Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos offer a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. This recipe breaks down how to recreate these popular appetizers at home, making it a useful guide for anyone craving them without a trip to the restaurant.
Key Ingredients for Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small, bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
For the Wonton Shells:
- 1 package (about 30-40) square wonton wrappers
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2-3 cups)
For the Creamy Cilantro Dressing:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Whipping up these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos is surprisingly simple, proving that restaurant-quality taste can be achieved in your own kitchen. This recipe delivers a burst of savory chicken, a delightful crunch from the wonton shells, and a zesty, creamy dressing. Expect to spend around 45 minutes in total, with about 20 minutes of active cooking time, making it an ideal weeknight treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Filling:
- In a medium bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken and stir to coat. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and coats the chicken beautifully. Remove from heat and set aside.
Fry the Wonton Shells:
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place one wonton wrapper at a time into the hot oil, using tongs. As it begins to puff and crisp, gently fold it in half to create a taco-like shape. Hold it in place with the tongs for a few seconds until it sets into the desired shape.
- Fry each wonton shell for about 30-60 seconds per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot.
- Remove the fried wonton shells from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Continue until all wonton wrappers are fried.
Make the Creamy Cilantro Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble the Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos:
- Spoon a generous amount of the seasoned chicken filling into each crispy wonton shell.
- Top the chicken with shredded iceberg lettuce, diced red onion, and diced red bell pepper.
- Drizzle generously with the creamy cilantro dressing.
- Garnish with extra fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
You’ll absolutely fall in love with these copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos for so many delicious reasons! The star of the show is the succulent, savory chicken filling, perfectly seasoned and coated in a flavorful glaze that’s truly addictive. Imagine each bite offering that irresistible combination of tender protein, crisp, airy wonton shell, and cool, refreshing toppings – it’s a flavor explosion!
Beyond the incredible taste, the biggest win is the undeniable cost-saving benefit of recreating this popular restaurant appetizer right in your own kitchen. You get all the satisfaction without the hefty bill, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious foodies. The vibrant, flavorful toppings, especially the zesty creamy cilantro dressing, elevate this dish from simple to sensational, offering a delightful contrast to the rich chicken. Prepare to be amazed by how easily you can replicate this beloved treat, so gather your ingredients and dive into making these fantastic Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos at home!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers:
- Chicken Filling: Once cooled, store the chicken filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Wonton Shells: Store cooled, crispy wonton shells in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s best to place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking. They will retain their crispness for about 1-2 days.
- Creamy Cilantro Dressing: Keep the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
Reheating and Future Meals:
- Reheating Chicken: Reheat the chicken filling gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Reheating Wonton Shells: Wonton shells are best enjoyed fresh and crispy. Reheating them in the oven or air fryer at a low temperature might help revive some crispness, but they will likely not be as perfectly crisp as when freshly fried. It’s often better to fry a fresh batch if you want that original crunch.
- Freezing: The chicken filling can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as directed. The wonton shells do not freeze well and will lose their crispness. The dressing can also be frozen, but the texture might slightly change upon thawing.
Final Thoughts
These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are a culinary triumph, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures that are sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to whip up this recipe at home; it’s a rewarding experience that brings restaurant-style enjoyment to your table with ease.
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic.2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, 1 clove garlic
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken and stir to coat. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and coats the chicken beautifully. Remove from heat and set aside.2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, 1 clove garlic, 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).2-3 cups vegetable oil
- Carefully place one wonton wrapper at a time into the hot oil, using tongs. As it begins to puff and crisp, gently fold it in half to create a taco-like shape. Hold it in place with the tongs for a few seconds until it sets into the desired shape.1 package square wonton wrappers
- Fry each wonton shell for about 30-60 seconds per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot.1 package square wonton wrappers
- Remove the fried wonton shells from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Continue until all wonton wrappers are fried.1 package square wonton wrappers
- In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and black pepper.1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Spoon a generous amount of the seasoned chicken filling into each crispy wonton shell.1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, 1 package square wonton wrappers
- Top the chicken with shredded iceberg lettuce, diced red onion, and diced red bell pepper.1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce, 1/4 cup red onion, 1/4 cup red bell pepper
- Drizzle generously with the creamy cilantro dressing.1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Garnish with extra fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
Notes
* Chicken Filling: Once cooled, store the chicken filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* Wonton Shells: Store cooled, crispy wonton shells in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s best to place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking. They will retain their crispness for about 1-2 days.
* Creamy Cilantro Dressing: Keep the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Reheating and Future Meals:
* Reheating Chicken: Reheat the chicken filling gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
* Reheating Wonton Shells: Wonton shells are best enjoyed fresh and crispy. Reheating them in the oven or air fryer at a low temperature might help revive some crispness, but they will likely not be as perfectly crisp as when freshly fried. It’s often better to fry a fresh batch if you want that original crunch.
* Freezing: The chicken filling can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as directed. The wonton shells do not freeze well and will lose their crispness. The dressing can also be frozen, but the texture might slightly change upon thawing.