Applebee’s-Inspired Chicken Wonton Tacos: A Crispy, Flavorful Treat

If you’re a fan of Applebee’s famous Chicken Wonton Tacos, you’re going to love this homemade version. These crispy, flavorful tacos are filled with tender chicken, crunchy slaw, and a tangy sauce, all wrapped in a crispy wonton shell. They’re perfect for a fun appetizer, a light meal, or even a party snack. Plus, they’re easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.

In this article, we’ll explore the inspiration behind this dish, break down the key ingredients that make it so delicious, and provide a step-by-step guide to creating these wonton tacos at home. Let’s explore the realm of crispy, savory deliciousness!

The Inspiration Behind Chicken Wonton Tacos

Chicken Wonton Tacos are a popular appetizer at Applebee’s, known for their unique combination of crispy wonton shells and flavorful fillings. This recipe recreates that experience at home, using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. The crispy wonton shells are filled with tender chicken, a crunchy slaw, and a tangy sauce, creating a dish that’s both fun to eat and full of flavor.

This recipe is inspired by the desire to create a dish that’s easy to make, uses accessible ingredients, and brings the restaurant experience to your kitchen. It’s a great way to enjoy a favorite appetizer without leaving the house.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Wonton Tacos

Crispy and Flavorful: The combination of crispy wonton shells and savory fillings is irresistible.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for home cooks.
Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or light meal.
Fun to Eat: The handheld format makes these tacos perfect for parties or casual dinners.

Key Ingredients for Chicken Wonton Tacos

To make these delicious tacos, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Wonton Shells:

Wonton Wrappers: Create the crispy taco shells.
Oil: Opt for a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, for frying.

For the Chicken Filling:

Chicken Breast: Cooked and shredded or diced.
Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor.
Garlic and Ginger: Enhance the flavor with aromatic notes.
Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, toasty flavor.

For the Slaw:

Cabbage: Provides a crunchy texture.
Carrots: Add sweetness and color.
Green Onions: Add a fresh, oniony flavor.
Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the slaw.
Rice Vinegar: Adds tanginess to the slaw.

For the Sauce:

Mayonnaise: Forms the base of the sauce.
Sriracha: Adds a spicy kick.
Honey: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the spiciness.

For Garnish (Optional):

Sesame Seeds: Provide a nutty taste and a decorative finish.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal note.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Wonton Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Shells

Warm oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Gently fold wonton wrappers into taco shapes and fry until golden and crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side.
Drain on paper towels and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling

In a skillet, cook shredded chicken with soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
Stir until the chicken is well coated and heated through. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Slaw

In a bowl, combine shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and sliced green onions.
In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise and rice vinegar, then toss with the slaw mixture.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, and honey. Mix until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Fill each wonton shell with a spoonful of the chicken mixture.
Top with the slaw and drizzle with the spicy sauce.
Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Wonton Tacos

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cabbage, carrots, and herbs will yield the best flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the wonton shells in batches to ensure they cook evenly and stay crispy.
Adjust the Spice Level: Increase or decrease the amount of sriracha to match your preferred level of heat.
Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken, slaw, and sauce ahead of time for quicker assembly.

Serving Suggestions

These tacos are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more special:

With a Side Salad: Serve with a light green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette.
As an Appetizer: Arrange the tacos on a platter for a party snack.
With Dipping Sauce: Serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Store-Bought Slaw?

Yes, but homemade slaw allows you to control the ingredients and flavors.

Can I Bake the Wonton Shells?

Yes, bake the wonton shells at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until crispy.

Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free wonton wrappers and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Conclusion

Applebee’s-Inspired Chicken Wonton Tacos are a crispy, flavorful, and fun dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their crunchy wonton shells, savory chicken filling, and tangy slaw, they’re a meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for a party or simply want a fun twist on dinner, this recipe is a delicious way to enjoy a restaurant favorite at home.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for something crispy, savory, and utterly delicious, give these Chicken Wonton Tacos a try. They’re a dish that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. Enjoy!