Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

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Craving that crispy, sweet, and savory bite of Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos but don’t want to leave the house? Oh honey, you’re in for a treat! These little taco wonders are a Home Cook Mom’s dream come true — crispy wonton shells filled with tender Asian-inspired chicken, crunchy slaw, and a drizzle of creamy, tangy sauce. They are the perfect combination of textures and flavors that make you feel like you’re dining out, but you’re cozied up right at home.

What I love about these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos is how simple they are to make, yet they look and taste like restaurant-quality appetizers. They’re always a hit for family dinners, weekend game nights, or when you need a quick fix of something irresistibly crunchy and saucy. Plus, they come together in just 30 minutes!

What’s on the Plate

Overview

• Cuisine: Asian-American Fusion
• Course: Appetizer, Snack, Light Dinner
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 (makes about 16 mini tacos)

What’s in Every Bite

• Calories: 320
• Carbs: 22g
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 690mg

Total Recipe Cost

• Estimated Total Cost: $14.50
• Cost Per Serving: $3.62
• Main Cost Factors: Ground chicken, wonton wrappers, fresh slaw ingredients

The Story Behind the Flavor

The famous Chicken Wonton Tacos first popped up on Applebee’s menu in the early 2000s, as part of their push to bring global flavors to classic American casual dining. They quickly became a fan favorite for their playful twist on tacos using wonton shells instead of tortillas. Inspired by Asian street food, these tacos combine the crispy crunch of a wonton with sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that mimic traditional Asian chicken dishes.

Though they originated in Applebee’s kitchens, the idea of wrapping flavorful fillings in crispy wonton skins is deeply rooted in Asian cuisine, dating back to Chinese wonton appetizers. This home-cook version simplifies the process, making it easy to recreate the magic right in your own kitchen. Baked or air-fried for a healthier touch, these tacos bring restaurant-quality flavors straight to your table.

Perfect For

Whether you’re feeding the family, hosting a party, or just need a quick dinner fix, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. Here’s when these delicious bites really shine:

• Game Day Appetizers
  • Forget the frozen snacks—serve up these teriyaki bowls (or sliders, or hand-held wraps!) for game day munching that actually fills you up. They’re easy to portion, packed with flavor, and will keep the fans happy between touchdowns. You can even make mini teriyaki lettuce cups or skewer teriyaki chicken bites for a fun, hands-on snack table.
• Family Movie Nights
  • Movie night at home? This dish is a perfect cozy dinner option that feels indulgent but is secretly pretty wholesome. Make it a build-your-own bowl bar where everyone piles up their own toppings, or roll them into tortilla wraps for a no-mess, couch-friendly snack.
• Party Platters
  • Hosting friends or putting together a party platter? Serve the teriyaki chicken as bite-sized sliders, in lettuce cups, or even on skewers, and arrange them with a few fun dipping sauces like spicy mayo or extra teriyaki glaze. It’s a fuss-free finger food that looks impressive and tastes even better.
• Quick Weeknight Snacks
  • When the after-school or post-work hunger hits hard, this recipe comes to the rescue. You can whip up a small portion in no time or reheat leftovers for a quick, protein-packed snack that’s a lot healthier (and tastier) than reaching for chips.
• Impressing Guests with Minimal Effort
  • Need a dish that’ll wow guests but won’t keep you tied to the stove? This is it. The homemade teriyaki sauce tastes restaurant-level fancy, but the recipe is so simple you’ll still have time to pour yourself a drink and mingle. It’s a host’s dream!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These baked wonton taco cups are little bites of crispy, saucy joy—and trust me, once you make them, they’ll be on repeat in your kitchen. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe from the very first crunch:

• Crunchy and Saucy in Every Bite
  • The magic of this recipe is that every single bite has the perfect combo of crispy, golden wonton shell and juicy, flavorful filling. No soggy bottoms, no bland edges—just crunchy, saucy, cheesy goodness from start to finish. They’re basically the ultimate bite-sized comfort food.
• Quick and Easy to Assemble
  • Don’t let the restaurant-quality look fool you—these are weeknight-easy to make. You’ll need just a handful of ingredients and a muffin tin. Press, fill, bake, done. They’re ready in under 30 minutes, so you can get a wow-worthy appetizer (or even a fun dinner) on the table without breaking a sweat.
• Healthier Baked Wonton Shells
  • We’re skipping the deep fryer here! The wonton wrappers bake up super crispy and light in the oven, so you get all the crunch with way less oil. It’s a healthier take on classic fried taco shells but still gives you that satisfying bite.
• Customizable Toppings for Everyone
  • These cups are like edible little canvases. After baking, set up a toppings bar with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, guacamole, sour cream, jalapeños, salsa, or even pineapple chunks. Everyone gets to build their own perfect bite, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Restaurant-Quality Flavors at Home
  • With homemade seasoning blends and fresh ingredients, these taco cups taste like something you’d order at a trendy tapas bar—but you made them in your kitchen (in your sweatpants). They’re party-perfect and weeknight-friendly all at once.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Core Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 16 wonton wrappers
• 1 cup coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage & carrots)
• 2 green onions, finely sliced
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt & pepper to taste

