Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos – Easy & Crispy

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If you’re craving Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, this easy homemade recipe is just what you need! These crispy wonton tacos are filled with juicy marinated chicken, fresh coleslaw, and a tangy glaze, recreating the iconic Applebee’s appetizer at home. Since Applebee’s wonton tacos were discontinued in 2020, many fans have searched for a way to enjoy them again. Thankfully, this chicken wonton tacos copycat recipe delivers the same crunchy texture and bold flavors—ready in under an hour!

Before you start, check out this helpful guide on frying wonton wrappers from Food Network to ensure your taco shells come out perfectly crispy.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe

✔️ Crispy wonton taco shells deliver the perfect crunch.
✔️ Juicy marinated chicken packed with flavor.
Easy & quick—ready in under one hour.
✔️ Tastes just like the restaurant version!

If you love crispy, crunchy bites, you’ll also enjoy The Bacon King: Bold Flavors and Crispy Bacon—a must-try for bacon lovers!

Ingredients for Homemade Applebee’s Wonton Tacos

How to Make Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

1. Marinate the Chicken for Applebee’s Wonton Tacos

First, in a mixing bowl, combine chicken, stir fry sauce, sesame ginger dressing, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well to coat evenly, then let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer for deeper flavor).

2. Prepare the Coleslaw for Wonton Tacos

Meanwhile, mix cabbage, carrots, and sesame ginger dressing in a separate bowl. Toss everything together, then refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor.

3. Fry the Wonton Taco Shells

While the coleslaw chills, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a pan to 350°F. Carefully fold each wonton wrapper into a taco shape without sealing the edges. Fry one at a time for 30 seconds per side, or until golden brown. Once done, remove and drain on paper towels.

If you prefer a baked alternative, check out this guide on baked wonton chips for a lighter option.

4. Cook the Chicken for Your Wonton Tacos

Next, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow the sauce to caramelize for that signature Applebee’s glaze.

5. Assemble Your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Finally, fill each crispy wonton shell with 1-2 tablespoons of cooked chicken. Then, top with coleslaw and garnishes. Serve immediately with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Pro Tips for Perfect Copycat Applebee’s Wonton Tacos

✔️ Use fresh wonton wrappers for the crispiest shells.
✔️ Fry in small batches to prevent sogginess.
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
✔️ Chill the coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
✔️ Caramelize the chicken for that perfectly glazed finish.

For another bold and flavorful meal, try Chicken Sausage & Shrimp Jambalaya—a spicy and hearty dish that’s perfect for dinner!

Storage & Reheating Guide for Wonton Tacos

How to Store Leftovers

• Store chicken, coleslaw, and wonton shells separately to maintain crispiness.
• Keep chicken and coleslaw in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Store wonton shells at room temperature in a paper towel-lined container.

How to Reheat Applebee’s Wonton Tacos

• Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes.
• Use an air fryer or oven at 350°F to crisp up the wonton shells.
• Avoid microwaving wonton shells—they will turn soggy!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Copycat applebee’s chicken wonton tacos fried?

If you’ve ever enjoyed Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, you know that their crispy, golden-brown shells are one of the best parts of the dish. But are these copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos fried like the restaurant version? The answer is yes! The original Applebee’s wonton tacos were made using deep-fried wonton wrappers that served as the crispy taco shells.

However, if you’re making them at home, you can fry, bake, or even air-fry the wonton shells to achieve different levels of crispiness. In this guide, we’ll cover:

• How Applebee’s made their chicken wonton tacos
• How to fry wonton taco shells at home
• Alternative cooking methods (baking and air frying)
• Tips for achieving the perfect crispy texture

Let’s dive in!

Did Applebee’s Fry Their Chicken Wonton Tacos?

Yes, Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos were fried! The restaurant deep-fried wonton wrappers until they became crispy and golden brown. These shells were then filled with marinated chicken, coleslaw, and a drizzle of Asian-inspired dressing, creating the perfect balance of crispy, juicy, and fresh flavors.

The key to achieving the signature Applebee’s crunch lies in properly frying the wonton shells. If you want to replicate the restaurant’s texture at home, deep frying is the best method.

How to Fry Wonton Shells for Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Ingredients Needed:

To fry the wonton shells at home, you’ll need:

• 10 wonton wrappers (square or round)
• Vegetable oil (canola, peanut, or avocado oil work best)
• Tongs (for handling the wrappers)
• Paper towels (to absorb excess oil)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Heat the Oil
   • Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep pan or skillet.
   • Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C)—this is the ideal temperature for frying.
2. Shape the Wonton Wrappers
   • Carefully fold each wonton wrapper into a taco shape, but don’t seal the edges.
   • Use tongs to hold them in place as they fry.
3. Fry Until Golden Brown
   • Gently place the wonton wrapper into the hot oil.
   • Fry for 30–40 seconds per side, flipping carefully to ensure even crispiness.
   • Once golden brown, remove the shell and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Let Them Cool
   • Allow the wonton taco shells to cool for a few minutes before filling them with chicken and coleslaw.

Pro Tip: To keep the shells crispy, store them in a warm oven (200°F) while preparing the filling.

Alternative Cooking Methods for Wonton Taco Shells

If you prefer a healthier version or want to avoid deep frying, you can also bake or air-fry your wonton taco shells.

1. Baked Wonton Taco Shells

Baking is a healthier alternative that still gives you a crispy texture.

🔹 Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Spray a baking rack or taco mold with cooking spray.
• Shape the wonton wrappers into a taco form and place them on the rack.
• Bake for 6–8 minutes or until golden brown.

