Crispy Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
If you’ve ever been to Applebee’s, you know their Chicken Wonton Tacos are one of the most addictive appetizers on the menu. That perfect combination of crispy wonton shells, creamy, tangy coleslaw, and tender, flavorful chicken keeps people coming back for more. The good news? You don’t need to go out to enjoy them—you can easily make these crunchy, savory tacos right at home!
With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a restaurant-quality appetizer (or even a light dinner) ready in no time. Plus, you can customize them however you like, whether that’s adding extra spice, swapping the dressing, or piling on more toppings. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making these crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & crunchy – The wonton wrappers fry up golden brown and crispy for the perfect taco shell.
- Creamy & flavorful filling – Shredded chicken, melty cheese, and a tangy coleslaw mix create the ultimate bite.
- Super easy to make – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients.
- Better than takeout – Fresh, homemade, and customizable!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4-6 | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (or chipotle ranch for extra flavor)
- 12 wonton wrappers
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos
1. Prepare the Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheese, coleslaw mix, and ranch dressing. Stir until everything is well coated and evenly mixed. Set it aside while you prepare the wonton shells.
2. Heat the Oil for Frying
In a deep skillet or saucepan, pour about 1 inch of oil and heat it over medium heat. The oil should be around 350°F (175°C)—hot enough to crisp up the wonton wrappers without burning them.
3. Shape the Wonton Tacos
Take a wonton wrapper and gently fold it into a taco shape. If you have metal taco holders, you can place the wrappers inside them and fry them directly. If not, use kitchen tongs to hold the wrapper in the shape of a taco while frying.
4. Fry the Wonton Tacos
Carefully lower each wonton wrapper into the hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Be sure to fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- If shaping them by hand, be extra careful—hot oil can splatter!
Once done, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Fill the Tacos
Once the wonton shells are cool enough to handle, carefully spoon the chicken mixture inside each crispy shell.
6. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately while warm, with extra ranch dressing or sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping.
Pro Tips for the Best Wonton Tacos
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken – It’s a quick and easy shortcut for maximum flavor.
- Keep the oil at the right temperature – Too hot, and the wonton wrappers will burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil and be greasy.
- Make them spicier – Add sriracha, chipotle sauce, or diced jalapeños to the chicken mix for a spicy kick.
- Want a healthier version? Bake the wonton wrappers in a muffin tin at 375°F for 8-10 minutes instead of frying.
Delicious Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Try these fun variations:
- Buffalo Chicken Wonton Tacos – Toss the shredded chicken in buffalo sauce and drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Asian-Inspired Wonton Tacos – Swap ranch for teriyaki sauce and top with sesame seeds and cilantro.
- BBQ Chicken Wonton Tacos – Mix the chicken with BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor.
- Vegetarian Version – Use shredded jackfruit or tofu instead of chicken and toss with your favorite sauce.
What to Serve with Chicken Wonton Tacos
These tacos make a great appetizer, but you can also pair them with these sides for a full meal:
- Cilantro Lime Rice – A fresh and zesty side that complements the flavors.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote) – Sweet and creamy corn with a hint of spice.
- Sweet Potato Fries – A crispy, slightly sweet side dish.
- Avocado Salad – A light and refreshing option to balance the crunchy tacos.
FAQs About Chicken Wonton Tacos
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Fry the wonton shells fresh for the best crunch.
Q: How do I reheat leftover wonton tacos?
A: The best way to reheat them is in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy.
Q: Can I use store-bought wonton taco shells?
A: Some grocery stores carry pre-made wonton taco shells in the Asian or frozen section. If you find them, you can skip the frying step and just heat them up!
Q: Are these freezer-friendly?
A: The chicken filling can be frozen for up to 2 months, but the fried wonton shells do not freeze well as they lose their crispiness. If freezing, make fresh shells when ready to serve.
Why You Need to Try This Recipe
These Chicken Wonton Tacos are the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, tangy, and savory, making them an absolute must-try for any appetizer or snack craving. Whether you’re recreating your favorite Applebee’s dish at home or just looking for a fun, delicious meal, this recipe delivers every time.
Give them a try and let me know how they turn out! What’s your favorite way to customize wonton tacos? Share your ideas—I’d love to hear them!
Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos: A Spot-On Applebee’s Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 2 cups coleslaw mix
- 4 cups ranch dressing (or chipotle ranch for extra flavor)
- 12 wonton wrappers
- Oil for frying
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, cilantro, hot sauce
Instructions
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
- While the oil is heating, take each wonton wrapper and form it into a taco shape by placing it in a muffin tin or using a taco mold.
- Fry the wonton wrappers in the hot oil until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with ranch dressing until coated.
- Assemble the tacos by filling each wonton shell with the chicken mixture, followed by a layer of coleslaw mix and shredded cheese.
- Garnish with optional toppings like green onions, cilantro, and hot sauce before serving.
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