Copycat Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos

If you’ve ever dined at Applebee’s, you’re likely familiar with their famous Chicken Wonton Tacos. These crunchy, savory delights are the perfect appetizer or light meal, and now you can recreate them right in your own kitchen! With a medley of flavors and textures, this Copycat Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish from scratch!

Why It’s My Go-To

I absolutely love these Copycat Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos because they combine the crispiness of wonton wrappers with a flavorful chicken filling and a refreshing slaw. They’re fun to make, easy to customize, and always a hit at gatherings. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. Once you take a bite, you’ll understand why these tacos are a favorite!

Shopping List

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce (hoisin sauce may be substituted)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
• 2 to 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon dried ground ginger)
• One 12-ounce bag coleslaw mix (mainly green cabbage, a bit of red cabbage, and minimal shredded carrots; discard dressing packets)
• 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced into thin rounds
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (honey may be substituted)
• 1 to 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon dried ground ginger)
• 16 wonton wrappers*
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce (or as desired)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely minced (optional for garnishing)
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (optional for garnishing)

Equipment at a Glance

• Large skillet or frying pan – for cooking the chicken.
• Mixing bowls – for preparing the slaw and chicken mixture.
• Cookie sheet – for baking the wonton wrappers.
• Brush – for applying oil to the wonton wrappers.
• Sharp knife – for dicing chicken and slicing vegetables.

Copycat Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos in Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken breasts. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

Step 2: Flavor the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, add in the teriyaki sauce, low sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well to coat the chicken in the delicious sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Slaw

In a mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, green onions, rice vinegar, low sodium soy sauce, granulated sugar, lime juice, and grated ginger. Toss everything together until the slaw is well mixed and set aside to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Prepare the Wonton Wrappers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush each wonton wrapper with toasted sesame oil and gently press them into the cups of a muffin tin to form a taco shape. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Once the wonton cups are baked and crispy, remove them from the oven. Fill each wonton cup with a generous scoop of the chicken mixture followed by a spoonful of slaw on top.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Drizzle sweet chili sauce over the assembled tacos and sprinkle with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Copycat Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos!

Make It Fit Your Plan

• For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use hoisin sauce for added flavor.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and wonton wrappers.
• Add more vegetables to the slaw mix for extra crunch and nutrition.
• For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken filling.

Don’t Do This

When making your Copycat Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos, avoid overfilling the wonton cups. This can cause them to break or spill over. Also, be careful not to burn the wonton wrappers during baking; keep an eye on them as they can turn from golden to burnt quickly!

Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide

These tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the chicken filling and slaw separately from the wonton wrappers. Keep the chicken and slaw in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet and fill fresh wonton cups before serving. The wrappers can get soggy if stored together, so it’s best to store them separately.

Top Questions & Answers

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken filling and slaw in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, bake the wonton wrappers and assemble the tacos fresh for the best texture.

What can I use instead of wonton wrappers?

If you can’t find wonton wrappers, you can use small tortillas or even make your own from scratch. Just keep in mind that the texture will be different.

Can I freeze the chicken filling?

Absolutely! The chicken filling can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating. However, do not freeze the wonton wrappers as they won’t maintain their crispiness.

How can I adjust the spice level?

To adjust the spice level, you can add more or less ginger to the slaw and chicken mixture. Additionally, incorporating some chili paste or hot sauce can give your tacos the extra kick you desire!

What to Make After This

• Buffalo Chicken Dip – A creamy, spicy dip that’s perfect for game day.
• Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry – Quick and easy with a sweet and savory glaze.
• Mango Avocado Salsa – A fresh and zesty side that pairs well with any dish.
• Vegetable Spring Rolls – Crisp and fresh rolls that are great for snacking.

Time to Try It

Now that you have the recipe for Copycat Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos, it’s time to get cooking! Gather your ingredients and enjoy the process. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a fun meal, these tacos are sure to please. Happy cooking!