If you have ever wondered how to bring the vibrant flavors of a restaurant favorite right into your own kitchen, then you are in for a real treat with the Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe. This delightful dish combines crispy, golden wonton shells with a savory, saucy chicken filling and a fresh, crunchy slaw. Every bite bursts with a perfect balance of textures and bold Asian-inspired flavors. It’s a fun, crowd-pleasing option whether you’re entertaining friends or simply craving something uniquely delicious for dinner. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite to replicate at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the secret to nailing the flavor and texture of this dish. Each element, from the crispy wonton wrappers to the tangy slaw components, plays a vital role in the final harmony of taste and crunch.
- 12 square wonton wrappers: These form the crispy taco shells, offering the signature crunch.
- Oil for frying: Needed to achieve that golden, crisp texture on the wonton shells.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, finely chopped: The hearty protein base of your filling for tender bites.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds salty umami depth to the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Brings a subtle sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Imparts a nutty aroma intrinsic to Asian-inspired dishes.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Offers a mild acidity balancing the richness.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Fresh zing enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential aromatic that deepens the savory taste.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Natural sweetener rounding out the sauce with gentle sweetness.
- 1 cup shredded cabbage: Provides crisp texture and freshness in the slaw.
- ½ cup shredded carrots: Adds color and subtle sweetness to the slaw.
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced: Gives a mild onion bite and vibrant green color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Used to season the slaw perfectly.
- Sweet chili sauce: For drizzling, adding a tangy, sweet heat flair.
- Chopped cilantro and sesame seeds (optional): Garnishes that elevate presentation and flavor complexity.
How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Shells
First, heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F, ensuring the temperature is just right to achieve that perfect crispiness. Fold each wonton wrapper over a wooden spoon handle, shaping them into charming taco-like shells. Fry the wrappers in small batches for about 30 to 45 seconds each, turning carefully so they cook evenly until they turn a golden crisp. Once done, drain them on paper towels and allow them to cool completely. This step is crucial to get that light, crunchy texture that makes these tacos so irresistible.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Filling
In a skillet set over medium-high heat, start by adding a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. Toss in the finely chopped chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the meat is cooked through and tender. Meanwhile, mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and honey in a small bowl to create the flavorful sauce. Pour this sauce over the chicken and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and fully coat the chicken. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Fresh Slaw
In a medium-sized bowl, combine shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions. Dress the slaw with rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil, then season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated and the flavors meld beautifully. Chill the slaw in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the tacos, which helps the flavors to develop and the veggies stay crisp.
Step 4: Assemble Your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
To bring it all together, spoon a generous amount of the warm chicken filling into each crispy wonton shell. Top the chicken with a heap of the refreshing slaw, then finish by drizzling sweet chili sauce over the top. Add chopped cilantro and sprinkle sesame seeds if you want to add extra layers of flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately to enjoy that delightful crunch alongside tender, juicy chicken and zesty slaw.
How to Serve Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes can truly elevate the Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe. Fresh chopped cilantro adds a bright herbal lift while toasted sesame seeds contribute a pleasant nutty crunch. For an added kick, extra swirls of sweet chili sauce provide that perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat. These small touches bring the dish from great to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
Pair these tacos with light, complementary sides such as steamed jasmine rice or a simple cucumber salad to keep the meal balanced. Edamame sprinkled with a pinch of sea salt or a bowl of miso soup also makes excellent companions that won’t overpower the delicate textures and flavors of the tacos.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these at a party, consider arranging the wonton tacos upright in a taco holder or nestled in a bed of shredded lettuce for a fun visual. You might also offer a variety of dipping sauces—like a spicy sriracha mayo or a tangy lime crema—to encourage guests to personalize each bite, turning the experience into an interactive and festive treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the chicken filling and slaw separately in airtight containers. Keep the filling refrigerated for up to 3 days, ensuring you maintain that fresh flavor and food safety. The crispy wonton shells are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in a sealed container at room temperature for a short time to preserve crunch.
Freezing
Freezing is best reserved for the chicken filling only. Place it in a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the wonton shells or slaw, as they will lose their texture and freshness upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken filling, warm it gently in a skillet or microwave until hot throughout. If your wonton shells have lost some crispness, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes to refresh their crunch. Assemble with fresh slaw just before serving to maintain the ideal texture contrast.
FAQs
Can I bake the wonton shells instead of frying them?
Absolutely! Baking the wonton wrappers in a muffin tin at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes gives you a lighter, less oily shell while still achieving a satisfying crunch. It’s a great alternative if you prefer to avoid frying.
Is there a shortcut to the chicken filling?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a wonderful shortcut. Simply shred the cooked chicken and toss it with the hoisin-soy sauce mixture to save time without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make these tacos gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free wonton wrappers or consider making your own using rice paper. Also, use gluten-free soy sauce to keep all ingredients safe for gluten sensitivities.
How spicy is the Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe?
The basic recipe is mildly spiced, mainly tasting sweet and savory. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more chili sauce or incorporating fresh sliced jalapeños to suit your spice preference.
What type of oil is best for frying the wonton shells?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils allow the wontons to crisp without burning or imparting any unwanted flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe is a delightful way to bring a restaurant-quality dish into your own home kitchen. The blend of crunchy wonton shells, savory chicken, and crisp, tangy slaw creates an unforgettable bite every time. Once you try making these, they are sure to become a go-to recipe for quick dinners or fun gatherings. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the rewarding process of crafting these tasty Asian-inspired tacos!
Print
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 tacos
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Crispy, flavorful Chicken Wonton Tacos inspired by Applebee’s, featuring golden fried wonton shells filled with a savory soy-hoisin chicken filling, topped with a fresh, tangy slaw and sweet chili sauce. Perfect for an appetizer or main course with an Asian-inspired American twist.
Ingredients
For the Wonton Shells
- 12 square wonton wrappers
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil, enough for deep frying)
For the Chicken Filling
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
For the Slaw
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- Sweet chili sauce
- Chopped cilantro
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Wonton Shells: Preheat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Using a wooden spoon handle, fold each wonton wrapper over it to create a taco shell shape. Carefully fry the wrappers in batches for 30–45 seconds, turning gently to ensure even golden crispiness. Drain on paper towels and allow to cool.
- Prepare the Chicken Filling: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes until fully cooked. In a separate small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and honey. Pour this sauce over the cooked chicken and simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring to coat the chicken and thicken the sauce. Remove from heat.
- Make the Slaw: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions. Toss with rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate the slaw until ready to serve to keep it crisp and fresh.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spoon a generous amount of the warm chicken mixture into each crispy wonton shell. Top with a helping of the chilled slaw. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce, and garnish with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, bake wonton wrappers in a muffin tin at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes instead of frying.
- To save time, use rotisserie chicken chopped and tossed with the hoisin-soy sauce mixture.
- Adjust the amount of sweet chili sauce to your preferred sweetness and spice level.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead by making chicken filling and slaw in advance, assembling just before serving.
