Easy Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe

Discover a delicious Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for your next taco night! This irresistible dish combines crispy wonton shells filled with tender, flavorful chicken and fresh toppings that bring the perfect balance of crunch and zest. Whether you’re craving a fun appetizer or a satisfying main course, this recipe brings the Applebee’s favorite right to your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavor-packed: A delicious blend of savory chicken, crispy wontons, and fresh veggies for bold taste in every bite.
• Customizable: Easily adapted to your dietary needs or taste preferences with simple swaps.
• Fun Presentation: Perfectly handheld tacos make eating both convenient and enjoyable.
• Impress Guests: A restaurant-quality dish that looks like it took hours but is deceptively simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe plays an important role to build those layers of amazing taste and textures—from the crispy shells to the savory chicken mixture and vibrant toppings. Here’s what you’ll need to grab before you start cooking.

• Chicken breast or thighs: Use tender, boneless pieces for juicy and flavorful filling.
• Wonton wrappers: These create the signature crunchy taco shells that hold all the goodness.
• Vegetable oil: Essential for frying wontons to golden perfection with a crispy texture.
• Green onions: Adds freshness and mild sharpness as a topping.
• Shredded lettuce: For a crisp, cool crunch inside each taco.
• Mayo and Sriracha sauce: Combine for a creamy, spicy sauce that elevates flavor.
• Soy sauce and garlic: For marinating and seasoning the chicken with umami depth.
• Lime juice: Adds a fresh tang that cuts through the richness beautifully.
• Shredded cheese (optional): A melt-in-your-mouth addition for extra indulgence.

Variations for Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe

When it comes to the Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe, personalization is key to making it your own. Feel free to try these creative twists or consider dietary substitutions that keep things fresh and exciting.

• Spicy Buffalo Style: Swap the marinade for buffalo sauce for a bold, fiery kick.
• Veggie-Friendly: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or sautéed mushrooms for a plant-based option.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free wonton wrappers or crispy baked tortillas.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Add different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a gooier filling.
• Asian Fusion: Include pickled vegetables or a drizzle of hoisin sauce for extra depth.

How to Make Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

Start by chopping your chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. Marinate with soy sauce, minced garlic, a squeeze of lime juice, and a touch of pepper for at least 10 minutes. Sauté the chicken in a hot pan with a little oil until cooked through and lightly caramelized on the outside, ensuring full flavor development.

Step 2: Form and Fry the Wonton Shells

Take the wonton wrappers and gently fold them into taco shapes by pinching two opposite corners together. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to around 350°F and carefully fry each shell until they’re crispy and golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Spicy Mayo Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and Sriracha to your desired heat level. This creamy sauce will give your tacos the signature spicy tang that makes the Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe truly memorable.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Fill each crispy wonton shell with a generous spoonful of the cooked chicken mixture, then top with shredded lettuce, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of the spicy mayo. Add shredded cheese if using, and serve immediately for the best crunch.

Pro Tips for Making Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe

• Chicken Choice: Use thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option, both work beautifully.
• Oil Temperature: Maintain the frying oil between 350-375°F so wontons don’t absorb too much oil or burn.
• Prep Ahead: Cut and marinate chicken earlier in the day to deepen flavors.
• Sauce Consistency: Adjust mayo and Sriracha quantities to match your preferred creaminess and spice.
• Keep Shells Crispy: Assemble tacos right before serving to prevent wonton shells from getting soggy.

How to Serve Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance the tacos with fresh cilantro leaves, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or thin slices of avocado for extra creaminess and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair these tacos with a crisp Asian slaw or simple cucumber salad to bring refreshing balance, or serve with classic tortilla chips and guacamole for a party spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the tacos upright in a taco holder or nestle them in a bed of shredded lettuce on a wooden board for a restaurant-style presentation that wows every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep cooked chicken and toppings separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and store fried wonton shells at room temperature in a sealed bag to retain crunch.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked, seasoned chicken in portion-sized bags for up to 2 months, but wonton shells are best used fresh as freezing can affect their crisp texture.

Reheating

Reheat chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until just warm to avoid drying out, and crisp up stored wonton shells in an oven or air fryer for a minute or two before serving.

FAQs

Can I bake the wonton shells instead of frying?

Yes! Lightly brush wonton wrappers with oil and bake at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes until crispy for a healthier alternative.

What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Shredded Monterey Jack or mild cheddar melts well and complements the spicy mayo without overpowering the dish.

Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat?

The spicy mayo provides mild heat, but you can reduce or increase Sriracha to suit your heat preference easily.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Pre-cooked chicken can save time—just toss it with the marinade flavors and warm through before assembling the tacos.

Are these tacos kid-friendly?

Definitely! You can omit or reduce the Sriracha to make the tacos milder and more appealing to younger taste buds.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about recreating a beloved restaurant dish at home, and this Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe hits all the right notes. Its ease, vibrant flavors, and impressive presentation make it a guaranteed winner for your next meal. Dive in, have fun with the variations, and enjoy the delicious crunch and savory goodness that will surely become a new family favorite!

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