Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a delightful twist on traditional tacos, perfect for any gathering or casual meal. With crispy wonton shells filled with savory chicken and topped with a refreshing Asian slaw, they bring a burst of flavor and texture that everyone will love. Ideal as an appetizer or a light dinner, these tacos are sure to impress your guests with their unique combination of ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 30 minutes, you can whip up these delicious tacos in no time.
• Crispy and Crunchy: The baked wonton wrappers provide a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken filling.
• Flavorful Fusion: Enjoy the rich flavors of hoisin sauce, garlic, and fresh ginger that elevate these tacos beyond ordinary fare.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as an appetizer at parties or as a main course for family dinners—these tacos fit any occasion!
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean chicken and fresh vegetables, this dish is both tasty and nutritious.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin tin
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Cooking spray or oil
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin tin: This tool is crucial for shaping the wonton wrappers into cups, allowing for easy filling.
• Large skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking of the chicken, providing that delicious browning and flavor.
• Mixing bowl: Use this for combining your slaw ingredients thoroughly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Ingredients

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 Asian Slaw

• 1 bag coleslaw mix (397g)
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey

For the Wonton Tacos

• 16 wonton wrappers
• Cooking spray or olive/canola oil for baking
• 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 (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray. This will ensure the wonton cups come out easily after baking.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat:
* Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
* Add the diced chicken and cook until browned (about 5–7 minutes).
* Stir in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Asian Slaw

In a mixing bowl:
* Combine coleslaw mix, sliced green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey.
* Toss well until all ingredients are mixed thoroughly.

Step 4: Shape Wonton Wrappers

Lay wonton wrappers into the greased muffin tin:
* Press down gently to shape them into cups.
* Spray lightly with cooking oil to help them crisp up during baking.

Step 5: Bake Wonton Cups

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven:
* Bake for about 8–10 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.

Step 6: Assemble Tacos

Once baked:
* Fill each wonton cup with the cooked chicken mixture.
* Top generously with Asian slaw.

Step 7: Serve Your Tacos

Serve warm:
* Drizzle sweet chili sauce over each taco.
* Garnish with chopped cilantro and sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.

Enjoy these flavorful Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos at your next gathering or family meal!

How to Serve Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Serving Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos is an opportunity to get creative and make them even more enjoyable. These tasty tacos can be enhanced with various dips, sauces, and garnishes that complement their flavor.

For a Flavor Boost

• Sweet Chili Sauce: Drizzle on top for a sweet and spicy kick.
• Soy Sauce: A classic pairing that adds depth to the flavor profile.

Garnish Ideas

• Chopped Cilantro: Adds freshness and vibrant color.
• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle on top for a crunchy texture.

Accompaniments

• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice can elevate the taste with acidity.
• Sriracha Sauce: For those who enjoy heat, this sauce is a perfect addition.

How to Perfect Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

To ensure that your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and crisp vegetables will enhance the overall taste.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook just until browned to keep it juicy inside the wonton cups.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the wonton wrappers; they should be golden but not burnt.
• Experiment with Slaw Varieties: Try adding different veggies like bell peppers or carrots for a unique twist.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken mixture and slaw in advance to save time during serving.
• Keep Wontons Warm: If serving in batches, place baked wontons in a warm oven to keep them crispy.

Best Side Dishes for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Pairing side dishes with your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Crispy Asian Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, sesame dressing, and crunchy toppings complements the tacos nicely.
2. Edamame Beans: These steamed beans provide a protein-rich snack that balances the meal.
3. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Fresh and crispy rolls filled with vegetables offer a delightful crunch alongside the tacos.
4. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can cleanse the palate between bites.
5. Rice Noodle Salad: This cold dish made with rice noodles, veggies, and a tangy dressing pairs well with the flavors of your tacos.
6. Spicy Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers tossed in vinegar and chili create a zesty side dish that enhances your meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, there are common pitfalls that can affect your dish. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Using stale wonton wrappers: Fresh wonton wrappers ensure a crispy texture. Check expiration dates and store them properly.
• Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dry meat. Cook until just done and check with a meat thermometer for perfect results.
• Skipping the slaw: The crunchy Asian slaw adds essential flavor and texture. Don’t skip it; it balances the dish perfectly.
• Not preheating the oven: Starting with a hot oven is crucial for crispy wonton cups. Always preheat before baking.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your chicken mixture before assembling. Adjust soy sauce or hoisin sauce to suit your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the chicken mixture and wonton cups separate to maintain crispiness.

Freezing Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

• Wonton cups can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring they’re not stacked to avoid breaking.

Reheating Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but this may soften the wonton cups.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos:

What can I substitute for chicken in Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos?

You can use ground turkey, beef, or even tofu as a protein alternative while still enjoying great flavors.

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

Yes! Prepare the chicken filling and slaw in advance, then assemble and bake the wontons just before serving.

How do I keep my wonton cups crispy?

Store cooked filling separately from wonton cups to prevent sogginess. Reheat them in the oven for optimal crispness.

What dipping sauces work well with these tacos?

Sweet chili sauce is perfect, but you can also try soy sauce or sriracha for added spice.

Final Thoughts

Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are an exciting blend of flavors and textures that make them an ideal appetizer or casual meal. Their versatility allows you to mix things up by adding ingredients like avocado or different vegetables in the slaw. Give this recipe a try, and feel free to customize it according to your taste preferences!