There is nothing quite like the crisp crunch and vibrant flavors of Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos: A Crispy, Flavorful Appetizer Recipe to brighten up your appetizer game. This irresistible dish combines tender shredded chicken, subtly spiced and glazed with a mix of savory and sweet sauces, nestled inside golden, crispy wonton shells. Each bite bursts with freshness from crunchy slaw and a creamy, tangy spicy ranch drizzle, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for gatherings or a fun treat any night of the week. If you love appetizers that balance texture and bold flavor, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite you reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly wonderful about Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos: A Crispy, Flavorful Appetizer Recipe is how each straightforward ingredient plays a key role in delivering that signature taste and crunch. From the tender chicken seasoning to the crispness of the wonton shells and the zesty slaw, every element is essential and simple to find.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides the juicy, meaty base that soaks up all the delicious sauces perfectly.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing garlic and chicken, adding a rich, smooth flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic: Infuses subtle aromatic warmth, enhancing the overall depth of the chicken filling.
- Soy sauce: Adds unmistakable umami and saltiness that balances the sweetness.
- Honey: Delivers a lovely touch of natural sweetness to complement the savory notes.
- Sesame oil: Infuses a toasty, nutty aroma that elevates the flavor profile.
- Rice vinegar: Brings a mild acidity that brightens the chicken and slaw components.
- Ground ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle zing to the marinade.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, but give a gentle kick of heat to awaken your palate.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to round out the taste perfectly.
- Wonton wrappers: The star of the show, turning into delightfully crispy taco shells when fried.
- Vegetable oil: Needed for the deep frying to achieve that perfect golden crunch.
- Shredded cabbage and carrots: Adds fresh crunch and vibrant color to the slaw topping.
- Green onions and cilantro: Fresh herbs that add brightness and a pop of green for garnish.
- Ranch dressing or sour cream: Creates a creamy, cooling sauce that pairs beautifully with the spicy sriracha.
- Sriracha: Optional but highly recommended for that irresistible spicy twist.
- Lime juice: Adds a pleasant zesty finish, balancing the richness of the filling.
How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos: A Crispy, Flavorful Appetizer Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once warm, toss in the minced garlic to gently sauté until fragrant, just a minute or two. Then, add your shredded chicken along with soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes if you crave a bit of heat. Stir this mixture well and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, letting all those flavors meld into the chicken. This step is vital for creating that irresistible, savory-sweet balance that defines Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos: A Crispy, Flavorful Appetizer Recipe.
Step 2: Fry Your Wonton Shells to Golden Perfection
Meanwhile, get your vegetable oil heating up to 350°F (175°C) in a skillet or fryer. Once hot, carefully fry the wonton wrappers for just 1 to 2 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and achieve that crisp crunch. Quickly drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. For the taco shape, gently drape the warm wontons over a rack or edge of a bowl to cool; they will harden into perfect mini taco shells. This crispy shell is what makes this appetizer stand out and provides the perfect vessel for the flavorful filling.
Step 3: Toss Your Vibrant Slaw
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and the white parts of the green onions. Next, whisk together rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper for a simple but tasty dressing. Pour this over the veggies and toss everything well. This crunchy slaw not only adds color but also refreshes and balances the richness of the chicken and fried wrapper, making Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos: A Crispy, Flavorful Appetizer Recipe a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Step 4: Mix the Spicy Ranch Drizzle
In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing or sour cream with sriracha and lime juice. Adjust the sriracha amount to your preferred spice level — this sauce is the final flavor punch that brings zest and creaminess to every taco, creating a mouthwatering contrast that’s impossible to resist.
Step 5: Assemble Your Wonton Tacos
Fill each crisp wonton shell with a generous scoop of the savory chicken mixture, then top with a heap of the vibrant slaw. Drizzle each taco with your spicy ranch sauce, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and the green parts of the green onions for an extra burst of freshness and visual appeal. This assembly step is where everything comes together to create that classic Applebee’s sensation.
Step 6: Serve Immediately and Enjoy
The key to savoring Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos: A Crispy, Flavorful Appetizer Recipe is to enjoy them straight away, while those wonton shells are still gloriously crunchy. Serve these golden bites on a platter for your guests to enjoy and watch how they disappear fast!
