Name: Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos: 7 Irresistible Reasons
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Wonton Wrappers; Cooked Shredded Chicken; Sweet Chili Sauce; Soy Sauce; Rice Vinegar; Fresh Ginger; Garlic; Toasted Sesame Oil; Honey or Brown Sugar; Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce (optional); Non-Alcoholic Sherry/Mirin Alternative (optional); Coleslaw Mix (pre-shredded cabbage and carrots); Fresh Cilantro; Lime Wedges

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Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos bring a delightful twist to your table with their crispy wonton shells filled with tender chicken and vibrant slaw. This easy homemade copycat recipe captures the magic of Applebee’s and lets you enjoy this popular appetizer at home. Each bite is a fusion of flavors that will impress your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos

There are countless reasons to adore these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos. Firstly, they are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Additionally, the combination of crispy wonton wrappers and savory chicken offers a delightful texture contrast. The vibrant slaw adds freshness, while the sweet chili sauce provides a perfect balance of flavors. They are also versatile; you can customize them with various toppings or sauces. This dish appeals to both adults and kids, making them an excellent choice for family meals. Plus, they fit the American cuisine style and can easily accommodate a gluten-free diet, as they use wonton wrappers that are readily available in stores.

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Ingredients for Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos

Gather these items:

Wonton Wrappers
Cooked Shredded Chicken
Sweet Chili Sauce
Soy Sauce
Rice Vinegar
Fresh Ginger
Garlic
Toasted Sesame Oil
Honey or Brown Sugar
Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce (optional)
Non-Alcoholic Sherry/Mirin Alternative (optional)
Coleslaw Mix (pre-shredded cabbage and carrots)
Fresh Cilantro
Lime Wedges

How to Make Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling: If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, start by boiling or poaching your chicken breasts until cooked through. Once cooled slightly, shred the chicken finely using two forks or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine your cooked shredded chicken with about half of the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced fresh ginger, minced garlic, and a tiny drizzle of toasted sesame oil. Mix well until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes, or even longer in the fridge, to let those flavors meld.
Step 3: Make the Crispy Wonton Taco Shells: For frying, heat about 1-2 inches of neutral oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Carefully lower one wonton wrapper into the hot oil. As it begins to cook, use tongs to gently fold it in half, creating a taco shape. Hold it in place for a few seconds until it sets, then allow it to fry until golden brown and crispy, about 30-60 seconds per side. Transfer fried shells to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 4: For baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray both sides of each wonton wrapper with cooking spray. Drape each wrapper over two rungs of an upside-down wire cooling rack, which should be placed over a baking sheet. Bake for 5-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Prepare the Slaw Topping: In a small bowl, combine your shredded coleslaw mix with the chopped fresh cilantro. Dress with a squeeze of lime juice or leave it plain.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos: Take a crispy wonton shell and spoon a generous amount of the saucy chicken filling into the center. Top with a handful of the fresh coleslaw and cilantro mixture. Drizzle more sweet chili sauce over the top, or Sriracha for heat. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos: 7 Irresistible Reasons - Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos

Keep these in mind:

Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that perfect crispiness.
Allow the chicken to marinate for longer if possible; this enhances the flavors.
Experiment with different toppings like avocado or different sauces for added zest.

Best Ways to Serve Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos

These tacos are best served hot and fresh. Pair them with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or a spicy Sriracha mayo. They also work beautifully as part of a larger appetizer spread, alongside other Applebee’s appetizer menu items. You can even serve them with a refreshing salad or a variety of salsas to enhance the flavors.

How to Store and Reheat Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the taco shells in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness. The filling can be microwaved for quick warmth, but be cautious not to overheat, as it may dry out. These tacos are also perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos

What are Chicken Wonton Tacos?

Chicken Wonton Tacos are a popular appetizer featuring crispy wonton wrappers filled with tender shredded chicken, often accompanied by a flavorful sauce and fresh slaw. This dish combines Asian flavors with a Mexican twist, making it a unique treat.

Can I make Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. However, it’s best to fry or bake the wonton shells just before serving to ensure they remain crispy.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos?

To avoid soggy wonton shells, ensure they are fully cooked and crispy before adding the filling. Also, don’t overcrowd the frying pan, as it can lower the oil temperature and lead to less crispy results.

Variations of Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
Add additional spices or herbs to the chicken mixture for extra flavor.
Try incorporating different sauces like teriyaki or hoisin for a twist on the traditional.
Make it vegetarian by using a mixture of sautéed vegetables instead of chicken.

Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos: 7 Irresistible Reasons

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Author: Jessica
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Experience the delightful fusion of crispy wonton wrappers filled with tender chicken and vibrant slaw, all drizzled with a tangy sauce. This easy homemade copycat recipe brings the magic of Applebee’s right into your kitchen.

Ingredients

Wonton Wrappers
Cooked Shredded Chicken
Sweet Chili Sauce
Soy Sauce
Rice Vinegar
Fresh Ginger
Garlic
Toasted Sesame Oil
Honey or Brown Sugar
Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce (optional)
Non-Alcoholic Sherry/Mirin Alternative (optional)
Coleslaw Mix (pre-shredded cabbage and carrots)
Fresh Cilantro
Lime Wedges

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Filling: If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, start by boiling or poaching your chicken breasts until cooked through. Once cooled slightly, shred the chicken finely using two forks or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.
In a medium bowl, combine your cooked shredded chicken with about half of the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced fresh ginger, minced garlic, and a tiny drizzle of toasted sesame oil. Mix well until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes, or even longer in the fridge, to let those flavors meld.
Make the Crispy Wonton Taco Shells: For frying, heat about 1-2 inches of neutral oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Carefully lower one wonton wrapper into the hot oil. As it begins to cook, use tongs to gently fold it in half, creating a taco shape. Hold it in place for a few seconds until it sets, then allow it to fry until golden brown and crispy, about 30-60 seconds per side. Transfer fried shells to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
For baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray both sides of each wonton wrapper with cooking spray. Drape each wrapper over two rungs of an upside-down wire cooling rack, which should be placed over a baking sheet. Bake for 5-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Prepare the Slaw Topping: In a small bowl, combine your shredded coleslaw mix with the chopped fresh cilantro. Dress with a squeeze of lime juice or leave it plain.
Assemble the Tacos: Take a crispy wonton shell and spoon a generous amount of the saucy chicken filling into the center. Top with a handful of the fresh coleslaw and cilantro mixture. Drizzle more sweet chili sauce over the top, or Sriracha for heat. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.