Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

If you’ve ever craved the crispy, savory goodness of Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, you’re in for a treat. Now, you can make this popular appetizer right at home with just a few ingredients! These little tacos are packed with seasoned chicken, crispy wonton shells, and a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. They’re so delicious and fun to eat, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made them sooner.

Imagine biting into a crispy wonton shell filled with tender chicken, drizzled with a sweet and tangy sauce, and topped with a crunchy, zesty slaw. Trust me, these tacos are a game-changer and will impress anyone who tries them!

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

These homemade Chicken Wonton Tacos aren’t just a copy of the restaurant classic, they’re an upgrade. Here’s why:

Crispy and Crunchy: The wonton shells are perfectly crispy, providing the ideal crunch that pairs beautifully with the tender chicken.

Bold Flavors: From the seasoned chicken to the tangy sauce and zesty slaw, every bite is bursting with flavor. It’s a perfect mix of savory, sweet, and tangy.

Quick & Easy: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have this restaurant-quality appetizer on your table in no time.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, having a casual dinner, or just craving a snack, these tacos are the perfect choice for any occasion.

Customizable: Want to make them spicier? Add some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Prefer a milder flavor? Skip the spice and enjoy the original taste!

Ingredients

These ingredients come together to create the perfect bite-sized taco! Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the base of these tacos. They’re easy to cook and absorb the flavors perfectly.

Wonton Wrappers: These crispy wrappers are the secret to getting the perfect crunch for your tacos. You can find them in most grocery stores.

Sesame Oil: Adds a nice nutty flavor to the chicken and enhances the dish’s overall taste.

Soy Sauce: For that salty, savory depth of flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.

Honey: The sweetness from honey balances out the salty soy sauce and creates the perfect glaze for the chicken.

Green Onions: These add a fresh, zesty flavor and a pop of color to the dish.

Shredded Carrots: To make the slaw topping, which adds freshness and crunch to each taco.

Cabbage: A great base for the slaw that’s crisp and refreshing.

Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce is essential for drizzling over the tacos, adding that signature tangy sweetness.

Vegetable Oil: For frying the wonton wrappers, giving them that irresistible crispy texture.

Optional Garnishes: You can garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.

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

Instructions

Here’s how you can make your very own Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into small bite-sized pieces. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of sesame oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Stir in soy sauce and honey, then cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Fry the Wonton Wrappers

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the wonton wrappers in the hot oil and fry them until golden and crispy, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Once fried, remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Prepare the Slaw

In a bowl, combine shredded cabbage and carrots. Toss them together and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Take each crispy wonton shell and fill it with the cooked chicken mixture. Top with the shredded cabbage and carrot slaw for that refreshing crunch. Drizzle sweet chili sauce over the top for that perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish your tacos with fresh chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy the crunchy, flavorful goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6 tacos
Calories per serving: 250

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

These tacos are a perfect appetizer, but they can easily be turned into a main dish with a few side items. Here’s how to serve them:

Serve as an Appetizer: These crispy, flavorful tacos are perfect as a starter before your main meal.

Pair with a Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the richness of the tacos.

Serve with Rice: For a more filling meal, serve these tacos with some jasmine or basmati rice on the side.

Add Dips: Serve these with extra sweet chili sauce or a creamy dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese for a fun twist.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make these tacos even better:

Fry the Wonton Wrappers in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the wonton wrappers. Fry them in small batches to ensure they stay crispy.

Customize the Slaw: Feel free to get creative with the slaw! You can add some cilantro, jalapeños, or even a splash of lime juice for extra flavor.

Make It Spicy: If you like things spicy, add a few dashes of hot sauce or sprinkle some chili flakes into the chicken mixture for an extra kick.

Use Store-bought Sweet Chili Sauce: If you don’t want to make your own, store-bought sweet chili sauce works perfectly. Just be sure to get a high-quality brand for the best taste.

Make Ahead: You can prep the chicken and slaw ahead of time and assemble the tacos when you’re ready to serve. The wonton shells are best made fresh, though!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
A1: Yes! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

Q2: How can I make these tacos spicier?
A2: Add some hot sauce, chili flakes, or even diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture to give them that extra kick.

Q3: Can I make the wonton wrappers in advance?
A3: It’s best to fry the wonton wrappers just before serving to keep them crispy. However, you can prep the filling and slaw ahead of time.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover chicken mixture and slaw in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The wonton shells will lose their crispiness if stored, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh.

Q5: Can I make these in the oven instead of frying?
A5: Yes! Brush the wonton wrappers with a little oil and bake them at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes or until crispy.

Q6: Can I freeze the chicken filling?
A6: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken filling. Just store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat it before assembling your tacos.

Q7: What can I use if I don’t have sesame oil?
A7: You can substitute sesame oil with olive oil or vegetable oil, but you may lose some of the signature nutty flavor.

Q8: Can I use store-bought coleslaw mix for the slaw?
A8: Yes! Pre-packaged coleslaw mix is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe.

Q9: What else can I add to the chicken filling?
A9: Try adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or water chestnuts to the chicken mixture for added texture and flavor.

Q10: Can I make these tacos vegetarian?
A10: Absolutely! Use tofu or a plant-based protein in place of the chicken for a delicious vegetarian option.

Conclusion

These Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos bring the same crispy, flavorful goodness right to your kitchen, and they’re so much fun to make! With a combination of crispy wonton shells, seasoned chicken, tangy slaw, and sweet chili sauce, these tacos are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, a family dinner, or just treating yourself, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!

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