Inspired by the popular appetizer at Applebee’s, these Chicken Wonton Tacos are a fun and flavorful fusion of crispy wonton shells, juicy chicken, and a tangy Asian-inspired slaw. Topped with a sweet chili sauce and a sprinkle of cilantro, these tacos are the perfect balance of crispy, crunchy, savory, and sweet. They’re a great appetizer or party snack, and they’re easy enough to make at home for your next gathering!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Filling:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Wonton Shells:
20 wonton wrappers
1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Slaw:
2 cups shredded cabbage (green or a mix of green and purple)
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Toppings:
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Directions:
Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and sesame oil. Mix until the chicken is well coated in the sauce. Set aside to let the flavors marinate for a few minutes.
Make the Slaw: In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle with rice vinegar and honey, and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Fry the Wonton Shells: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Carefully add the wonton wrappers, a few at a time, to the hot oil. Fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
Assemble the Tacos: Once the wonton shells have cooled slightly, spoon a generous amount of the shredded chicken mixture into each shell. Top with a small spoonful of the slaw, drizzle with sweet chili sauce, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Serve: Arrange the tacos on a serving platter and serve immediately while the wonton shells are still crispy. These tacos are best enjoyed fresh!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 200-250 per taco (depending on filling and toppings)
FAQ:
Can I bake the wonton shells instead of frying them? Yes! To bake them, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), brush the wonton wrappers with a little oil, and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion:
These Applebee’s-inspired Chicken Wonton Tacos are a crowd-pleasing appetizer with all the flavors you love in a fun, crispy package. Whether you’re serving them for a party or just a weeknight snack, they’ll quickly become a family favorite with their irresistible combo of textures and bold, tangy flavors.
