irresistible.

Step 5: Prepare the Slaw
In a separate bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, chopped green onions, remaining sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey. Toss everything together until the ingredients are well-coated and mixed. This vibrant slaw adds both freshness and a crunch to your Chicken Wonton Tacos, enhancing the overall flavor profile beautifully.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
Once the wonton shells are crispy and the chicken filling is ready, it’s time to assemble your Chicken Wonton Tacos. Fill each baked wonton shell generously with the savory chicken mixture, then top with a spoonful of the prepared slaw. This combination creates a delightful layering of textures and flavors that will impress everyone at the table.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, drizzle some sweet chili sauce over the filled tacos and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds for an appealing presentation. Serve your Chicken Wonton Tacos immediately for maximum crunch, and enjoy the delicious balance of crispy, sweet, and savory flavors that will have your family and friends coming back for more!

Chicken Wonton Tacos Customizations

Dive into the world of flavors and create a version of Chicken Wonton Tacos that’s just perfect for you!

Ground Chicken: Use ground chicken for a quicker cooking time; it absorbs flavors beautifully and is super convenient.
Gluten-Free Wontons: Opt for gluten-free wonton wrappers to accommodate dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can savor the tacos.
Vegetarian Delight: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or tofu, adding a splash of soy sauce for an umami lift.
Heat Boost: Add chili flakes or sriracha to your chicken mixture for a spicy kick that balances the sweetness.
Sweet soy substitute: If hoisin isn’t on hand, a mix of soy sauce and maple syrup can work wonderfully for a sweet glaze.
Extra Crunch: Toss some chopped nuts like peanuts or cashews into the slaw for an unexpected texture boost.
Fresh Herb Infusion: Swap cilantro with fresh basil or mint for an aromatic twist that amplifies freshness.
Citrusy Kick: Drizzle some lime juice over the tacos before serving to add a zesty brightness that elevates the entire dish.

With these variations, feel free to explore and discover your favorite combination. If you love the crispy bite of wontons, don’t miss out on trying these delicious Chicken Enchiladas Beat – they’ll intrigue your taste buds!

Expert Tips for Chicken Wonton Tacos

Crispiness First: To keep wonton shells from getting soggy, fill them just before serving. This ensures a delightful crunch with every bite.
Spicy Twist: For those who love a kick, mix sriracha into the chicken filling or drizzle it on top before serving. It elevates the flavor profile!
Cook Thoroughly: Ensure your chicken is fully cooked; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety. No one wants to compromise on health!
Easy Substitutions: No chicken? No problem! Ground chicken or tofu is a great substitute for a quick cook time without sacrificing flavor in your Chicken Wonton Tacos.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free wonton wrappers and tamari instead of soy sauce if you want to cater to gluten-free diets without loss of flavor.
Prep Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and slaw a day in advance. Just assemble and bake the wonton shells when ready to serve!

How to Store and Freeze Chicken Wonton Tacos

Fridge: Store any leftover chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezer: You can freeze the filling for up to 2 months. Cool completely before portioning into freezer bags, removing excess air, and sealing tightly.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the chicken mixture in the fridge overnight, then warm it in a skillet. Re-crisp wonton shells in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes before filling them again for the best crunch.
Assembly Tips: For optimal flavor and texture, assemble the Chicken Wonton Tacos just before serving to enjoy that crispiness and delightful freshness!

Make Ahead Options

These Chicken Wonton Tacos are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the chicken filling and slaw up to 3 days in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. The wonton shells can be made and baked, then stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours; simply re-crisp them in the oven before filling to ensure they remain crunchy. When you’re ready to serve, fill the taco shells with the prepped chicken mixture, top with slaw, and garnish with sweet chili sauce, cilantro, and sesame seeds. This simple strategy saves you precious time during a busy week while delivering delicious results that taste just as incredible!

What to Serve with Easy Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Prepare to impress your guests as you build a meal that perfectly complements the vivid flavors of these delightful tacos.

Creamy Avocado Dip: This luscious dip adds a creamy texture that balances the crunch of the tacos while also enhancing their flavor profile.
Coconut Rice: A subtly sweet dish with a soft texture that offers a delightful contrast to the crunchy tacos, keeping your meal light yet satisfying.
Asian Sesame Salad: A vibrant mix of greens, cucumbers, and sesame dressing brings refreshing brightness that perfectly pairs with the savory chicken filling.
Roasted Veggies: Seasoned with soy sauce, roasted vegetables provide a savory counterpart and a hint of caramelization, making every bite more delicious.
Crispy Egg Rolls: For an added crunch, these are a fun way to continue the theme of crispy textures, filled with vegetables or proteins, allowing for variety.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Serve this as a dipping option to elevate flavors, giving a sweet and spicy twist to your meal that complements the tacos beautifully.
Chilled Sake: A light, fruity sake serves as an excellent beverage that’ll cleanse your palate while enhancing the Asian-inspired elements of the meal.
Chocolate Mochi: End your meal on a sweet note with these chewy bites; they offer a delightful contrast in texture and a hint of sweetness without being too heavy.

Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken works best for the filling?
I recommend using chicken breasts for a juicy and flavorful filling. If you’re in a hurry, you can easily substitute with ground chicken, which cooks quicker and is just as delicious.

How should I store leftover Chicken Wonton Tacos?
Store any leftover chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This method helps keep the wonton shells crispy when you reassemble them later!

Can I freeze the chicken filling?
Absolutely! You can freeze the chicken filling for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before portioning it into freezer bags. Remove any excess air and seal tightly to keep it fresh.

How do I reheat the Chicken Wonton Taco filling?
To reheat, simply thaw the chicken mixture in the fridge overnight. Then warm it in a skillet over medium heat until fully heated through. For the crisp wonton shells, re-crisp them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes before filling.

What if I have dietary restrictions or preferences?
This recipe is highly adaptable! For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free wonton wrappers. For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for tofu or your favorite ground meat substitute. The recipe is versatile enough to cater to various diets while keeping that irresistible flavor.

How long can I keep cooked Chicken Wonton Tacos in the fridge?
Cooked Chicken Wonton Tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the wonton shells may lose some crispiness, so it’s best to store the filling separately if you want to maintain that crunch!