Crunchy Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe – Family Favorite!

Tacos take an unexpected twist with these crispy applebees chicken wonton tacos that blend Asian and Mexican flavors into one delectable bite.

Crunchy wonton shells cradle tender, seasoned chicken in a mouthwatering fusion of culinary traditions.

The restaurant-inspired recipe brings exciting street food vibes right to your kitchen.

Packed with bold spices and fresh ingredients, these tacos deliver a punch of flavor that will impress everyone at the table.

Each wonton shell provides a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the juicy chicken filling.

Drizzle with your favorite sauce for an extra layer of deliciousness.

You’ll want to make these again and again for a quick and exciting meal that breaks away from ordinary taco nights.

Serve Applebee’s Wonton Tacos with Sauce Pairings

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair these crispy wonton tacos with a zesty Asian-inspired slaw for a refreshing crunch that complements the spicy chicken filling.
• Dipping Delight: Whip up a quick dipping sauce combining sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of lime juice to elevate the flavor profile and add an extra layer of excitement.
• Party Platter: Create a build-your-own taco station with additional toppings like diced green onions, sesame seeds, pickled vegetables, and extra herbs to let guests customize their bite-sized treats.
• Beverage Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside an ice-cold Asian beer or a crisp white wine like Riesling to balance the spicy and sweet notes of the chicken wonton tacos.

Best Practices for Storing Chicken Wonton Tacos

• Store leftover chicken wonton tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate crispy wonton shells from filling to maintain their crunchiness.
• Keep wonton wrappers and chicken filling in different sealed containers to prevent soggy texture. Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture.
• Warm chicken filling in a skillet over medium heat for best flavor. Crisp wonton shells in a preheated oven at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to restore their crunchiness. Avoid microwave to prevent sogginess.
• Freeze chicken filling in freezer-safe bags for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Do not freeze assembled tacos as wonton shells will lose their crisp texture.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for the chicken filling?

The key ingredients are shredded chicken, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional sriracha for extra heat.

• How crispy should the wonton wrappers be?

The wonton wrappers should be fried until they turn golden brown and crispy, which typically takes about 1-2 minutes at 350F (175C).

• Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding or reducing sriracha in the chicken filling, or by choosing a spicy or mild sweet chili sauce for drizzling.

• Is this recipe considered a fusion dish?

Absolutely! The Chicken Wonton Tacos blend Asian-inspired flavors with a Mexican taco format, creating a unique and delicious cross-cultural appetizer.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 4

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Ingredient Rundown

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base that creates the hearty main component, choose fresh, boneless cuts for easy shredding.
• Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor and enhances chicken's savory profile, opt for low-sodium versions for better control.
• Honey: Brings subtle sweetness and helps caramelize chicken, select pure, natural honey for best results.
• Sesame Oil: Provides rich, nutty undertone, use toasted variety for more intense flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers consistent, aromatic seasoning without raw garlic chunks.
• Onion Powder: Contributes balanced, mellow onion essence without texture.
• Rice Vinegar: Offers tangy brightness and helps tenderize chicken.
• Sriracha: Introduces optional spicy kick, adjust quantity based on heat preference.

• Wonton Wrappers: Creates crispy taco shell, choose fresh, thin wrappers for optimal crunchiness.
• Olive Oil: Enables golden, even frying for wonton shells.

• Lettuce, Carrots, Cilantro: Provide fresh crunch and vibrant color contrast.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds final sweet-spicy dimension, select authentic Asian-style sauce for best flavor.

Tools That Help Replicate Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

• Deep fryer or small pot: Essential for achieving crispy, golden wonton wrappers at 350F.
• Tongs: Perfect for safely removing hot wonton wrappers from oil without burning yourself.
• Forks: Great for shredding chicken into small, even pieces.
• Frying pan: Used to cook and coat chicken with delicious sauce mixture.
• Paper towels: Helps drain excess oil from crispy wonton wrappers.
• Cutting board: Useful for preparing and shredding chicken.
• Sharp knife: Helps in preparing ingredients like cilantro and carrots.