Creamy Sauce Drizzle

• 1/2 cup mayo
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)

Optional Add-ins

• Diced avocado
• Chopped cilantro
• Crushed peanuts for extra crunch

Ingredient Highlights

• Wonton Wrappers: Thin, crispy, and the perfect vessel for our saucy filling.
• Ground Chicken: Lean and soaks up all the sweet and savory sauce flavors.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings that signature sweet heat.
• Creamy Drizzle Sauce: A blend of mayo and chili sauce that ties it all together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Wonton Shells: Preheat oven to 375°F. Drape wonton wrappers over the sides of a baking dish to form a taco shape. Bake for 7-8 minutes until crispy and golden.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground chicken until no longer pink. Add garlic powder, ginger, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sweet chili sauce, and sesame oil. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until fully coated and heated through.
3. Make the Creamy Drizzle: In a small bowl, mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha (if using) until smooth.
4. Assemble the Tacos: Fill each crispy wonton shell with a spoonful of chicken mixture, top with coleslaw mix, green onions, and a generous drizzle of the creamy sauce.
5. Optional Toppings: Add diced avocado, cilantro, or crushed peanuts for extra flair.

Pro Tips

Want to make sure your wonton taco cups come out extra crispy, saucy, and party-ready with minimal effort? These pro tips will have you feeling like a kitchen rockstar in no time:

• Air-Fry Wonton Wrappers for a Quick Crisp
  • If you’re in a hurry (or just love that ultra-crispy texture), skip the oven and air-fry your wonton wrappers at 350°F for 4-5 minutes. They’ll get beautifully golden and crunchy in a fraction of the time. Just keep an eye on them—they crisp up fast!
• Double the Sauce for Extra Saucy Goodness
  • Love a saucier bite? I feel you. Go ahead and double the sauce recipe so you have plenty to drizzle over the chicken filling and for a little extra dipping on the side. No dry taco cups on my watch!
• Prepare the Chicken Mixture Ahead for Fast Assembly
  • Want a lightning-fast assembly when guests arrive? Make the chicken (or your filling of choice) ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When it’s go-time, just reheat the filling, press your wonton wrappers into the muffin tin, fill, bake, and boom—party appetizers in minutes.
• Use an Upside-Down Muffin Tin to Shape the Wonton Wrappers
  • Here’s a fun hack: For those perfectly flared “taco bowl” shapes, flip your muffin tin upside down, spray it lightly with oil, and drape the wonton wrappers over the cups. Bake until crisp and you’ll get beautifully shaped wonton taco shells without needing special molds.
• Brush with a Light Oil Spray for Maximum Crunch
  • Before baking or air-frying, give the wonton wrappers a light misting of oil spray. It helps them crisp up evenly and get that irresistible golden color without being greasy.

Recipe Variations

One of the best parts about these Wonton Taco Cups? They’re a blank canvas for your flavor creativity. Whether you’re catering to vegetarians, spice-lovers, or keeping it gluten-free, these variations will keep everyone happy and coming back for more:

• Vegetarian Version: Mushrooms or Tofu Swap
  • Want to skip the meat? No problem. Simply substitute the ground chicken with finely chopped mushrooms (cremini or shiitake work beautifully) for a rich, umami-packed filling. You can also crumble in firm tofu, sautéed until golden, for a plant-based protein boost. Both versions soak up the sauces like a dream and are just as satisfying.
• Spicy Lovers: Extra Sriracha Drizzle
  • If your crowd loves heat, give these taco cups a fiery kick by mixing extra sriracha into the creamy sauce drizzle or adding diced jalapeños directly into the filling. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the top after baking for that extra layer of spice that hits just right.
• Gluten-Free Version: Wonton Wrapper & Soy Sauce Swaps
  • For a gluten-free version, simply swap traditional wonton wrappers with gluten-free wonton wrappers (several specialty brands offer them at health food stores or online). Also, replace regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which deliver the same salty-sweet punch without any gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free—just be sure to double-check labels on sauces and seasonings.
• Cheesy Upgrade
  • Want a gooier bite? Before baking, sprinkle shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese over the filled wonton cups. Bake until melty and golden on top—it’s a guaranteed hit for cheese lovers.
• Tropical Twist: Pineapple Salsa Topping
  • Add a fresh, sweet contrast by topping the baked cups with a spoonful of pineapple salsa. The sweet-tangy bite pairs perfectly with the savory filling and gives a fun, tropical vibe to your spread.

Gluten-Free Version

Good news—making these crispy, flavor-packed taco cups gluten-free is totally doable with just a few mindful swaps. Here’s how to keep all the crunch and flavor while ditching the gluten:

Use Certified Gluten-Free Wonton Wrappers

The key swap here is the wonton wrappers. Traditional wonton wrappers are made with wheat flour, but several specialty brands offer certified gluten-free versions. Check the freezer or refrigerated section of your local health food store, or order online. They crisp up beautifully just like the original!

