If you’ve ever been to Applebee’s, you know those chicken wonton tacos are a total crowd-pleaser! They’re crispy, filled with deliciousness, and perfect for sharing with friends. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had these at game nights or casual get-togethers—everyone loves them! The mix of tender chicken, gooey cheese, and that sweet and sour sauce wrapped in those crispy wontons is just irresistible. Trust me, once you make these at home, they’ll become your go-to appetizer for any occasion. Let’s dive into how to whip up your own batch of these tasty Applebee’s chicken wonton tacos!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your own delicious Applebee’s chicken wonton tacos. I promise, it’s super simple!
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (You can use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and convenience!)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar works great, but feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack if you like!)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (They add a nice crunch and fresh flavor—don’t skip them!)
- 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce (This is what brings everything together; store-bought is fine, but homemade is even better!)
- 12 wonton wrappers (You can usually find these in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.)
- Oil for frying (Make sure you have enough to submerge the tacos for that golden, crispy finish!)
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to create a batch of these mouthwatering tacos in no time. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s jump into making these delightful Applebee’s chicken wonton tacos! I promise it’s easier than you think, and you’ll love every step of the process. Let’s break it down!
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
First things first, let’s mix up that delicious filling! In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and sweet and sour sauce. I like to use a fork to mix everything together gently; this helps keep the chicken nice and fluffy while ensuring everything is evenly coated. You want that perfect blend of flavors, so take your time with this step. If it looks a bit dry, just add a little more sauce—trust me, it’ll make a difference!
Step 2: Assemble the Tacos
Now comes the fun part—assembling your tacos! Take a wonton wrapper and lay it flat on a clean surface. Spoon about a tablespoon of your chicken mixture into the center of the wrapper. Don’t overfill it, or you’ll have a messy situation on your hands! Next, fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling and press to seal it tightly. If you’re worried about tearing the wrappers, try dipping your fingers in a little water before sealing; it acts like glue and helps keep everything together!
Step 3: Fry the Tacos
Alright, time to fry! Heat about an inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want to make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the tacos—test it by dropping in a small piece of leftover wonton; if it sizzles, you’re good to go! Carefully place a few tacos in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to gently turn them; this helps avoid splattering hot oil everywhere!
Step 4: Drain and Serve
Once your tacos are perfectly crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This helps soak up any excess oil, keeping them nice and crunchy. Serve them warm with extra sweet and sour sauce on the side for dipping—trust me, everyone will want to dive in! These tacos are best enjoyed fresh, so gather your friends and dig in right away!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—whip these up in just 25 minutes!
- Super easy to make, even if you’re new to cooking!
- Delicious flavor that combines savory chicken with a hint of sweetness from the sauce.
- Perfect for gatherings, game nights, or just a fun snack!
- Customizable—feel free to experiment with different fillings based on your taste!
- Great for sharing; they disappear fast, so be prepared for requests for seconds!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to make these scrumptious Applebee’s chicken wonton tacos, here are some of my top tips to ensure your success in the kitchen!
- Temperature Check: Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s not sizzling when you drop in the wonton, they’ll end up soggy instead of crispy. A quick tip is to use a thermometer—aim for about 350°F (175°C) for that perfect fry!
- Don’t Overcrowd: When frying, give your tacos some space! If you crowd the pan, they’ll steam instead of fry. Fry in batches if you need to; it’s worth it for that crispy goodness!
- Get Creative with Fillings: While the chicken filling is fantastic, don’t be afraid to experiment! Try adding black beans, corn, or even some sautéed veggies for a twist. You could also adjust the sauce for different flavor profiles—maybe a spicy salsa or a creamy ranch for a fun change!
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, put them in a toaster oven or on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up. Microwaving can make them a bit soggy, so avoid that if you can!
- Enjoy Them Fresh: These tacos are best enjoyed immediately after frying, so gather your friends and serve them up hot! The crispy texture and warm filling is what makes them truly special, so don’t wait too long to dig in!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of making Applebee’s chicken wonton tacos. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk about the nutritional info for these tasty Applebee’s chicken wonton tacos! Here’s what you can expect per serving, which is about 2 tacos:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 12g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. If you make any substitutions or tweaks, the nutrition may change a bit, but that’s all part of the fun of cooking! So, enjoy these delicious tacos while keeping an eye on your portions, and feel good about indulging in this delightful appetizer!
FAQ Section
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! If you want a lighter version, you can bake the tacos. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the assembled wonton tacos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them lightly with oil and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
How can I make these vegetarian?
No problem at all! You can easily swap out the chicken for a mix of your favorite veggies. I love using black beans, corn, and bell peppers. Just sauté the veggies until tender, mix them with some shredded cheese and sweet and sour sauce, and follow the same assembly and frying instructions. You’ll have delicious vegetarian tacos!
What dipping sauces work well with these tacos?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! While sweet and sour sauce is the classic choice, you can also try pairing them with soy sauce, a spicy sriracha mayo, or even a creamy ranch dressing for a fun twist. Feel free to get creative and serve a few different sauces for your guests to enjoy!
Can I use different types of cheese?
Definitely! Cheddar is a favorite, but feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even cream cheese for a richer taste. Just make sure whatever cheese you choose melts well!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a rare occurrence!), let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep them crispy. Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with any leftover Applebee’s chicken wonton tacos (which is a miracle in itself!), storing them properly will help maintain their deliciousness. First, let them cool completely before you store them. This step is super important because it prevents condensation from making them soggy.
Once cooled, place the tacos in an airtight container. If you want to keep them extra crispy, you can layer them with parchment paper to absorb any moisture. They’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 2 days, but trust me, they’re best enjoyed fresh!
Now, when it comes to reheating, you want to avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the wontons lose that crispy goodness. Instead, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the tacos on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 10 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy again. This will bring back that delightful crunch that makes them so irresistible! Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first time around!
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos: 5 Steps to Crispy Bliss
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 tacos 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A tasty and easy recipe for Applebee’s chicken wonton tacos.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 12 wonton wrappers
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cheese, green onions, and sweet and sour sauce.
- Take a wonton wrapper and place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center.
- Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling, then press to seal.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the wonton tacos for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve warm with extra sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming the tacos.
- Experiment with different fillings if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chicken wonton tacos, Applebee's recipe, appetizer recipe