Tip: Keep a close eye on them—they crisp up quickly!

2. Air-Fried Wonton Taco Shells

Air frying is another great option for making crispy wonton taco shells with less oil.

🔹 Instructions:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly spray the wonton wrappers with cooking spray.
• Shape them into a taco shell using an oven-safe mold or a folded piece of foil.
• Air fry for 4–6 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.

Bonus: Air frying gives you a crispy texture similar to deep frying, but with significantly less oil!

Which Cooking Method is Best?

Here’s a quick comparison of the three cooking methods for wonton taco shells:

If you want the classic Applebee’s texture, deep frying is your best bet. However, if you’re looking for a healthier alternative, baking or air frying can still give you a crispy and delicious result.

Final Thoughts – Are Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Fried?

Yes, the original Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos were deep fried, and for the best authentic texture, frying is recommended. However, you can also bake or air fry them for a lighter, healthier version.

No matter which method you choose, these homemade wonton tacos will be crispy, flavorful, and just as satisfying as the ones from Applebee’s!

👉 What’s your favorite method for making crispy wonton taco shells? Let us know in the comments! 🌮✨

Q2: Wonton tacos Applebee’s?

Applebee’s Wonton Tacos were one of the most popular appetizers on the restaurant’s menu. Known for their crispy wonton shells, flavorful marinated chicken, and fresh coleslaw, these tacos became a must-try dish for many customers. However, much to the disappointment of fans, Applebee’s removed Wonton Tacos from the menu in 2020.

So, what made Applebee’s Wonton Tacos so special? Can you still order them? And most importantly, how can you make them at home? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this beloved appetizer!

What Were Applebee’s Wonton Tacos?

Applebee’s Wonton Tacos were a fusion-style appetizer that combined elements of Asian and Mexican cuisine. The dish featured:

✔️ Deep-fried wonton shells – Thin, crispy wrappers shaped into taco shells.
✔️ Juicy marinated chicken – Stir-fried with a sweet and savory Asian-inspired sauce.
Crunchy coleslaw – A refreshing blend of shredded cabbage, carrots, and sesame ginger dressing.
✔️ Cilantro & lime – Added for freshness and balance.

The contrast between the crispy wonton shell, savory chicken, and tangy coleslaw made these tacos a standout menu item at Applebee’s.

Did Applebee’s Discontinue Wonton Tacos?

Yes! Applebee’s officially discontinued their Chicken Wonton Tacos in 2020, much to the disappointment of loyal fans. The exact reason for their removal is unknown, but possible reasons include:

🔹 Menu streamlining – Restaurants frequently update menus to make room for new items.
Ingredient availability – Some menu items get discontinued due to sourcing challenges.
🔹 Changing customer preferences – Applebee’s may have prioritized new appetizers over existing ones.

Despite their removal, demand for Wonton Tacos has remained high, with many people searching for copycat recipes to make them at home.

Can You Still Get Wonton Tacos at Applebee’s?

Currently, Applebee’s does not offer Wonton Tacos on their menu. However, some locations may still have them as a limited-time item or on a secret menu.

💡 Pro Tip: If you really miss them, try asking your local Applebee’s if they can still make them! Some restaurants keep discontinued recipes and may be able to recreate them if they have the ingredients.

How to Make Copycat Applebee’s Wonton Tacos at Home

Since Applebee’s Wonton Tacos are no longer available, the best way to enjoy them is to make them yourself! Luckily, the recipe is easy to recreate at home.

Ingredients for Copycat Wonton Tacos

Step-by-Step Instructions for Wonton Tacos

1. Marinate & Cook the Chicken

1. Mix stir fry sauce, sesame ginger dressing, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a bowl.
2. Add the chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Prepare the Coleslaw

1. In a bowl, mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and sesame ginger dressing.
2. Toss well and chill in the fridge until ready to use.

3. Fry the Wonton Taco Shells

1. Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fold wonton wrappers into taco shapes and fry for 30-40 seconds per side until crispy.
3. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.

4. Assemble the Tacos

1. Fill each crispy wonton shell with 1-2 tablespoons of cooked chicken.
2. Top with coleslaw, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Can You Make Wonton Tacos Without Frying?

Yes! If you want a healthier alternative, you can bake or air-fry the wonton shells instead of deep frying.

Baking Method:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Shape wonton wrappers into taco shells using a mold or wire rack.
• Bake for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Air Frying Method:

• Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly spray wonton wrappers with cooking spray.
• Shape into tacos and air fry for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Both methods provide a crispy texture with less oil, making them a great healthier alternative to deep frying!

Final Thoughts – Will Applebee’s Ever Bring Back Wonton Tacos?

While Applebee’s Wonton Tacos are no longer available on the menu, their popularity has not faded. Many fans continue to recreate them at home or request that Applebee’s bring them back.

For now, the best way to enjoy them is by making your own copycat version. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry the wonton shells, this recipe will bring back the flavors you miss!

👉 Would you like Applebee’s to bring back Wonton Tacos? Let us know in the comments! 🌮✨

Final Thoughts on Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

These homemade Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a quick snack, party appetizer, or dinner, they are sure to impress!

For another flavorful and creamy meal, try Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta—a rich and comforting dish that pairs beautifully with these tacos.

If you’re interested in exploring more Asian-inspired street food, check out The Ultimate Guide to Asian Street Food for a deep dive into bold global flavors.

👉 Give this recipe a try and let us know how your tacos turned out! 🌮💛