Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Introduction

I recently decided to try making Applebee’s famous Chicken Wonton Tacos at home after hearing rave reviews about how crispy and flavorful they are. I was curious to see if they’d live up to the hype, and let me tell you, they did not disappoint! The fusion of crispy wonton shells, juicy chicken, and tangy slaw topped with sweet chili sauce is nothing short of amazing. My family couldn’t get enough of them, and they were gone in minutes. I can’t wait to make them again for our next gathering — they were the perfect appetizer that everyone loved. Whether you’re planning a party or just looking for a fun, tasty snack, these Chicken Wonton Tacos are a must-try.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Applebee’s-inspired Chicken Wonton Tacos offer the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Here’s why you’ll love them:

• Crispy and Crunchy: The wonton shells provide a satisfying crunch, making them an irresistible base for the flavorful fillings.
• Savory Chicken Filling: Tender, shredded chicken in a savory, slightly sweet soy-based sauce is the star of the dish, bringing a rich depth of flavor to each bite.
• Tangy Slaw: The crunchy, fresh slaw adds a tangy contrast to the rich chicken and crispy wonton shells, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: The sweet chili sauce drizzle adds just the right amount of sweetness and a mild kick of heat that elevates the entire taco experience.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to fit your taste, whether you want a more intense spicy kick or prefer a milder version. You can also swap out the chicken for other proteins like pork, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

If you’re a fan of bold, flavorful dishes with a fun twist, this recipe is for you.

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Ingredients

For the 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

For the Wonton Shells:

• 20 wonton wrappers
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the 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)

For the Toppings:

• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Filling:

• In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and sesame oil. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.
• Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to marinate and allow the flavors to meld together.

2. Make the Slaw:

• In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded cabbage, carrots, and chopped cilantro.
• Drizzle with rice vinegar and honey, then toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Set the slaw aside, allowing the ingredients to soak up the vinegar and honey flavors.

3. Fry the Wonton Shells:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is hot, carefully add the wonton wrappers in batches, frying each for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Use tongs to remove the wontons from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

4. Assemble the Tacos:

• Once the wonton shells have cooled slightly, spoon a generous portion of the chicken filling into each shell.
• Top the chicken with a spoonful of the slaw.
• Drizzle each taco with sweet chili sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro.

5. Serve:

• Arrange the tacos on a platter and serve immediately while the wonton shells are still crispy. These tacos are best enjoyed fresh!

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Nutrition Facts

• Servings: Makes approximately 20 tacos (depending on filling portions)
• Calories per Taco: Approximately 200-250 calories (calories may vary depending on serving size and toppings)
• Total Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

These Chicken Wonton Tacos are a deliciously balanced appetizer with just the right amount of crunch, flavor, and sweetness!

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Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (for frying wonton wrappers)
• Total Time: 30 minutes

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How to Serve

• For an appetizer or snack:
  • Serve on a large platter, garnished with extra cilantro and a small dish of sweet chili sauce for dipping.
  • Serve with a side of Asian-inspired dipping sauces like soy sauce or extra hoisin sauce.
• For a party or gathering:
  • Set up a DIY taco station where guests can assemble their own tacos, adding chicken, slaw, and toppings as they like.
  • Pair with other appetizers like spring rolls, dumplings, or edamame for a fun fusion menu.
• As a meal:
  • These tacos can be served alongside a simple salad or steamed rice for a complete meal.

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Additional Tips

1. Baking the Wonton Shells: If you’d prefer a lighter version, you can bake the wonton wrappers instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), brush the wrappers lightly with oil, and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden and crispy.
2. Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken filling and slaw ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a day in advance. Assemble the tacos just before serving.
3. Add Spice: For an extra kick, consider adding some finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of Sriracha to the chicken filling or slaw.
4. Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option. Press and drain the tofu well, then crumble it before cooking it in the same sauce mixture as the chicken.
5. Make It Crispy: To ensure the wonton shells stay crispy, serve the tacos immediately after assembling them. If left for too long, the shells can get soggy due to the moisture from the chicken and slaw.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different protein for the filling?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with ground turkey, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking process accordingly.

2. Can I bake the wonton wrappers instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the wonton wrappers. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), brush the wrappers with a little oil, and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.

3. Can I make the slaw in advance?
Yes, you can make the slaw up to a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a good toss before serving.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken filling and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. The wonton shells are best eaten fresh, as they can lose their crispiness over time.

5. What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute with a mix of soy sauce, peanut butter, and a little sugar for a similar sweet and savory flavor.

6. Can I make these tacos spicy?
Absolutely! Add some chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of Sriracha to the chicken filling or the slaw to add heat.

7. Can I use purple cabbage in the slaw?
Yes, purple cabbage works well in the slaw and adds a nice pop of color. You can use it in place of or alongside green cabbage.

8. How many tacos does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 20 tacos, depending on how much filling you add to each shell.

9. Can I freeze the wonton wrappers?
Yes, you can freeze the wonton wrappers. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container, and they will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge before using.

10. What is the best way to reheat leftover tacos?
To reheat, place the chicken and slaw in the microwave or on the stove. Re-crisp the wonton shells by baking them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

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Conclusion

These Applebee’s-inspired Chicken Wonton Tacos are an incredible appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings for something crispy and flavorful. With a crispy wonton shell, savory chicken filling, tangy slaw, and a drizzle of sweet chili sauce, they offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors in each bite. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself to a fun snack, these tacos are a guaranteed hit. Enjoy!

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