Lettuce Cups as a Fresh & Crunchy Alternative

Can’t find gluten-free wonton wrappers? No worries! Swap them out for crisp lettuce leaves (butter lettuce or romaine hearts work great). You’ll get a fresh, handheld taco vibe that’s naturally gluten-free and just as fun to eat. Plus, it’s a lighter, refreshing twist that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings.

Swap Soy Sauce for Tamari or Coconut Aminos

Soy sauce often contains hidden gluten, so opt for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Tamari has a rich, savory flavor that’s very close to soy sauce, while coconut aminos add a slightly sweeter, milder touch. Either option keeps the flavor profile intact without the gluten.

Double-Check All Sauces & Seasonings

Most of the ingredients here (chicken, veggies, dairy) are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on pre-made sauces, spice blends, and condiments. Gluten can sneak into soy-based glazes, dressings, and even some spice mixes. Look for the gluten-free certification to be safe.

Kid-Friendly Version

These crispy wonton taco cups are already a hit with kids thanks to their perfect hand-held size, but with a few playful tweaks, you’ll have a meal that’s not just delicious—it’s interactive fun for the whole family!

Skip the Sriracha for a Milder Flavor

Keep the flavors kid-approved by leaving out the sriracha or any spicy elements in the creamy drizzle. You can always serve hot sauce on the side for the grown-ups who want a little extra kick. The sweet-savory teriyaki filling is flavorful enough to keep everyone happy without the heat.

Build-Your-Own Taco Cup Station

Turn dinnertime into a fun DIY activity by setting up a “Build Your Own Taco Cup” bar. Bake the wonton shells ahead of time, place bowls of toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado chunks, sour cream, and even pineapple tidbits on the table, and let the kids fill their own taco cups just how they like them. It’s hands-on, creative, and gives picky eaters the freedom to build their perfect bite.

Add Familiar Toppings for Picky Eaters

Kids love familiar flavors! Offering classic toppings like mild shredded cheddar, plain Greek yogurt (as a sour cream alternative), and simple chopped veggies will make the cups feel friendly and fun. You can even sprinkle a few rainbow sprinkles on top for a silly surprise if you’re feeling adventurous!

Mini Cups = Mini Fun

You can make these even more appealing to little ones by using mini muffin tins for bite-sized taco cups. They’re the perfect two-bite snack for small hands and double as a fun after-school treat or party finger food.

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Storage & Reheating

While these wonton taco cups are at their best fresh from the oven (hello, crispy perfection!), you can absolutely save leftovers and enjoy them later with a few smart storage tricks. Here’s how to keep everything tasting fresh and fabulous:

• Fridge Storage (Up to 3 Days)
  • After your taco night, store the components separately to preserve their textures.
  • Chicken filling and slaw: Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • Wonton shells: If you have extra unfilled shells, keep them in a sealed container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days to prevent them from getting soggy.
• Reheating the Chicken Filling
  • When you’re ready for round two, reheat the chicken filling either in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until heated through, or warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat for a fresher, sautéed texture. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge.
• Crisping Up the Wonton Shells
  • Wonton shells are best fresh out of the oven, but you can revive their crispiness by baking them at 350°F for 4-5 minutes. Place them directly on an oven rack or baking sheet to re-crisp. Just keep an eye on them—they go from golden to too-toasty quickly!
• Assemble Fresh Before Serving
  • To keep that irresistible crunch, reassemble the taco cups just before eating. Fill the warmed wonton shells with the reheated chicken and fresh slaw or toppings for a just-baked taste experience.
• Freezing Not Recommended
  • Due to the delicate nature of wonton wrappers, freezing isn’t ideal as they can lose their crisp texture and become chewy. Stick to fridge storage for best results.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Baking dish or muffin tin
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs

FAQs

How do you keep wonton taco shells crispy?

Bake or air-fry them right before serving. If making ahead, re-crisp in a hot oven for 5 minutes.

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well with the same delicious flavor profile.

What can I use instead of wonton wrappers?

Mini taco shells or lettuce cups are great alternatives.

How do I make the tacos less spicy for kids?

Simply omit the sriracha from the creamy drizzle and stick with sweet chili sauce.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

You can cook the filling and prep the sauce in advance. Assemble the tacos right before serving for maximum crunch.

External Resources

• Food Safety Handling Ground Poultry – CDC
• The Benefits of Ginger in Cooking – Healthline

Conclusion

There you have it — Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos made right in your kitchen! They’re crispy, saucy, and packed with flavor that hits all the right notes. Perfect for impressing your family, wowing your guests, or just treating yourself to something fun and delicious without the restaurant bill.

So go ahead — snap a photo and post it online! Don’t forget to tag me! I want to see your cooking success. Happy cooking!