Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a playful mashup of Asian-inspired flavors and the undeniable crunch of crispy wonton shells. Picture juicy marinated chicken, tossed with a tangy, sweet, and savory glaze, nestled into delicate shells, and topped with creamy coleslaw and a sprinkle of cheese. Every bite delivers a satisfying medley of textures and tastes. If you’re craving a restaurant-style appetizer at home or want to wow friends at your next gathering, this copycat version packs all the excitement and flavor of the real thing right into your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos lies in the harmony of simple, accessible ingredients—each one brings something special to the table, whether it’s a kick of freshness, a bold umami base, or that irresistible crunch. Here’s what you need and why you shouldn’t skip a thing!
- Chicken breasts: Lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up all the marinade’s complex flavors.
- Soy sauce: Lends a salty, savory backbone to the marinade, balancing sweetness and spice.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds deep, sweet complexity to the chicken—think barbecue sauce with an Asian twist.
- Sesame oil: Fragrant and nutty, just a splash makes the entire dish aromatic.
- Honey: Keeps things delightfully sticky and balances the marinade’s saltiness.
- Garlic: A must-have for that punchy, robust flavor profile.
- Fresh ginger: Adds warm spice and brightness that wakes up all the other flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Turn up the heat if you love a little fiery zing.
- Wonton wrappers: These magically crisp up into ultra-light, crunchy taco shells.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melty and mild, it beautifully ties together the savory chicken and bright slaw.
- Coleslaw mix: Ready-shredded cabbage and carrots—not only a time-saver but a colorful, crisp topper.
- Green onions: Offer a subtle bite and pop of color to the slaw.
- Fresh cilantro: Its citrusy freshness lifts the entire taco and adds a burst of green.
- Rice vinegar: Delivers essential tang to the slaw, balancing creamy richness.
- Sugar: A pinch rounds out the acidity and makes the slaw addictively tasty.
- Mayonnaise: Binds and softens the slaw, making it velvety without weighing things down.
- Lime juice: Injects just the right amount of zip and brightness into the slaw.
- Vegetable oil: Ideal for frying up those golden wonton taco shells to crispy perfection.
How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. This marinade is the foundation of that classic Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos flavor. Add your diced chicken, stir well to coat every piece, and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes in the fridge. The longer you wait, the deeper the flavors will penetrate. Don’t skip this step—it’s what makes the chicken sing!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high, drizzle in a splash of oil, and add the marinated chicken. Let it sizzle until fully cooked through and deliciously caramelized, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir frequently so the sauce coats the chicken and starts to thicken, clinging to each bite. Set the cooked chicken aside, making sure to scoop up all those gorgeous sticky bits from the pan.
Step 3: Prepare the Slaw
While the chicken is cooking, make your crisp, creamy slaw. In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, rice vinegar, sugar, mayonnaise, and a spritz of lime juice. Toss everything together until the veggies are coated and glistening. The slaw should taste fresh, tangy, and just a little bit creamy—it’s the ideal crunchy topping for your tacos.
Step 4: Fry the Wonton Taco Shells
Now comes the fun part! Heat a few inches of vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Take one wonton wrapper and carefully drape it over a wooden spoon handle or taco mold, then lower it gently into the hot oil. Fry until golden and crispy, about 30 seconds per side, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the rest. Watch them closely—they cook quickly!
Step 5: Assemble and Enjoy
Time to bring your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos to life! Fill each crispy shell with a generous spoonful of the cooked, glazed chicken, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and top with a pile of that zippy slaw. Serve immediately, while everything is fresh, crunchy, and warm. The contrast of hot, tender chicken and cool, crunchy slaw is pure perfection.
How to Serve Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference! Try an extra sprinkle of fresh cilantro or sliced green onions over your tacos for added color and a pop of fresh flavor. A squeeze of lime brightens everything up, and a scatter of red pepper flakes can boost the heat if you like it fiery.
Side Dishes
These tacos are an appetizer superstar, but they also shine as a main alongside a light Asian-inspired salad, sesame noodles, or a side of edamame sprinkled with flaky sea salt. They pair perfectly with anything crisp and refreshing to balance the richness of the chicken and cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos upright in a taco holder or a row of shot glasses for a party-friendly presentation. For a colorful platter, layer them over shredded lettuce and scatter extra veggies around. Don’t be afraid to go bold—serving them family-style always brings out the “wow” factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover components, store each separately. Keep the chicken airtight in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the slaw in its own container to retain maximum crunch. The wonton shells are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in a paper towel-lined container at room temp for a day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken in airtight containers for up to 2 months—just cool completely before freezing. Don’t freeze the slaw or the wonton shells, as they won’t keep their texture after thawing. For meal prep, freeze the chicken and make the slaw and shells fresh before serving.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra marinade until heated through. Avoid the microwave for the shells, as they’ll become soggy; instead, freshen them up in the oven at 350°F for a couple of minutes if needed.
FAQs
Can I make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos gluten-free?
Absolutely! Opt for gluten-free wonton wrappers and check that your soy and hoisin sauces are certified gluten-free. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a simple swap.
What cheese can I substitute for mozzarella?
You can use Monterey Jack, a Mexican blend, or even a mild cheddar. Anything that melts well and isn’t too overpowering will work beautifully in place of mozzarella.
Is there a way to make the wonton shells without frying?
Definitely! Bake the wonton wrappers draped over the back of a muffin tin at 375°F for 5 to 7 minutes until crisp. It’s a lighter and just as crunchy alternative to frying.
How can I make these tacos vegetarian?
Swap the chicken for chopped, sautéed mushrooms or tofu marinated in the same sauce. You’ll still get plenty of savory flavor and all the fun, crispy goodness.
Can I prepare Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos ahead for a party?
You sure can! Prep the chicken and slaw a day ahead, then fry the shells and assemble the tacos just before serving so everything stays fresh and crisp. It’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together fast when entertaining.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been longing for that signature Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos experience without leaving your home, this copycat recipe is the answer. So gather your ingredients, invite someone to join you in the kitchen, and savor every crispy, sweet-salty, crave-worthy bite. Give this a try—you might just add a new favorite to your dinner rotation!
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Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 tacos (4 servings) 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a delightful copycat recipe that brings the restaurant favorite to your own kitchen. Crispy wonton shells are filled with flavorful marinated chicken, topped with a crunchy slaw, and finished with a cheesy touch.
Ingredients
Marinated Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Wonton Tacos:
- 12 wonton wrappers
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Add chicken and marinate for 20 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet, cook marinated chicken until fully cooked and caramelized, about 6–8 minutes.
- Prepare the Slaw: Mix coleslaw, green onions, cilantro, rice vinegar, sugar, mayonnaise, and lime juice in a bowl.
- Fry Wonton Wrappers: Shape into taco shells by frying wonton wrappers until golden and crisp.
- Assemble Tacos: Fill each shell with cooked chicken, mozzarella, and slaw. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter option, bake wonton wrappers at 375°F for 5–7 minutes instead of frying.
- Substitute mozzarella with Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop and Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tacos
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
