Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a delightful twist on a classic appetizer, perfect for any gathering or casual dinner. Filled with tender honey-garlic chicken and vibrant slaw, all nestled in crispy wonton shells, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether it’s game night, a potluck, or just a cozy meal at home, these tacos offer incredible flavor and texture that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up these tacos in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey-garlic chicken and zesty slaw creates a deliciously balanced taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish – great for various occasions.
• Crispy Texture: Baking the wonton wrappers gives them a satisfying crunch that complements the filling beautifully.
• Customizable: Feel free to mix and match toppings to suit your taste preferences!

Tools and Preparation

To make these wonderful Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment ensures everything comes together smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick baking spray
• 9×13 baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick baking spray: Helps prevent the wonton wrappers from sticking and ensures they bake evenly.
• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing the chicken quickly over high heat for optimal flavor.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess, making preparation easier.

Ingredients

These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are the perfect copycat, filled with honey-garlic chicken and zesty slaw in a crispy wonton shell.

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 Assembly

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

How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray the wonton wrappers with cooking spray or brush them lightly with olive/canola oil. Drape them over the side of a 9×13 baking dish. Bake for 7-8 minutes while keeping an eye on them so they don’t burn.

Step 2: Prepare the Wonton Shells

Once baked initially, carefully pull apart the wonton shells while they are still pliable. Return them to the oven for another 7-8 minutes until they become crispy.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, combine diced raw chicken with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Heat a large skillet over high heat. Sauté the chicken mixture for about 7-8 minutes until fully cooked through, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Mix the Slaw

While the chicken cooks, mix together all ingredients designated for the coleslaw in another large bowl until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos

Once everything is ready, fill each crispy wonton shell with a generous amount of chicken mixture. Top it off with coleslaw. Drizzle sweet chili sauce over the top and finish by sprinkling chopped cilantro and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

Casual Gathering

• Taco Bar: Set up a taco bar with additional toppings like diced avocado, shredded cheese, or pico de gallo for guests to customize their tacos.
• Pair with Drinks: Serve alongside refreshing beverages like iced tea or sparkling water with fruit slices for a fun twist.

Game Day Snack

• Finger Food: These tacos make perfect finger food. Serve them on a platter for easy grabbing during game day or parties.
• Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces like soy sauce or spicy mayo to complement the flavors of the tacos.

Family Dinner

• Plated Meal: Arrange the tacos neatly on dinner plates, garnished with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for an appealing presentation.
• Side Salad: Add a light side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the meal.

How to Perfect Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

To ensure your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are as delicious as possible, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Wrappers: Ensure wonton wrappers are crispy by baking them until golden brown but not burnt.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh chicken and crisp vegetables for the best flavor and texture in your filling.
• Flavorful Marinade: Let the chicken marinate in the hoisin sauce mixture for at least 15 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor.
• Even Cooking: Cook the chicken over high heat while stirring frequently. This ensures even cooking without drying it out.
• Customize Slaw: Feel free to add extra ingredients to your coleslaw, such as shredded carrots or sliced bell peppers for added crunch and color.
• Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on garnishes. Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds add both visual appeal and flavor!

Best Side Dishes for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Complement your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos with delightful side dishes that enhance the meal. Here are some great options:

1. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: These sweet and savory fries provide a satisfying crunch that pairs well with the tacos.
2. Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with cucumbers, rice vinegar, and sesame oil adds brightness to your plate.
3. Edamame Beans: Lightly salted edamame is a nutritious snack that balances the richness of the tacos.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Nutritious steamed broccoli can be seasoned with sesame oil for added flavor and color on your plate.
5. Rice Noodle Salad: A cold rice noodle salad tossed in peanut sauce offers a delightful contrast to warm tacos.
6. Fruit Skewers: Skewers of fresh fruit like pineapple and strawberries serve as a light dessert option after savoring tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Bold Preparation: Skipping the pre-baking step for wonton wrappers can lead to soggy shells. Always bake them first for that perfect crunch.
• Bold Overfilling: Packing too much filling into the wontons can cause them to burst. Use a moderate amount, allowing room for expansion.
• Bold Ignoring Seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland tacos. Ensure you mix well with hoisin sauce and spices for flavor.
• Bold Inconsistent Slicing: Cutting vegetables unevenly results in an unappealing presentation. Aim for uniform sizes to enhance both look and texture.
• Bold Forgetting Toppings: Skipping toppings like sweet chili sauce or cilantro diminishes flavor. Always remember to add these for extra taste and visual appeal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover tacos in an airtight container.
• They will remain fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

• Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on a microwave-safe plate for 30-60 seconds, but note that they may become soft.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the focus keyphrase related to this recipe?

The focus keyphrase is Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, which highlights this delicious dish effectively.

Can I use other proteins in the recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap chicken with beef, turkey, or lamb according to your preference.

How do I make the slaw more flavorful?

Add additional spices or a dash of lime juice to the slaw mixture to enhance its taste.

Is there a vegetarian version of Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos?

Yes! Substitute chicken with tofu or jackfruit and use vegetable broth in the sauce mix.

Final Thoughts

These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize your fillings and toppings based on what you love. Enjoy crafting this delightful dish at home!