How to Craft Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos at Home

• Sizzle the Chicken

Grab chicken breasts and cook them using your preferred method – boiling, baking, or pan-frying. Shred the meat into tiny pieces. Heat a pan with olive oil and toss in the chicken. Mix in soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional sriracha. Cook until chicken is coated and warm. Let it cool down.

• Crisp the Wonton Shells

Pour olive oil into a pot, heating to 350F. Slide wonton wrappers into the hot oil, one by one. Fry until they turn golden and crunchy, about 1-2 minutes. Fish them out with tongs and let excess oil drip onto paper towels.

• Build Your Tacos

Fold the crispy wonton wrappers into taco shapes by gently pressing the center. Pack each shell with the seasoned chicken mixture.

• Dress and Garnish

Sprinkle shredded lettuce, carrots, and cilantro leaves on top. Drizzle sweet chili sauce for an extra kick of flavor.

• Serve and Devour

Plate your Chicken Wonton Tacos and enjoy immediately. They’re perfect for snacking, parties, or a playful dinner.

Tips for Crispy Shells and Flavor-Packed Filling

• Ensure wonton wrappers are extra crispy by keeping oil at precise 350F temperature and frying no longer than 2 minutes for golden perfection.
• Prepare chicken filling and wonton shells ahead of time, storing separately in airtight containers to maintain crispiness and streamline assembly when ready to serve.
• Replace chicken with seasoned tofu, black beans, or pulled jackfruit for delicious vegetarian and plant-based alternatives that maintain the original flavor profile.
• Adjust heat by modifying sriracha amount or using mild sweet chili sauce for kids, or adding extra hot sauce for spice lovers who want an extra kick.
• Use gluten-free wonton wrappers for celiac-friendly version, swap honey with maple syrup for vegan adaptation, and choose low-sodium soy sauce for heart-healthy option.

Crispy Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos blend crispy wontons with zesty Asian-inspired chicken, creating a fusion appetizer that delights taste buds. Crunchy wrappers, tangy slaw, and bold flavors make this dish a crowd-pleasing choice you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 wonton wrappers
• Cooking spray or oil for brushing
• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, finely diced or ground chicken
• 2 tbsps soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 cup (75g) shredded cabbage (red, green, or a mix)
• ½ cup (50g) shredded carrots
• 2 tbsps rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp soy sauce
• Sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken: Thoroughly cook chicken using preferred method, then shred into fine, uniform pieces using two forks.
2. Season Chicken: In a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, combine shredded chicken with soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional sriracha. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, ensuring complete sauce coverage.
3. Create Wonton Shells: Heat olive oil to 350F in a deep pot or fryer. Submerge wonton wrappers individually, transforming them into crispy golden shells. Drain on paper towels and fold into taco-shaped vessels.
4. Assemble Tacos: Fill each wonton shell with seasoned chicken mixture, then layer with shredded lettuce, carrots, and fresh cilantro leaves.
5. Finish and Serve: Drizzle sweet chili sauce over tacos for added flavor complexity. Plate immediately and serve as an innovative appetizer or light meal.

Notes

Master Chicken Temperature: Cook chicken to internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety and prevent foodborne illnesses. Use a digital meat thermometer for accurate reading.

Wonton Wrapper Technique: Fry wrappers quickly at exactly 350°F to prevent burning. Work in small batches and monitor oil temperature constantly to achieve perfect crispy texture without sogginess.

Flavor Balancing Trick: Adjust seasoning blend by tasting marinade before coating chicken. Experiment with sauce ratios to customize sweet-savory profile – more honey for sweetness, extra sriracha for heat.

Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute standard wonton wrappers with gluten-free rice paper or corn tortillas. Ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free to make dish suitable for sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 263
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg