Applebee’s Crispy Wonton Tacos

Applebee’s Crispy Wonton Tacos are a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make for an irresistible appetizer or dinner option. Perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers, these crispy tacos are stuffed with marinated chicken and zesty Asian coleslaw, all wrapped in a crunchy wonton shell. Everyone will enjoy this unique twist on traditional tacos!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect even for beginner cooks.
• Flavorful: The combination of teriyaki sauce and sesame oil delivers a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Versatile: You can easily customize the filling with your favorite proteins or veggies.
• Crispy Texture: Baking the wonton wrappers gives you that delightful crunch without frying.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 16 servings, these tacos are great for parties or family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Applebee’s Crispy Wonton Tacos, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin tin
• Large Ziplock bag
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin tin: This tool helps shape the wonton wrappers into a taco form while baking.
• Skillet: A non-stick skillet ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients thoroughly, ensuring great flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

This copycat Applebee’s Crispy Wonton Tacos recipe is made with marinated chicken, zesty Asian coleslaw, stuffed in a crispy baked wonton shell and topped with sweet chili sauce. This is a great restaurant quality appetizer that everyone will love.

For the Chicken Filling

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
• 2 Tbsp. teriyaki sauce
• 1 Tbsp. sesame oil
• 1 Tbsp. low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 tsp. ground ginger

For the Coleslaw

• 1 bag coleslaw mix
• 1 Tbsp. sesame oil
• 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
• 1 Tbsp. low sodium soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp. teriyaki sauce
• 1 Tbsp. honey

For the Wontons

• 16 wonton wrappers
• Sweet chili sauce (for drizzling)
• Chopped cilantro (optional)
• Sesame seeds (optional)

How to Make Applebee’s Crispy Wonton Tacos

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large Ziplock bag combine teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and chicken breast. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray both sides of each wonton wrapper with cooking spray.

Step 3: Shape the Wonton Wrappers

Turn a muffin tin upside down and press the middle of a wonton wrapper between two of the muffin cups to create a “V” shape.

Step 4: Bake the Wonton Shells

Bake in a preheated oven for 7-9 minutes, watching closely so they don’t burn. Remove from the oven around the 4-minute mark to reshape if necessary.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

While you’re baking the wonton shells, heat one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until no longer pink and fully cooked through.

Step 6: Prepare Coleslaw Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, add coleslaw mix along with sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and honey. Toss until everything is fully coated.

Step 7: Assemble Tacos

Take baked wonton shells and fill them with marinated chicken followed by coleslaw mixture. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce and top with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Applebee’s Crispy Wonton Tacos

Applebee’s Crispy Wonton Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them in various ways to enhance your dining experience and impress your guests.

Casual Gathering

• Serve on a Platter: Arrange the tacos on a large platter for a fun, shareable appetizer at your next get-together.
• Add Dipping Sauces: Provide an array of dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce or spicy mayo for extra flavor.

Taco Bar Setup

• Build-Your-Own Tacos: Set up a taco bar with all the fixings, allowing guests to customize their own crispy wonton tacos.
• Include Fresh Toppings: Offer fresh toppings such as sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.

Pairing with Drinks

• Serve with Refreshing Beverages: Complement these tacos with refreshing drinks like iced tea or fruit-infused water for a balanced meal.
• Add a Fun Twist: For adults, consider non-alcoholic mocktails that pair well with Asian flavors.

How to Perfect Applebee’s Crispy Wonton Tacos

To make sure your Applebee’s Crispy Wonton Tacos turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Boldly Marinate the Chicken: Allow the chicken to marinate for longer than an hour for maximum flavor absorption.
• Crisp Your Wontons: Make sure your wonton wrappers are evenly coated with cooking spray before baking to achieve the perfect crispiness.
• Watch the Oven Closely: Keep an eye on the wonton shells while baking; they can burn quickly if left unattended.
• Mix Coleslaw Just Right: Toss the coleslaw ingredients together gently so it stays crunchy and fresh when served in the tacos.

Best Side Dishes for Applebee’s Crispy Wonton Tacos

To complement your Applebee’s Crispy Wonton Tacos, consider adding some delightful side dishes that enhance the overall dining experience.

1. Bold Asian Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, shredded carrots, and sesame dressing brings freshness to your meal.
2. Bold Vegetable Spring Rolls: These delightful rolls filled with fresh vegetables offer a crunchy contrast to the tacos.
3. Bold Edamame Beans: Lightly salted edamame makes for a healthy and protein-packed side option.
4. Bold Fried Rice: A flavorful fried rice dish with peas and carrots pairs perfectly with the Asian-inspired tacos.
5. Bold Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad made with sliced cucumbers and rice vinegar adds a cool touch to balance the flavors.
6. Bold Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast that complements the savory tacos nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Applebee’s Crispy Wonton Tacos even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Using stale wonton wrappers: Fresh wonton wrappers are crucial for achieving the right texture. Always check the expiration date and ensure they are stored properly.

• Overfilling the tacos: It’s easy to get carried away, but overfilling can cause the taco shells to break. Stick to a moderate amount of filling for each shell to maintain their structure.

• Not marinating long enough: Short marination can lead to less flavorful chicken. Aim for at least one hour, but marinating overnight will infuse even more flavor.

• Skipping the oven watch: Baking time is key to crispy shells. Keep an eye on them in the oven, especially around the 4-minute mark to prevent burning.

• Neglecting toppings: Toppings like cilantro and sesame seeds add flavor and texture. Don’t skip these; they elevate your dish significantly!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the chicken and coleslaw separate from the wonton shells to maintain crispiness.

Freezing Applebee’s Crispy Wonton Tacos

• Freeze baked wonton shells for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag.
• The filling can also be frozen separately for up to 2 months.

Reheating Applebee’s Crispy Wonton Tacos

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place tacos on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 30-60 seconds, but note that this may make the shells chewy.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, warm filled tacos for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to serve Applebee’s Crispy Wonton Tacos?

For optimal taste, serve immediately after assembling with toppings like sweet chili sauce and chopped cilantro.

Can I customize the filling in my Applebee’s Crispy Wonton Tacos?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with ground beef or shredded turkey as alternatives for a unique twist.

How do I make these Applebee’s Crispy Wonton Tacos vegetarian?

Replace chicken with sautéed vegetables or tofu and use vegetable broth in your marinade for a delicious vegetarian option.

What dipping sauces pair well with Applebee’s Crispy Wonton Tacos?

Sweet chili sauce is traditional, but soy sauce, peanut sauce, or even sriracha can enhance the flavor profile!

Final Thoughts

Applebee’s Crispy Wonton Tacos are not only delightful but also versatile. They make an excellent appetizer or main dish that can easily be customized based on your preferences. Whether you want extra heat or different proteins, this recipe is bound to impress everyone at your table. Give them a try today!