Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a delightful twist on traditional tacos, offering a mix of sweet and savory flavors with crispy wonton shells. Perfect for gatherings, game nights, or a fun family dinner, these tacos will impress your guests while being easy to prepare. The combination of honey-garlic chicken and zesty slaw makes each bite a burst of flavor that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavorful Filling: The honey-garlic chicken paired with fresh slaw creates a deliciously balanced taste that’s sure to please all palates.
• Crispy Texture: Baking the wonton wrappers gives them a delightful crunch, enhancing the overall eating experience.
• Versatile Dish: Customize your tacos by adding your favorite toppings like avocado or extra sauce for added flair.
• Great for Sharing: Serve these tacos at parties or as appetizers; they’re bite-sized and fun for everyone to enjoy.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Cooking spray or brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: A good baking dish helps maintain even cooking for your wonton shells, ensuring they get crispy without burning.
• Large skillet: This tool is crucial for sautéing the chicken quickly and evenly, giving it the perfect texture while locking in flavors.

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 Assembly

• 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 wonton wrappers with cooking spray or brush them lightly with olive or canola oil. Drape them over the side of a 9×13 baking dish and bake for 7-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. Once baked, gently pull them apart while still pliable to make filling easier. Return to the oven and bake for another 7-8 minutes until they are crispy.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

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

Step 3: Prepare the Slaw

While the chicken is cooking, combine all slaw ingredients in another large bowl. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos

Once everything is ready, add the chicken mixture into each wonton shell. Top generously with slaw, drizzle with sweet chili sauce, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos!

How to Serve Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether for a casual dinner or a party, here are some creative serving suggestions.

With Dipping Sauces

• Sweet Chili Sauce: A perfect complement to the tacos, adding a sweet and spicy kick.
• Soy Sauce: Drizzle some soy sauce for an umami boost that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
• Sriracha: For those who like heat, a drizzle of Sriracha can elevate the flavors.

As an Appetizer

• Mini Serving Plates: Present individual tacos on small plates for a charming appetizer at gatherings.
• Skewers: Place tacos on skewers for easy handling and a fun presentation.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for added flavor and freshness.
• Green Onions: Garnish with thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and crunch.

In a Platter

• Taco Platter: Arrange the tacos on a large platter, making it an eye-catching centerpiece for your table.

How to Perfect Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

To achieve the best results when making Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, consider these helpful tips:

• Boldly Season Your Chicken: Ensure the chicken is well-seasoned with hoisin sauce and spices for maximum flavor.
• Watch Your Wontons: Keep an eye on wonton wrappers while baking to prevent burning; they should be golden brown.
• Customize Your Slaw: Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or carrots to the slaw for added crunch and nutrition.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy these tacos fresh from the oven for the best texture and flavor experience.

Best Side Dishes for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Pairing side dishes with your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls: These add a crunchy texture and complement the Asian flavors of the tacos.
2. Garlic Edamame: Light and nutritious, garlic edamame offers a protein-packed side that’s quick to prepare.
3. Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with cucumbers, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds balances the richness of the tacos.
4. Fried Rice: A classic side dish that complements any Asian-inspired meal; try adding peas and carrots for color.
5. Miso Soup: This warm soup is light yet flavorful, providing comfort alongside your crispy tacos.
6. Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and freshness to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can affect the final dish.

• Skipping the baking step: Not baking the wonton wrappers can lead to soggy tacos. Always bake them until crispy for the best texture.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Ensure you sauté just until fully cooked and tender.
• Not seasoning properly: Failing to season your chicken mix adequately can result in bland tacos. Use the right amount of hoisin sauce and soy sauce for flavor.
• Ignoring freshness of ingredients: Using wilted vegetables for your slaw can ruin the dish. Always opt for fresh ingredients to enhance taste and crunch.
• Filling wontons too early: Filling wontons before they cool can make them soggy. Allow them to cool slightly after baking before adding filling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the chicken mixture and slaw separate from the wonton shells to maintain crispiness.

Freezing Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

• Freeze the chicken mixture and coleslaw in separate containers for up to 2 months.
• Wonton wrappers can also be frozen if unused; store them in a sealed bag.

Reheating Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on a microwave-safe plate for 30-60 seconds, but note that this may soften the wonton shells.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with beef, turkey, or lamb according to your preference.

How do I make it gluten-free?

For gluten-free options, choose gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your wonton wrappers are made without wheat.

What is the best way to customize these tacos?

You can add ingredients like avocado, jalapeños, or different sauces based on your taste preferences.

Can I prepare these tacos ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling and slaw ahead of time but assemble just before serving for optimal crispness.

Final Thoughts

These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are not only delicious but also highly versatile. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or proteins. They make an excellent appetizer or main dish that everyone will love!