Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

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Tacos have long been a beloved dish across the world, known for their versatility and satisfying combination of flavors and textures. Whether served soft or crispy, with meat or vegetables, tacos are a meal that can be enjoyed by almost everyone. But, if you’re looking to elevate taco night with an exciting, delicious twist, Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are the answer. These crispy wonton shells, filled with savory marinated chicken and topped with a fresh, crunchy Asian-inspired slaw, deliver a delightful balance of flavors in each bite.

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Inspired by the popular dish at Applebee’s, these homemade chicken wonton tacos are a quick and easy way to impress your friends, family, or dinner guests. The combination of crispy wonton wrappers, juicy chicken, sweet honey, and tangy rice vinegar creates an irresistible taco that’s both savory and refreshing. Whether you’re a taco enthusiast or simply looking to explore a new flavor combination, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

In this article, we will dive into every aspect of the Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos recipe, from preparation to serving suggestions. Along the way, you’ll discover detailed instructions, helpful tips for ingredient substitutions, and exciting variations to make these tacos your own. With a bit of planning, you can recreate the experience of dining out in the comfort of your home, offering your loved ones an unforgettable meal. Let’s get started!

A Flavorful Introduction to Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

At its heart, the beauty of Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos lies in the perfect contrast of textures. The crispy wonton shells serve as the ideal vessel for a flavorful, tender filling of seasoned chicken and an extra layer of crunch from the vibrant Asian slaw. The tacos are topped off with a drizzle of sweet chili sauce, which adds a touch of heat, and sesame seeds for a hint of nuttiness. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro provides the perfect finishing touch.

If you’ve ever visited Applebee’s and tried their Chicken Wonton Tacos, you’ll know how irresistible these little bites are. The combination of crispy, savory, sweet, and tangy flavors makes them a stand-out appetizer or snack, but when served as part of a meal, they truly shine. Recreating this beloved dish at home gives you the freedom to experiment with ingredients, control the flavors, and serve it up fresh.

What makes this dish even more appealing is how easy it is to prepare. Unlike many restaurant-style dishes, Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos can be recreated at home in just under 40 minutes. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of these tacos quickly and effortlessly.

Breakdown of Ingredients for Chicken Wonton Tacos

To make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos at home, you will need a selection of fresh, flavorful ingredients. Let’s break down what you’ll need for the chicken filling, wonton shells, and Asian slaw:

Chicken Filling

1. Chicken Breasts: The base of the filling is finely diced chicken breasts. Chicken breasts are lean, tender, and cook quickly, making them an ideal choice for this dish. You can also use chicken thighs for a slightly juicier option, though breasts will work just as well.
2. Hoisin Sauce: This savory-sweet sauce adds depth to the flavor of the chicken filling. Hoisin sauce is often used in Chinese and Asian-inspired dishes and brings a sweet and salty umami flavor to the table.
3. Sesame Oil: This fragrant oil contributes a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the hoisin sauce. Sesame oil is a key ingredient in many Asian dishes, bringing both aroma and flavor to the recipe.
4. Soy Sauce: Soy sauce provides a salty, savory element to balance the sweetness of the hoisin sauce. It also deepens the umami profile of the dish.
5. Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent, aromatic kick to the chicken. Fresh garlic will help bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
6. Fresh Ginger: Ginger adds a subtle spice and warmth to the filling, enhancing the overall flavor profile and complementing the other ingredients.

Asian Slaw

1. Coleslaw Mix: A combination of shredded cabbage and carrots, coleslaw mix provides the perfect crunchy texture to contrast with the soft, savory chicken filling. You can also make your own slaw mix with finely shredded cabbage and carrots.
2. Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions, also known as scallions, add a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens up the slaw.
3. Sesame Oil: Just like in the chicken filling, sesame oil is used in the slaw to provide richness and depth.
4. Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar is mild and slightly sweet, making it a great addition to the slaw. It helps balance the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
5. Soy Sauce: A little soy sauce in the slaw helps tie the Asian flavors together and adds saltiness to balance the sweetness of the honey.
6. Honey: Honey brings a touch of sweetness to the slaw, balancing out the acidity of the rice vinegar and complementing the other flavors in the dish.

Wonton Shells and Toppings

1. Wonton Wrappers: These thin wrappers are the star of the dish, providing the crispy shell that holds everything together. When baked, they become wonderfully crunchy, offering a perfect contrast to the tender chicken and crunchy slaw inside.
2. Sweet Chili Sauce: A sweet and slightly spicy sauce, sweet chili sauce is used as a drizzle on top of the tacos. It adds flavor and an extra layer of tang to the dish.
3. Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and a fresh, herby flavor that lightens up the rich ingredients.
4. Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a nice crunch and a nutty flavor that enhances the overall dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing Chicken Wonton Tacos

Now that we have the ingredients covered, let’s dive into the preparation. The process for making Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos is simple and straightforward, with each step designed to bring out the best flavors.

Preparing the Wonton Shells

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the wonton wrappers.
2. Prepare the Wonton Wrappers: Lightly spray the wonton wrappers with cooking spray or brush them with olive or canola oil. This will help them crisp up beautifully when baked. Carefully drape the wrappers over the side of a 9×13 baking dish to form the taco shell shape.
3. Bake the Wonton Shells: Place the wonton wrappers in the preheated oven and bake for 7-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake quickly and can burn if left too long. After the first round of baking, gently pull the wonton shells apart while they are still pliable, making them easier to fill. Return them to the oven and bake for another 7-8 minutes until they’re golden and crispy.

Cooking the Chicken Filling

4. Prepare the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely diced chicken with the hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Toss everything together so the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.
5. Sauté the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and sauté for 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure the chicken cooks evenly. You’ll know the chicken is done when it’s fully cooked through and has developed a beautiful golden-brown color.

Making the Asian Slaw

6. Prepare the Slaw: While the chicken cooks, prepare the slaw. In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Toss everything together until the slaw is well coated and the flavors are evenly distributed.

Assembling the Tacos

7. Assemble the Tacos: Once the wonton shells are crispy, fill each shell with a generous spoonful of the sautéed chicken. Top with a heaping spoonful of the Asian slaw.
8. Garnish and Serve: Drizzle the tacos with sweet chili sauce, then sprinkle with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while the wonton shells are still crispy.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a crowd-pleaser on their own, but you can also pair them with a variety of side dishes to make a more substantial meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

1. Serve with Rice: Serve the tacos alongside steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice for a complete meal. The rice will soak up any extra sauce from the tacos and add a comforting element to the dish.
2. Add a Dipping Sauce: In addition to the sweet chili sauce, you can serve the tacos with a side of tangy soy sauce or spicy sriracha mayo for extra flavor.
3. Side of Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair the tacos with stir-fried vegetables, such as bell peppers, snow peas, and broccoli, to add more crunch and flavor to your meal.

Variations

While the original recipe is a winner, you can experiment with different ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:

1. Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this dish. The tofu can be marinated with the same hoisin, soy sauce, and sesame oil mixture for a rich, savory flavor.
2. Sweet and Spicy: Add a few slices of fresh jalapeños or red chili flakes to the slaw for an extra kick of heat.
3. Extra Crunch: If you love crunch, try adding toasted peanuts or cashews to the slaw or as a topping for a nutty contrast.

Final Thoughts

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a perfect fusion of Asian flavors and taco fun. The crispy wonton shells, savory chicken filling, and fresh slaw come together in a harmonious dish that’s sure to delight your taste buds. With its easy preparation and customizable options, this recipe is ideal for anyone looking to bring a new flavor to taco night. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, main course, or party snack, these tacos are sure to be a hit every time.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of homemade Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos. Your family and friends will thank you for introducing them to this irresistible dish!