How to Serve Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos: A Crispy, Flavorful Appetizer Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro and green onions add a burst of color and flavor. A sprinkle of sesame seeds can add an extra touch of texture and visual interest to these vibrant tacos.
Side Dishes
Pairing these wonton tacos with light, simple salads or steamed edamame complements the bold flavors without overwhelming the palate. A refreshing cucumber salad or a tangy Asian slaw on the side would round out the meal nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve these tacos on a trendy wooden board with small bowls of extra spicy ranch sauce and lime wedges. You can also line mini taco holders to keep each one perfectly upright and showcase the colorful layers inside.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the fried wonton shells separately from the chicken filling and slaw to prevent them from getting soggy. Keep the chicken mixture and slaw in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezing
The chicken mixture freezes well if stored properly in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month, but the wonton shells and slaw do not freeze well because they will lose their crispness and texture.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken filling gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. To enjoy the wonton shells crispy again, place them in a hot oven (around 350°F) for a few minutes just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken helps speed up the prep without sacrificing flavor. Just shred it and toss it in the marinade as directed.
What if I don’t have wonton wrappers? Can I use something else?
Wonton wrappers are key to achieving the signature crunch and shape, but in a pinch, small soft tortilla shells or mini taco shells can work, though the texture will differ.
Is this recipe very spicy?
Not necessarily. The heat level is easily customizable by adjusting or omitting the red pepper flakes and sriracha, allowing you to make it mild or spicy according to your preference.
Can I make these tacos vegetarian?
You can swap the chicken for a plant-based protein like shredded jackfruit or tofu and follow the same seasoning steps. The crispy wontons and slaw will still shine!
What’s the best way to keep wonton shells crispy after frying?
Let them drain thoroughly on paper towels and store them uncovered at room temperature if serving later. Avoid covering them tightly while warm to prevent steam from making them soggy.
Final Thoughts
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos: A Crispy, Flavorful Appetizer Recipe brings a perfect harmony of textures and bold flavors that will undoubtedly light up your appetizer spread. Once you try making these at home, you’ll appreciate how doable they are and how impressive they look and taste. Whether for a party or a cozy night in, these wonton tacos are sure to win over hearts and taste buds alike—go ahead, give them a try and bring that irresistible Applebee’s magic to your kitchen!
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Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos: A Crispy, Flavorful Appetizer Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (12 wonton tacos)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American with Asian influence
Description
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a crispy, flavorful appetizer featuring tender shredded chicken sautéed in a savory-sweet sauce, served inside golden fried wonton shells. Topped with a refreshing cabbage-carrot slaw and a zesty spicy ranch sauce, these tacos combine crunchy textures with vibrant Asian-inspired flavors perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cooked and shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Wonton Tacos
- 12 wonton wrappers
- Vegetable oil (for frying the wontons)
Slaw
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green and purple mix)
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or shredded
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (for the slaw dressing)
- 1 teaspoon honey (for the slaw)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for the slaw)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Spicy Ranch Sauce
- 3 tablespoons ranch dressing (or sour cream for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (for a zesty finish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in shredded chicken, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Fry the Wonton Wrappers: Heat vegetable oil in a separate skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the wonton wrappers one or two at a time until golden brown and crispy, about 1-2 minutes. Use tongs to remove and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate. To shape into taco shells, drape them over a baking rack while cooling so they harden in a taco shape.
- Make the Slaw: In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, julienned carrot, and chopped green onions. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss well to coat evenly.
- Prepare the Spicy Ranch Sauce: In a small bowl, mix ranch dressing (or sour cream), sriracha, and lime juice. Adjust the amount of sriracha to match your preferred spice level.
- Assemble the Tacos: Fill each fried wonton shell with a generous portion of the chicken mixture. Top with a scoop of the prepared slaw. Drizzle with the spicy ranch sauce and garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions for extra flavor and color.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the chicken wonton tacos immediately while the wonton shells remain crispy for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- For a milder version, omit the red pepper flakes and sriracha.
- You can cook chicken breasts by boiling, baking, or using rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Make sure oil is at the right temperature (350°F) before frying to ensure crispy wontons and avoid greasy texture.
- Shaping wontons over a baking rack while cooling helps create authentic taco shapes, but you can also serve them flat as chips if preferred.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce and wonton wrappers if you need a gluten-free version.
