If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and has that perfect mix of crunchy and tender, the Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe is an absolute must-try. These little handheld delights take crispy wonton shells and fill them with a savory, tangy chicken mixture, complemented by a refreshing crunchy slaw and drizzled with sweet chili sauce. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just want a tasty weeknight meal, this recipe offers a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe plays a special role, from the perfectly seasoned chicken filling to the crisp and colorful slaw, and of course, the irresistibly crunchy wonton shells. Each component is simple yet essential, creating a balance of flavors and textures that makes each bite unforgettable.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded): The heart of the filling, tender and easy to season.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds savory umami depth to the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Brings a hint of sweetness with an Asian flair.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: A splash of tanginess to brighten the filling and slaw.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a robust, comforting aroma and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle, warming spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil: Provides a rich, nutty finish to the chicken mixture.
- 20 wonton wrappers: The crispy taco shell alternative that delivers ultimate crunch.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying): Essential for frying the wontons to golden perfection.
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or mixed): Adds freshness and crisp texture in the slaw.
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots: Brightens the slaw with a natural sweetness and color.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Offers herbaceous notes and vibrancy in both slaw and garnish.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Balances the slaw with acidity.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Sweetens the slaw to counterbalance the tang.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Fundamental seasonings to bring harmony to all flavors.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: The perfect sweet and spicy topping that ties the tacos together.
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish): Adds a lively, fresh burst just before serving.
How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
Start by cooking and shredding your chicken breasts to get them tender and easy to mix. Combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl, then toss the shredded chicken in this flavorful mixture. This blend is what gives the tacos their signature taste, with layers of sweet, savory, and tangy notes that make each bite memorable.
Step 2: Make the Wonton Shell Tacos
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet for frying. Take each wonton wrapper and carefully fold it into a smile or taco shape. Fry them a few at a time until they turn golden brown and crunchy—this step transforms the wontons into the perfect crispy taco shell substitute. Drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Step 3: Prepare the Tangy Slaw
In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and chopped cilantro. Whisk together the rice vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to make a light dressing. Toss the veggies in the dressing until everything is evenly coated—a crisp, refreshing contrast to the warm, saucy chicken.
Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos
Fill each crispy wonton shell with a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture, then top with a heap of the flavorful slaw. Drizzle sweet chili sauce over the top, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that beautiful pop of green and extra freshness. Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe!
How to Serve Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh cilantro is all you need to brighten the tacos and bring an herbaceous, fresh finish. If you want a little heat, a few thin slices of fresh jalapeño or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a nice kick that pairs perfectly with the sweet chili sauce.
Side Dishes
These tacos are fantastic on their own but pair beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice, a cucumber salad, or even some crispy sweet potato fries to keep the meal light and fun. A light, citrusy drink or iced green tea would also complement the flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or festive meal, line up the wonton shells in a taco holder or on a platter with little dipping bowls of extra sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, and extra slaw—letting everyone build their own tacos adds an interactive, exciting touch. You can also serve them atop a bed of mixed greens for a colorful, inviting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover chicken filling and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the fried wonton shells in a separate container at room temperature to maintain their crispiness and avoid sogginess.
Freezing
The chicken filling freezes well, so if you want to make a big batch, freeze the cooked filling in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Avoid freezing the fried wonton shells or slaw, as they will lose their texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat the chicken filling in a pan or microwave until warm, and crisp up the wonton shells again in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crunch. Toss the slaw fresh before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken is traditional, shredded pork, beef, or even a plant-based protein could work wonderfully with the same seasonings and sauces.
What can I use if I don’t have wonton wrappers?
If wonton wrappers aren’t available, small flour tortillas or even baked pita chips can be used as taco shells, though you’ll miss the signature crunch of the fried wontons.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe is mild by default, with just the sweet chili sauce adding a bit of warmth. You can always adjust the spice by adding extra chili sauce or fresh peppers based on your heat preference.
Can I prepare the slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the slaw a few hours in advance, which actually helps enhance the flavors as it chills, but add the cilantro just before serving to keep things bright and fresh.
Are these tacos suitable for kids?
These tacos are generally kid-friendly due to their mild flavors and fun size. Just keep an eye on the chili sauce and adjust or omit it if your kids prefer less spice.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe is like inviting a burst of exciting flavors and textures into your kitchen that will quickly become a favorite. The delightful crunch of the wonton shells paired with the savory chicken and refreshing slaw makes for an irresistibly fun meal. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe whenever you want something both impressive and easy. Give it a go and watch these tacos disappear in no time!
Print
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion
Description
These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos feature tender shredded chicken simmered in a savory soy-hoisin sauce, nestled inside crispy fried wonton wrappers, and topped with a fresh, tangy slaw and sweet chili sauce. This appetizer-style dish is perfect for parties or family gatherings, combining Asian-inspired flavors with fun taco presentation.
Ingredients
Chicken Filling
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Wonton Shells
- 20 wonton wrappers
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Slaw
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or a mix of green and purple)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is well coated with the sauce. Set aside to marinate briefly while you prepare other components.
- Make the Slaw: In another bowl, toss together the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and chopped cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk the rice vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until combined, then pour over the vegetables. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Fry the Wonton Shells: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Place each wonton wrapper in the hot oil, gently pressing the center to create a taco shell shape. Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into each wonton shell. Top with a portion of the prepared slaw, then drizzle with sweet chili sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve: Arrange the chicken wonton tacos on a platter and serve immediately while the wonton shells are still crispy.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked chicken for the best texture and flavor; rotisserie chicken is a good shortcut.
- Be careful when frying the wontons, as hot oil can splatter. Never overcrowd the pan.
- The slaw can be prepared a few hours ahead to allow flavors to meld.
- For a lighter version, bake the wonton wrappers at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or until crisp instead of frying.
- Adjust the seasoning of the slaw to your taste, adding more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang.
