Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

These Copycat Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos always bring restaurant magic home My family cannot get enough of the crispy golden shells and tangy slaw paired with savory chicken This recipe makes a crowd pleasing appetizer or a light main and everyone loves customizing their own taco

I first made these for a game night and everyone ended up fighting over the last taco Now they are a regular part of our party menus and even picky eaters ask for seconds

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced chicken absorbs marinade quickly and cooks evenly Look for fresh pink chicken without any odor for quality
• Olive oil: Adds richness to the marinade and helps the chicken brown during cooking Use extra virgin for the best depth
• Soy sauce: Delivers umami seasoning Go for low sodium to manage saltiness
• Honey: Adds sweetness that balances the salty and savory flavors Use pure honey for best result
• Garlic powder: Brings classic aroma and warmth Freshly opened garlic powder has the most flavorful punch
• Ground ginger: Provides bright zestiness Choose a fresh spice for vibrant flavor and scent
• Black pepper: A touch of heat that balances the sweetness Freshly cracked pepper provides the boldest flavor
• Wonton wrappers: Form the signature crunchy shell Choose square wrappers from the refrigerated case with no cracks or dryness
• Coleslaw mix: Offers crunch and a fresh bite Choose a premade mix with vibrant green and purple shreds for color
• Green onions: Add a mild oniony zing Use bright green stalks for best flavor and crispness
• Chopped cilantro: Lends herby brightness Select fragrant leaves that are not wilted or yellowing
• Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweet spicy depth for dipping Pick a brand with visible chili flakes for more flavor

Step by Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

Whisk olive oil soy sauce honey garlic powder ginger and black pepper in a mixing bowl to create a flavorful marinade Toss the thinly sliced chicken so every piece is glossy and coated Cover and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes allowing the flavors to absorb If you have more time an overnight soak will deepen the taste

Shape and Bake Wonton Cups:

Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty or up to three hundred seventy five degrees for best crispiness Press the wonton wrappers gently into the wells of a muffin tin making sure the corners are upright This shaping is what gives the tacos their iconic cup form Bake for five to seven minutes watching through the door so they turn a light golden brown Remove the shells carefully and let cool to set their shape

Cook the Chicken:

While the wonton cups cool heat a skillet over medium high until the surface is hot Remove the chicken from the fridge and discard any leftover marinade Lay the chicken slices in the pan careful not to crowd Cook each side for five to seven minutes until pieces are browned and cooked through Test the thickest slice for clear juices or a firm pressure if unsure

Assemble Tacos:

Add a small mound of coleslaw mix to each cooled wonton cup Spoon warm cooked chicken on top letting the juices lightly dress the slaw Sprinkle with snappy green onion slices and fresh cilantro to brighten everything

Serve:

Line up the tacos on a platter and set out a bowl of sweet chili sauce for dipping Serve at once while everything is crisp and fresh If sharing with friends expect them to disappear quickly

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My favorite ingredient is the sweet chili sauce because that little dip adds a spark of heat and sweetness I once brought these tacos to a summer barbecue and my cousin dipped nearly every bite in the sauce then asked for the recipe before dessert was even out

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator Wonton cups stay crispiest if stored in a loosely covered container at room temperature and assembled just before serving If fully assembled tacos are left out they soften quickly so make only as many as you plan to eat right away

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute boneless thighs for breast meat if you want richer flavor To make the recipe gluten free try your favorite gluten free soy sauce and check packaging on wrappers For a brighter salad try shredded cabbage and carrot instead of bagged coleslaw

Serving Suggestions

Serve these tacos as a platter for parties with extra herbs chili flakes or pickled carrots on the side They pair well with simple fried rice or a light cucumber salad For heartier meals fill the tacos with extra chicken or add diced mango for a pop of sweetness

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Cultural and Historical Context

Wonton wrappers come from traditional Chinese cuisine but this fun fusion taco is inspired by Asian American restaurant favorites The mix of crunchy shell and slaw with savory chicken reflects the playful approach of American bar food merging global flavors for shareable appetizers

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I make the wonton shells crispy?

Press wonton wrappers into muffin tins and bake at 350°F–375°F for 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp. Let them cool before filling.

→ Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating overnight deepens flavor. Just keep the chicken refrigerated while marinating for food safety.

→ What type of coleslaw mix works best?

Use a bagged coleslaw mix with green and red cabbage and carrots for extra crunch and vibrant color.

→ Can I substitute another protein for chicken?

Thinly sliced pork or shrimp works well. Adjust cooking times to avoid overcooking the protein.

→ What dipping sauce complements these tacos?

Sweet chili sauce is a classic choice, adding a tangy and mild heat that pairs with the savory filling.