Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

If you’ve ever been to Applebee’s and tasted their famous Chicken Wonton Tacos, you know just how delicious they are! The crispy wonton shells, loaded with tender, flavorful chicken, and topped with a tangy slaw—what’s not to love? Well, here’s the exciting news: you can now make this crowd-pleasing appetizer right at home! Trust me, it’s simpler than you think, and it’s guaranteed to impress your friends and family. These little taco bites are packed with all the flavors you crave—crispy, savory, sweet, and just the right amount of crunch. Get ready to indulge!

Why You’ll Love Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

These chicken wonton tacos aren’t just tasty—they’re a total game-changer! Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at a party or enjoying them as a fun dinner, here’s why they’ll steal the show:

Crispy & Crunchy

The wonton shells give these tacos their signature crispiness. You’ll love the satisfying crunch as you take each bite. It’s the perfect balance to the juicy, tender chicken inside!

Sweet & Savory Flavor

The combination of seasoned chicken, creamy slaw, and a drizzle of sweet sauce creates an irresistible flavor explosion. It’s the ultimate sweet-savory harmony.

Easy to Make

No need to run to a restaurant when you can recreate these at home with just a few simple ingredients. The steps are straightforward, and the result is totally worth it.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or making a fun family dinner, these wonton tacos are a hit every time. They’re light enough for an appetizer, yet satisfying enough for a main dish.

Budget-Friendly

Making these tacos at home saves you money and still delivers that signature Applebee’s taste! You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients, just some everyday staples.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to recreate those crispy, flavorful Chicken Wonton Tacos at home:

Chicken Breast

Tender and juicy, the chicken breast is the star of the filling. You’ll cook it up with spices to create a flavor-packed base for your tacos.

Wonton Wrappers

These little squares of dough are key to that perfect, crispy shell. They’re easy to find at your local grocery store and bake up to a golden perfection.

Shredded Lettuce

A crunchy, fresh element that complements the rich chicken filling and adds that taco-like crunch.

Sweet Thai Chili Sauce

This is what ties everything together with a perfect balance of sweetness and heat.

Cilantro

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro brightens up the flavors and adds a fresh, herbaceous note.

Sour Cream

Creamy, tangy sour cream is drizzled over the tacos for added richness and smooth texture.

Green Onion

A pop of color and flavor that takes the tacos to the next level. The fresh green onions are a must-have!

Olive Oil

A light drizzle to fry the wonton wrappers until crispy perfection.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make these crispy, savory Chicken Wonton Tacos? Let’s get started!

Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite taco seasoning. Then, cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil, turning it occasionally, until it’s fully cooked and golden brown. Once it’s done, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This will be your taco filling!

Prepare the Wonton Wrappers

Next, take the wonton wrappers and cut them into rounds (about 3-4 inches in diameter). Brush each one lightly with olive oil, then gently drape them into a muffin tin, forming a shell. Bake them in the oven at 375°F for about 7-8 minutes, or until they’re crispy and golden brown. You’ll love the sound of that satisfying crunch when they come out!

Make the Slaw

In a small bowl, toss the shredded lettuce with a little bit of sweet Thai chili sauce. You want it to be lightly coated, adding a touch of sweetness without overpowering the tacos.

Assemble the Tacos

Once the wonton shells are cooled and crispy, it’s time to fill them! Start by adding a generous spoonful of the shredded chicken into each wonton shell. Then, top with a little slaw, a drizzle of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and green onions. The flavors are really coming together now!

Serve and Enjoy

These tacos are best served immediately while the wonton shells are crispy. Set them on a platter and get ready for a flavor explosion! Each bite is packed with the perfect balance of crunch, tenderness, sweetness, and spice.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 300

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

These Chicken Wonton Tacos are perfect all on their own, but you can pair them with a few tasty sides to round out the meal. Here are some ideas:

Fresh Guacamole

A creamy, avocado-filled dip pairs perfectly with the crispy tacos. The richness of the guacamole balances out the sweetness and crunch of the wonton tacos.

Mexican Street Corn

Grilled corn on the cob with mayo, cheese, and chili powder makes a great side dish to complement the flavors of the tacos.

Chips and Salsa

For a little extra crunch, serve these tacos alongside your favorite tortilla chips and salsa. It’s a classic pairing that never gets old!

Margarita

If you’re serving these tacos for a party or casual gathering, you can’t go wrong with a refreshing margarita. It’s the perfect drink to balance out the flavors and get everyone in a festive mood.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make sure your Chicken Wonton Tacos turn out amazing every time:

Double Up on Wonton Wrappers

If you’re making a larger batch, don’t hesitate to prepare extra wonton shells. They bake up quickly, and you’ll need them for all that delicious filling.

Customize the Chicken

If you prefer, you can switch up the seasonings or use a different protein like ground turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Get creative!

Make Ahead

You can prep the wonton shells and chicken ahead of time. Just store the wonton wrappers in an airtight container and the cooked chicken in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake.

Add Spice

Want to amp up the heat? Add some finely chopped jalapeños to the slaw or drizzle a little extra hot sauce over the top.

Serve Immediately

These tacos are best when served fresh and crispy. If you’re making them for a party, prep everything ahead of time and assemble just before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of sauce for the tacos?
A1: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of sweet Thai chili sauce, you can try using a spicy barbecue sauce or a tangy honey mustard sauce for a different twist.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, the wonton shells may lose some of their crispiness. Reheat the chicken and slaw, and assemble fresh tacos.

Q3: Can I make the wonton shells in advance?
A3: Yes! You can make the wonton shells ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Just make sure to store them in a cool, dry place to maintain their crispness.

Q4: Can I make these tacos vegetarian?
A4: Yes! Substitute the chicken with shredded tofu or your favorite plant-based protein for a vegetarian version. The flavor will still be on point!

Q5: How can I make these tacos spicier?
A5: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the chicken or slaw, or drizzle with hot sauce for an extra kick of spice.

Q6: Can I use a different type of meat?
A6: Yes! Ground turkey or beef would work great in place of chicken. You can even use shrimp for a seafood twist.

Q7: How do I fry the wonton wrappers?
A7: You can deep fry the wonton wrappers instead of baking them if you prefer. Just heat oil to 350°F and fry the wrappers for 1-2 minutes until crispy.

Q8: Can I freeze the wonton shells?
A8: Yes! You can freeze the wonton shells before baking them. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper so they don’t stick together. Bake straight from frozen when you’re ready.

Q9: Can I use store-bought slaw?
A9: Sure! You can use pre-made coleslaw mix and add the sweet Thai chili sauce for an even quicker version.

Q10: Can I make these tacos without the slaw?
A10: You can! If you prefer a simpler taco, you can skip the slaw and just load up the chicken, sour cream, and cilantro in the crispy wonton shells.

Conclusion

Making Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos at home is so easy, and the result is beyond delicious. With crispy wonton shells, juicy chicken, creamy slaw, and that sweet chili sauce, these tacos are the perfect bite-sized treat. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main dish, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead—give this recipe a try, and get ready to enjoy your new favorite homemade appetizer!

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