Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are the perfect copycat dish that combines honey-garlic chicken with zesty slaw, all nestled in a crispy wonton shell. Ideal for parties, family dinners, or a fun weeknight meal, these tacos deliver bold flavors and delightful textures. You’ll love how easy they are to make, and they’re sure to impress your guests!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these tacos up in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey-garlic chicken and crunchy slaw creates a deliciously satisfying bite.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these tacos fit any occasion.
• Fun Presentation: The crispy wonton shells add an appealing crunch and make serving fun for gatherings.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fresh veggies, this recipe is a wholesome choice for any meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make these tasty Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Cooking spray or brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking for your chicken, resulting in tender bites full of flavor.
• Baking Dish: Using a baking dish allows you to shape your wonton wrappers perfectly while baking them.
• Mixing Bowls: These are essential for combining ingredients efficiently without making a mess.

Ingredients

These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are the perfect copycat, filled with honey-garlic chicken and zesty slaw in a crispy wonton shell.

For the Chicken Filling

• 2 chicken breasts, finely diced
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp minced fresh ginger

For the Slaw

• 1 (397g) bag coleslaw
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey

For Assembling

• 16 Wonton wrappers
• Sweet chili sauce, to serve
• Chopped cilantro, to serve
• Sesame seeds, to serve

How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 F. Spray the wonton wrappers with cooking spray or brush them with a bit of olive or canola oil.

Step 2: Bake the Wontons

Drape the sprayed wonton wrappers over the side of a 9×13 baking dish. Bake them for 7-8 minutes, watching closely so they don’t burn. Once done, gently pull them apart while still pliable for easier filling. Return them to bake another 7-8 minutes until crispy.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix diced raw chicken with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Heat a large skillet over high heat and sauté the chicken for about 7-8 minutes. Toss frequently until cooked through.

Step 4: Prepare the Slaw

In another large bowl, combine all ingredients for the slaw.

Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos

Add the chicken mixture into each baked wonton shell. Top with coleslaw, drizzle with sweet chili sauce, then sprinkle with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Serving Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos is all about enhancing the flavors and presentation. Here are some creative ways to serve these delicious tacos that will impress your guests and elevate your dining experience.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for an extra burst of flavor.
• Green onions: Add a scattering of thinly sliced green onions for a crunchy texture.

Pair with Dipping Sauces

• Sweet chili sauce: Serve this sauce on the side for dipping to add a sweet and spicy kick.
• Soy sauce: Offer a small dish of soy sauce for those who enjoy a savory touch.

Serve with Fresh Sides

• Crisp salad: A light garden salad can complement the richness of the tacos.
• Spicy pickles: Add some heat with pickled vegetables, providing a tangy contrast.

Creative Plating

• Stacked presentation: Layer the tacos in a vertical arrangement on a platter for an eye-catching display.
• Wonton basket: Create a wonton basket filled with fresh veggies or chips for added flair.

How to Perfect Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

To ensure you achieve the best version of Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, keep these tips in mind. Each step will help elevate your dish from good to great.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and crisp vegetables make all the difference in flavor and texture.
• Watch baking time closely: Keep an eye on wonton wrappers while baking to prevent burning; they should be golden brown.
• Mix flavors well: Ensure that all marinade ingredients are thoroughly combined with the chicken for even seasoning.
• Let them cool slightly before serving: This prevents burns and allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add avocado slices or shredded carrots as additional toppings for extra crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Pairing side dishes with Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that complement the flavors of your tacos perfectly.

1. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: These fries add a sweet and savory element, perfect for dipping in sauces.
2. Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with cucumbers, sesame oil, and rice vinegar provides a light contrast.
3. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crunchy spring rolls filled with fresh vegetables create a delightful pairing.
4. Mango Salsa: Sweet mango salsa adds tropical freshness and balances out the savory tacos beautifully.
5. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad mixed with herbs and lime gives a nutritious boost to your meal.
6. Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes for an easy, healthy appetizer that pairs nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos can be simple, but a few common errors can lead to disappointing results.

• Skipping the Preheat: Not preheating your oven can result in unevenly cooked wonton shells. Always ensure your oven is hot before baking.
• Overcrowding the Skillet: Adding too much chicken at once can cause steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches for a perfectly browned texture.
• Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using wilted or old vegetables can affect the flavor and texture of your slaw. Always opt for fresh produce for the best taste.
• Inadequate Storage: Storing tacos improperly can lead to soggy shells. Use airtight containers to maintain crispiness when storing leftovers.
• Rushing the Assembly: Filling the wonton shells too quickly can cause them to tear. Take your time and fill them gently to avoid mishaps.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

• Freeze assembled but unbaked wonton tacos by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap.
• They are best used within 1 month for optimal taste.

Reheating Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, cover, and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing and enjoying Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos.

How do I make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos gluten-free?

To make these tacos gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or any gluten-free alternative, and ensure that your wonton wrappers are gluten-free.

Can I use other proteins in my Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos?

Yes! You can easily swap chicken with turkey, beef, or lamb to suit your taste preferences.

What toppings go well with Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos?

You can enhance your tacos with toppings like avocado slices, diced tomatoes, or additional crunchy vegetables for extra flavor and texture.

How do I store leftover Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze unbaked wontons wrapped tightly.

Final Thoughts

These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize them with your favorite veggies or sauces. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main dish, they are sure to impress!