Craving the irresistible crunch and flavor of a restaurant favorite? This Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos recipe is your ticket to recreating the iconic appetizer right in your own kitchen. We’ve cracked the code on everything from the perfectly seasoned sweet and spicy chicken to the crisp, golden wonton shells and refreshing Asian slaw. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a dish that tastes just like the real deal.
This copycat recipe is surprisingly simple to whip up, making it perfect for a fun weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next get-together, or just a way to satisfy that specific Applebee’s craving. Let’s dive in and make some magic happen!
Why You’ll Love This Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
If you’re a fan of the original, you’re going to be obsessed with this homemade version. It captures all the elements that make the restaurant version a star.
- Perfectly Crispy Shells: We’ll show you the secret to getting those wonton wrappers unbelievably crispy and folded into the perfect taco shape.
- Authentic Flavor: The combination of honey, soy, and sweet chili sauce creates a chicken filling that’s packed with that signature sweet and savory punch.
- Fresh & Crunchy Slaw: A simple yet vibrant Asian slaw adds a layer of freshness and texture that cuts through the richness of the fried wontons.
- So Much Cheaper: Enjoy this delicious appetizer for a fraction of the cost of dining out. You can make a whole platter for the price of one restaurant order!
What Are Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos?
For the uninitiated, Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a legendary appetizer. They feature savory, sweet, and spicy chicken piled into crispy, crunchy wonton shells. The tacos are then topped with a zesty, Asian-inspired slaw and often garnished with cilantro and sesame seeds. It’s a flavor and texture explosion that has made them a long-standing favorite on the Applebee’s menu.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to replicate the complex flavors of the original dish. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Sweet & Spicy Chicken Filling
- Chicken: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded. A rotisserie chicken works great as a shortcut!
- Sweet Chili Sauce: This is the star of the show, providing that signature sweet heat.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the other flavors.
- Ginger & Garlic: Freshly minced ginger and garlic provide the best flavor.
- Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way to add a nutty, aromatic depth.
For the Wonton Taco Shells & Slaw
- Wonton Wrappers: You’ll need a package of square wonton wrappers, found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying the wonton shells. Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
- Coleslaw Mix: A bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix is a huge time-saver.
- Rice Vinegar: The base for our zesty slaw dressing.
- Cilantro & Green Onions: For garnish and a fresh, bright flavor.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add the final touch.
How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create your own copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos at home. We’ve broken it down to make the process as easy as possible.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
In a medium skillet over medium heat, combine the shredded chicken, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, minced ginger, and garlic. Stir everything together and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the sesame oil. Set aside and keep warm.
Step 2: Make the Asian Slaw
In a separate bowl, it’s time to prepare the crunchy topping. Combine the coleslaw mix, rice vinegar, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Toss well to combine. You can make this ahead of time and let it marinate in the fridge to enhance the flavors.
Step 3: Fry the Wonton Shells
Now for the fun part! Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place one wonton wrapper into the hot oil. Fry for about 15-20 seconds, then use tongs to gently fold it in half to create a taco shell shape. Hold it in place and continue to fry for another 30-45 seconds per side, until it’s golden brown and crispy. Use the tongs to carefully remove the shell from the oil and let it drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with the remaining wrappers.
Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos
Once your shells are ready, it’s time to build your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos. Spoon a generous amount of the warm chicken filling into each crispy wonton shell. Top with a heap of the fresh Asian slaw. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy the crunch!
Tips for the Best Crispy Wonton Tacos
Want to make your copycat recipe truly unforgettable? Here are a few expert tips.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the wonton wrappers in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure they cook evenly and become super crispy.
- Prep Ahead: You can shred the chicken and mix the slaw dressing a day in advance to make assembly even quicker.
- Watch the Oil Temperature: If the oil is too hot, the wontons will burn before they cook through. If it’s too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy. An instant-read thermometer is your best friend here. For more great chicken ideas, check out these sweet and savory chicken recipes.
Baked vs. Fried Wonton Tacos: A Healthier Option
While frying gives you that classic, restaurant-style crunch, you can absolutely bake the wonton shells for a lighter version. To do this, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drape the wonton wrappers over the edge of a baking pan to create a folded shape. Lightly spray them with cooking oil and bake for 7-10 minutes, or until golden and crisp. They won’t be quite as bubbly as the fried version, but they are still delicious!
What to Serve with Chicken Wonton Tacos
These tacos are fantastic on their own as an appetizer, but you can easily turn them into a full meal. Serve them alongside some steamed rice, a simple cucumber salad, or edamame. If you’re looking for more delicious Asian-inspired appetizers, these tacos are a great starting point for a larger spread.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
It’s best to store the components separately to prevent the shells from getting soggy. Keep the chicken filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The slaw can also be stored separately for a day or two. Store the cooled, crispy wonton shells in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, warm the chicken in the microwave and assemble the tacos just before serving. For other convenient meal ideas, try these easy-to-make wraps.
Frequently Asked Questions about Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Yes, absolutely! For a healthier alternative, you can bake the wonton shells. Drape them over the rim of a baking pan, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 7-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
To prevent sogginess, assemble the tacos just before you plan to serve them. Store the crispy wonton shells, chicken filling, and slaw in separate airtight containers until you are ready to eat.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. For a fantastic shortcut that saves time, you can use pre-cooked shredded chicken from a rotisserie chicken.
The signature flavor comes from a sweet and savory sauce, which is a blend of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, and fresh aromatics like ginger and garlic. Our recipe replicates this flavor profile perfectly.
The easiest method is to fry the wrapper flat for about 15-20 seconds first, which makes it pliable. Then, use tongs to gently fold it in half while it’s still in the hot oil and hold it in place until it becomes rigid and golden brown.
Share Your Creation!
We are confident this is the best Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos recipe you’ll find! If you make them, please leave a comment and rating below. We love hearing from you! Don’t forget to share a photo of your masterpiece on Pinterest!
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Applebee's Chicken Wonton Tacos (Copycat Recipe)
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 Deep Pot or Dutch Oven For frying
- 1 Tongs
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded about 2 cups
- 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 24 square wonton wrappers
- 3 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 2 cups shredded coleslaw mix
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, combine the shredded chicken, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the sesame oil. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the coleslaw mix and rice vinegar. Toss to coat evenly. Set aside.
- In a deep pot, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Gently slide a wonton wrapper into the oil. Fry for about 15 seconds, then use tongs to fold it in half, creating a taco shell shape. Continue frying, holding the shape, for about 30-45 seconds more per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oil and drain on a wire rack. Repeat with remaining wontons.
- Fill each crispy wonton shell with a spoonful of the warm chicken mixture. Top with the Asian slaw. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a quicker recipe, use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
Store leftover components separately in the refrigerator to maintain crispness.
