Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to bring some excitement to your dinner table, these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are just the ticket! They are crispy, tasty bites filled with honey-garlic chicken and fresh zesty slaw. This recipe is one of my favorites because it strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and something a little special. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need something quick for a busy weeknight, these wonton tacos are sure to impress everyone!

Not only are they super easy to make, but they also bring everyone together around the table. Just imagine the smiles when you serve up these delightful treats! Let’s dive into why this recipe will become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these crunchy tacos filled with mouthwatering flavors.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the chicken and slaw in advance, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of honey-garlic chicken and zesty slaw is simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Each component plays an important role in creating those amazing flavors!

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 the Tacos

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using shredded rotisserie chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option that’s still packed with flavor.
• Add some heat: If you like spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha over the top before serving.
• Change up the slaw: Experiment with different veggies like shredded carrots or bell peppers for added crunch and color.
• Get creative with toppings: Consider adding avocado slices or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor!

How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Shells

Preheat your oven to 375 F. Spray each wonton wrapper lightly with cooking spray or brush them with a bit of olive or canola oil. Drape them over the side of a 9×13 baking dish. Bake for about 7-8 minutes, watching closely so they don’t burn. Once they come out of the oven, gently pull them apart while they’re still pliable—this makes filling them much easier later on! Then pop them back into the oven for another 7-8 minutes until they’re perfectly crispy.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, mix together your diced raw chicken with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Heat a large skillet over high heat and sauté the chicken mixture for about 7-8 minutes. Stir frequently until everything is cooked through. This step is crucial because it infuses all those great flavors into the chicken!

Step 3: Make the Slaw

While your chicken is cooking away, grab another large bowl and combine all your slaw ingredients: coleslaw mix, green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Toss everything together well until it’s all nicely coated. This zesty slaw adds freshness that perfectly complements your savory chicken!

Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos

Now comes the fun part! Take your crispy wonton shells and fill each one with a generous amount of that tasty chicken filling. Top it off with your zesty slaw. Drizzle sweet chili sauce over everything for that extra hint of sweetness and sprinkle chopped cilantro along with sesame seeds for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Creating the perfect Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos is all about the little details that elevate your dish. Here are some pro tips to ensure you nail it every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and produce enhance flavors and provide a better texture, making your tacos more delightful.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cooking the chicken in batches if necessary ensures even cooking and prevents steaming, resulting in a beautifully browned and crispy chicken.
• Adjust spice levels: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the chicken mixture for an extra kick!
• Experiment with fillings: Feel free to add additional veggies like shredded carrots or bell peppers to your coleslaw for added crunch and flavor diversity.
• Serve immediately: These tacos are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the wonton shells are crisp, ensuring a delightful crunch with every bite.

How to Serve Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Presenting your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos can be just as fun as making them! Here are some ideas to make your dish visually appealing and enjoyable.

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: Sprinkling fresh green onions on top adds a pop of color and enhances the flavor profile with their mild onion taste.
• Sliced jalapeños: For those who love spice, slices of fresh jalapeños can add heat and freshness to your tacos.
• Drizzle of lime juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice not only adds brightness but also balances the richness of the chicken.

Side Dishes

• Crispy Asian-style salad: A light salad with mixed greens, mandarin oranges, and sesame dressing pairs well with the tacos, adding freshness.
• Steamed edamame: These protein-packed pods offer a simple yet satisfying side that complements the flavors of your tacos.
• Vegetable fried rice: This hearty dish brings additional textures and flavors, making it a delightful accompaniment to your crispy tacos.
• Sweet potato fries: The sweetness of these fries paired with the savory chicken wontons creates a beautiful balance that everyone will love.

With these tips and serving ideas, you’re ready to impress family and friends with your homemade Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are fantastic for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch in advance, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover chicken filling and coleslaw in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Keep the wonton shells separate to maintain their crispiness.
• Consume leftovers within 3 days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

• Freeze the chicken mixture before cooking for longer storage.
• Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible.
• The coleslaw can also be frozen, but it may lose some crunch. It’s best to prepare fresh when ready to eat.

Reheating

• To reheat the chicken mixture, add it to a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• For the wonton shells, re-crisp them in the oven at 375 F for about 5 minutes.
• Serve with freshly made coleslaw and sweet chili sauce for optimal flavor!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos!

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute with turkey, tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What is the best way to serve Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos?

Serve them fresh with your favorite toppings like sweet chili sauce, chopped cilantro, and sesame seeds. They’re great as appetizers or as part of a main course!

Can I make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken filling and coleslaw in advance, storing them separately from the wonton shells to keep everything fresh.

How can I make these tacos gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your hoisin sauce is also gluten-free. Substitute regular wonton wrappers with gluten-free options available at specialty stores.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos as much as I do! They are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual dinner or a fun gathering with friends. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible! Don’t hesitate to try this recipe out; I’m sure you’ll love it as much as my family does. Happy cooking!