Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a delightful dish that combines crunchy wonton wrappers with flavorful marinated chicken and a refreshing Asian slaw. This fusion dish brings together the best of savory and sweet, delivering a unique taste experience that you can easily recreate at home. Whether you are planning a family dinner or a small get-together, these tacos are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
Why We Love This Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
There are countless reasons to love this recipe for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos. First and foremost, the flavors are absolutely phenomenal. The combination of hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and honey creates a sweet and savory marinade that perfectly complements the tender chicken. Next, the freshness of the Asian slaw adds a crunchy layer that balances the richness of the chicken. Plus, the wonton wrappers provide an enticing crispiness that makes every bite a treat. Finally, these tacos are incredibly easy and quick to prepare, making them an excellent choice for both casual weeknight meals and festive occasions.
Ingredients about Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
- 2 chicken breasts, finely diced
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 bag coleslaw mix
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 16 wonton wrappers
- Sweet chili sauce (for serving)
- Chopped cilantro (for serving)
- Sesame seeds (for serving)
How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Directions
To start making your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, first set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat. While your oven warms up, you can prepare the wonton wrappers. Take a can of cooking spray or a brush with olive or canola oil and lightly coat each wonton wrapper. This step is crucial to ensure the wrappers bake to a gorgeous, crispy golden hue.
Next, you will want to arrange the prepared wonton wrappers in your 9×13 baking dish. Drape them gently over the sides to create a taco shell shape. Once positioned, place the dish in your preheated oven and bake the wrappers for about 7-8 minutes. Keep a close eye on them during this time, as they can turn too dark quickly.
After the initial baking time, carefully pull apart the wonton shells while they are still pliable; this will make filling them much easier later. Return the shells to the oven for an additional 7-8 minutes until they achieve that perfect crispy texture.
While the wonton shells are baking, move on to the chicken filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely diced chicken with the hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.
Heat a large skillet over high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated chicken to the pan. Sauté for about 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently to make sure the chicken cooks evenly. The chicken should reach a beautiful golden-brown color, signaling that it is cooked through.
In the meantime, create the slaw for your tacos. In a clean mixing bowl, toss the coleslaw mix together with the sliced green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Make sure everything is mixed together well; you’ll want the slaw to be nice and coated in the dressing.
When the wonton shells are golden and crispy and the chicken is cooked, it’s time to assemble your tacos. Fill each shell generously with the sautéed chicken and top it off with a spoonful of the Asian slaw. Give your tacos an extra touch by drizzling them with sweet chili sauce, then finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately to savor the crunchy goodness of the wonton shells.
How to Serve Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
When it comes to serving your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, presentation makes a difference. Arrange them on a colorful platter, and consider garnishing with extra chopped cilantro and sesame seeds to add visual appeal. You can set a small bowl of sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping; this allows your guests to control the level of sweetness they prefer. Pair these tasty tacos with light appetizers or side dishes like edamame or a refreshing cucumber salad.
For a authentic touch, serve chilled beverages or herbal iced teas that complement the flavors of the tacos. The crunch of the taco shells mixed with the fresh flavors of the slaw makes for a delicious experience every time. Don’t forget to serve them right after assembling so that every bite remains crunchy and fresh!
Expert Tips: Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
To make your cooking experience easier and to ensure the best results, keep these expert tips in mind when making your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and does not steam.
- Watch the Wontons: Keep a close eye on the wonton wrappers while they bake, as they can quickly go from crisp to burnt.
- Customize the Slaw: Feel free to customize the Asian slaw to your liking. Add grated carrots, sliced bell peppers, or even chopped peanuts for additional crunch.
- Pre-Make Everything in Advance: You can prepare the chicken and slaw up to a day beforehand. Store them separately in the refrigerator and prepare the wonton shells just before serving.
- Serve Immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve the tacos immediately after filling them. The wonton wrappers are best enjoyed while crispy.
How to Store Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
If you find yourself with leftovers after your tasty meal, here’s how to store your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos properly. First, it’s best to keep the wonton shells and the chicken mixture separate. Place the leftover chicken filling in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator, where it should remain fresh for about 3-4 days.
For the wonton wrappers, keep them at room temperature in an airtight container to preserve their crunch. If you prefer, you can also freeze the wonton wrappers and cook them from frozen when needed.
To reheat the chicken filling, simply microwave it for about 1-2 minutes or reheat it in a skillet over low heat until warm. Assemble your tacos fresh again, adding a crispy wonton shell right before serving. This will ensure you enjoy that delightful crunch again!
Variation of Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
While the classic Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos is a sure-fire hit, you might want to try some variations to keep things exciting. Here are a few ideas:
- Swap the Protein: Instead of chicken, why not try using shrimp or ground turkey? Both options work wonderfully with the same marinade.
- Veggie Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or cooked mushrooms. Ensure you season them well to bring out their flavors.
- Add Spice: If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the chicken mixture, or drizzle with a spicy sauce before serving.
- Fresh Herbs: Try adding fresh herbs like mint or basil into the slaw for a fresh kick that elevates the dish.
- Different Sauces: Mix it up with different sauces. Teriyaki or a spicy sriracha sauce can be excellent alternatives that add distinct flavors to your tacos.
FAQ
What are Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos?
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are crunchy wonton tacos filled with marinated diced chicken and topped with a flavorful Asian-inspired slaw. They’re perfect for appetizers or a fun main dish.
How do I make Chicken Wonton Tacos healthier?
To make your Chicken Wonton Tacos healthier, consider using grilled chicken and less oil for baking the wonton wrappers. You can also increase the vegetable content in the slaw by adding more greens.
Can I prepare the Chicken Wonton Tacos in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and slaw ahead of time. Store them separately and fill the wonton shells just before serving to maintain their crispiness.
What can I serve with Chicken Wonton Tacos?
Great accompaniments for Chicken Wonton Tacos include light appetizers, a fresh cucumber salad, or your favorite dipping sauces for extra flavor!
Can I use store-bought wonton wrappers?
Absolutely! Store-bought wonton wrappers are convenient and work perfectly for this recipe, saving you time during preparation.
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Ingredients
Chicken Filling
- 2 pieces chicken breasts, finely diced
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
Asian Slaw
- 1 bag coleslaw mix
- 4 pieces green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
Wonton Shells
- 16 pieces wonton wrappers
- to taste sweet chili sauce (for serving)
- to taste chopped cilantro (for serving)
- to taste sesame seeds (for serving)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly coat each wonton wrapper with cooking spray or a brush of olive or canola oil.
- Arrange the coated wonton wrappers in a 9x13 baking dish, draping them over the sides to form taco shapes.
Baking Wonton Shells
- Bake the wonton wrappers for about 7-8 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Once they are pliable, carefully pull apart the wonton shells and return them to the oven for another 7-8 minutes until crispy.
Cooking Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger.
- Heat a skillet over high heat and sauté the marinated chicken for about 7-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Making Slaw
- In a clean mixing bowl, mix the coleslaw mix with sliced green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey until well coated.
Assembly
- Fill each wonton shell with sautéed chicken and top with a spoonful of the Asian slaw.
- Drizzle with sweet chili sauce, and finish with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately.