As I pulled my golden-brown wonton shells from the oven, the kitchen filled with an alluring aroma that instantly transported me to a cozy restaurant where I could indulge guilt-free. These Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos, inspired by the beloved Applebee’s version, are a game-changer for anyone tired of fast food. With a delightful crunch and a savory filling of tender honey-garlic chicken topped with refreshing Asian slaw, they’re not only quick to whip up but also an absolute crowd-pleaser for gatherings. Plus, you can easily customize them to satisfy your family’s cravings! Are you ready to mix up your appetizer game? Let’s dive into this deliciously fun recipe!

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Why Are These Tacos So Delicious?

Crispy, Crunchy Delight: The wonton shells provide an addictive crunch, making each bite a joyous experience.
Flavor Explosion: Filled with savory honey-garlic chicken and bright Asian slaw, these tacos pack a flavorful punch that’ll impress anyone.
Family-Friendly Meal: Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family night, they delight taste buds of all ages.
Customizable Creations: Swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu, or add a fresh mango salsa to keep things interesting.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish ready in no time, just like our popular Garlic Butter Chicken recipe!

Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Ingredients

Get ready to make the ultimate crispy chicken wonton tacos!

For the Chicken Filling

Chicken Breasts – Lean protein that provides substance to the dish.
Teriyaki Sauce – Adds a delicious sweetness and umami flavor.
Sesame Oil – Enhances the nutty flavor profile for depth.
Low Sodium Soy Sauce – Provides seasoning without excessive salt for healthier tastes.
Fresh Garlic (minced) – Adds aromatic depth that elevates the entire dish.
Fresh Ginger (minced) – Contributes warmth and pungency that brightens the flavor.

For the Slaw

Coleslaw Mix – Offers crunch and lightness; can substitute with shredded cabbage for a homemade touch.
Green Onions (diced) – Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
Rice Vinegar – Provides tanginess; can replace with apple cider vinegar if you’re in a pinch.
Honey – Natural sweetness that balances the savory elements beautifully.

For the Wontons

Wonton Wrappers – The crispy base for the tacos; consider making your own for a personal touch.
Sweet Chili Sauce – Perfect for drizzling on top; optional if you’re moderating sweetness.
Sesame Seeds – Garnish for added crunch; can substitute with chopped nuts for variation.
Chopped Cilantro – Adds a fresh herb garnish for brightness and flavor punch.

Get excited about creating these crispy chicken wonton tacos—they’ll surely bring joy to your table!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

Step 1: Marinate Chicken
Begin by slicing the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and placing them in a bowl or ziplock bag. Add teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, low sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and marinate for 1 hour in the refrigerator to let those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare Wonton Shells
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, take your wonton wrappers and carefully place them upside-down in a mini muffin tin, pressing the center to create a “V” shape. Bake the shells for 7-9 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy, creating the perfect base for your tacos.

Step 3: Cook Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. The glaze should coat the chicken beautifully, adding a shiny, inviting look to your filling.

Step 4: Make Slaw
In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix and diced green onions. In a separate small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey until well combined. Drizzle this dressing over the coleslaw mixture and toss gently to coat evenly, creating a fresh and crunchy topping for your crispy chicken wonton tacos.

Step 5: Assemble Tacos
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Carefully fill each crispy wonton shell with the sautéed chicken. Generously top with the slaw mixture for that refreshing crunch. For a finishing touch, drizzle sweet chili sauce over the top, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and garnish with chopped cilantro to elevate the vibrant flavors of your tacos. Serve immediately to enjoy that perfect crunch!

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What to Serve with Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

Creating a memorable dining experience is all about pairing flavors and textures that elevate your meal!

Creamy Avocado Dip: A smooth and rich dip that complements the crispy tacos and adds healthy fats.
Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and crunchy, a simple cucumber salad balances the savory flavors of the tacos perfectly. Toss in a tangy vinaigrette for extra zing.
Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy and light, jasmine rice serves as a delightful base that soaks up the taco’s delicious juices while providing a beautiful contrast in texture.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy, sweet goodness on the side, these fries offer a delightful contrast to the savory tacos and please everyone at the table.
Pineapple Salsa: Sweet and tangy, this tropical salsa brightens up each bite and enhances the Asian-inspired flavors of the tacos for a fiesta of flavors.
Chilled Sake or Soy Milk: Elevate your meal with a chilled glass of sake for a traditional pairing, or offer refreshing soy milk for a non-alcoholic counterpart.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: End on a sweet note with warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies that provide a comforting dessert to round out your feast.

Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos Variations

Feel free to explore these delightful twists on the classic appetizer, making it your own with simple adjustments!

Pescatarian Option: Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a delicious seafood twist, for a fresh and zesty flavor profile.
Vegetarian Delight: Replace the chicken with tofu marinated in the same savory sauce for a satisfying plant-based alternative.
Creamy Avocado Layer: Add sliced or mashed avocado to each taco for a rich and creamy texture that complements the crunchy shells.
Fruit Fiesta: Swap traditional slaw with a vibrant mango salsa for a refreshing, fruity take that brightens every bite.
Extra Heat: Spice it up by adding diced jalapeños or drizzling with hot sauce to kick up the heat level. Everyone enjoys a bit of zing!
Dairy-Free Version: Omit the honey or substitute with agave syrup for a dairy-free sweetness, ensuring no ingredient hinders enjoyment.
Nutty Crunch: Instead of sesame seeds, try topping with finely chopped peanuts for a lovely crunch and distinct nutty flavor.
Asian-Inspired Slaw: Amplify the slaw by mixing in some crunchy ramen noodles for an exciting texture twist, pairing beautifully with the tacos.

These variations mean fun and flavor galore with each bite! For more inspiration, try out the Thai Chicken Soup or mix things up with a batch of Sweet Chili Chicken. Whatever you choose, your loved ones are in for a tasty treat!

Make Ahead Options

These Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos are perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, as you can streamline your meal prep with a few simple steps! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it sealed in the refrigerator to lock in those savory flavors. Additionally, the wonton wrappers can be shaped and baked ahead of time—just store them in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness. The slaw can be made up to 3 days in advance, but leave out the dressing until you’re ready to serve to keep it fresh and crunchy. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply sauté the marinated chicken and assemble your tacos for delicious, hassle-free results that feel gourmet!

Expert Tips for Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

Watch the Wrappers: Keep an eye on your wonton wrappers while they bake to avoid burning; a minute can make a big difference!
Crispier Shells: For even crispier taco shells, lightly spray the wonton wrappers with cooking oil before baking them.
No Soggy Tacos: Assemble your crispy chicken wonton tacos just before serving; this will prevent the shells from becoming soggy over time.
Taste as You Go: Always taste your filling and slaw as you prepare for balanced flavors; adjust seasonings according to your preference.
Make It Yours: Don’t be afraid to customize! Swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp, or add avocado for creaminess to make these tacos uniquely yours.

How to Store and Freeze Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos

Fridge: Store the assembled tacos in an airtight container for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the chicken filling and slaw separate from the wonton shells to maintain their crispiness.

Freezer: You can freeze the chicken filling for up to 4 months. Cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Wonton shells are best made fresh, but if necessary, freeze unbaked ones on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag once frozen.

Reheating: To reheat the filling, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through. For the shells, re-crisp them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

Assembling Tips: Assemble your crispy chicken wonton tacos just before serving to ensure maximum crunch and freshness for your next gathering!

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Crispy Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe FAQs

What are the best chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! It’s best to choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean and tender filling. Look for breasts that are firm and pink without dark spots, which indicates freshness. Additionally, consider using organic or free-range chicken for enhanced flavor and quality.

How should I store leftover crispy chicken wonton tacos?
Very! Store any leftover chicken filling and slaw in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To keep the wonton shells crispy, it’s best to store them separately. Avoid stacking them to prevent sogginess!

Can I freeze the ingredients for crispy chicken wonton tacos?
Yes! You can freeze the chicken filling for up to 4 months. To do so, cool the filling completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. For wonton wrappers, freeze them unbaked. Lay them out flat on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a ziplock bag for optimal freshness.

What should I do if my wonton shells are soggy after baking?
Don’t worry! If your wonton shells turn out soggy, you can still salvage them. Try placing them back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to re-crisp them. Also, make sure to keep fillings and shells separate until serving to prevent sogginess in the future!

Are these tacos suitable for someone with soy allergies?
Unfortunately, no. Given that both teriyaki and soy sauce include soy, these tacos would not be recommended for someone with soy allergies. However, you can substitute with coconut aminos, which are soy-free, or use homemade sauces to cater to dietary needs without compromising too much on flavor.

Can I use this recipe for meal prepping?
Definitely! To meal prep, you can make the chicken filling and slaw in advance, storing them in airtight containers. Assemble the tacos just before eating to ensure the shells remain crispy and fresh. This makes for an easy grab-and-go appetizer or dinner option during a busy week!