Chicken Wonton Tacos (Applebee’s Copycat!) Recipe
These Chicken Wonton Tacos are a delicious Applebee’s copycat recipe featuring tender marinated chicken cooked in a savory stir-fry glaze, served inside crispy fried wonton shells topped with a refreshing sesame ginger coleslaw and fresh cilantro. Perfect as an appetizer or a fun meal for gatherings, they bring a unique fusion of Asian-inspired flavors with a handheld taco twist.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 tacos
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup stir fry sauce
- 1/4 cup sesame ginger dressing
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Coleslaw
- 1 cup thinly sliced cabbage
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons sesame ginger dressing
Wonton Taco Shells
- 10 wonton wrappers
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 2 inches deep)
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking chicken)
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Chicken marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with stir fry sauce, sesame ginger dressing, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir thoroughly to coat, then cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Prepare the wonton taco shells: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the oil is at least 2 inches deep. Gently fold each wonton wrapper into a triangle shape without sealing the edges. Carefully place the wontons into the hot oil and fry until crispy and golden brown, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Repeat for all wrappers.
- Prepare the coleslaw: In a bowl, mix thinly sliced cabbage, shredded carrots, and sesame ginger dressing until evenly combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve to keep the slaw fresh and crisp.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has a caramelized glaze from the marinade, about 8-10 minutes.
- Assemble the tacos: Spoon approximately 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons of the cooked chicken into each fried wonton shell. Top with a generous amount of the prepared coleslaw.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the assembled tacos with fresh cilantro leaves and serve alongside lime wedges for squeezing over. Enjoy immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying wontons to achieve crispiness without absorbing excess oil.
- The wonton shells should be folded carefully to hold the taco shape yet allow for a hollow center for filling.
- Marinating the chicken for longer than 30 minutes will enhance the flavor even more.
- Prepare the coleslaw ahead of time to let the flavors meld and keep it chilled until serving.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of chili flakes to the coleslaw or marinade.
- These tacos are best eaten fresh to maintain the wonton shell’s crisp texture.
