If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances crunchy textures with creamy, tangy flavors, then you are going to absolutely adore this Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos – Crispy Chicken in Wonton Shells with Slaw and Bang Bang Sauce Recipe. Imagine bite-sized taco shells made from crispy fried wontons, filled with golden, juicy chicken strips, fresh cabbage slaw, and drizzled with a luscious bang bang sauce that packs just the right kick. It’s the ultimate appetizer or weeknight treat that brings together sweetness, zest, and a touch of savory magic in every mouthful. If you’re ready to impress your family or friends with something truly special, this recipe is the one to try.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to recreating a splash of Applebee’s magic at home. Each component plays a vital role: the chicken gives us juicy protein, the wontons contribute an unbeatable crunch, and the slaw and sauce bring fresh brightness and bold flavor to every bite.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into small strips for quick frying and perfect crispiness.
- ½ cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds subtle tanginess for extra flavor.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Creates a crispy coating when mixed with cornstarch and spices.
- ½ cup cornstarch: Essential for that incredible crunch in the chicken coating.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses the batter with savory depth.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds color and a mild smoky taste to the coating.
- ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper: Perfect seasoning balance to enhance all flavors.
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut): The best medium for achieving golden, crispy results.
- 1 cup shredded cabbage: For a fresh, crunchy slaw base.
- ¼ cup shredded carrots: Adds sweetness and vibrant color to the slaw.
- 1–2 tbsp mayonnaise: Creamy binder for the slaw and the bang bang sauce.
- 1 tsp lime juice: Brightens both the slaw and the sauce with zesty freshness.
- Salt & pepper, to taste: To round out the slaw flavors perfectly.
- 2–3 tbsp sweet chili sauce: Gives the bang bang sauce a sweet-spicy kick.
- 1–2 tsp sriracha: Adds heat; adjust according to your spice preference.
- Store-bought wonton wrappers (cut in half for taco shapes): The crispy taco shells that hold it all together beautifully.
- Optional garnishes (green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro): For a fresh, colorful finishing touch that elevates presentation.
How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos – Crispy Chicken in Wonton Shells with Slaw and Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Fry the Wonton Shells
Start by heating your frying oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fold each wonton wrapper over the handle of a wooden spoon or shape them into mini taco shells. Gently lower them into the oil and fry until they become golden and crispy, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Once perfectly crisp, place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. This crunchy shell is the foundation of your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos – Crispy Chicken in Wonton Shells with Slaw and Bang Bang Sauce Recipe, so treat this step with care.
Step 2: Prep Chicken
While your wontons are cooling, marinate the chicken strips in buttermilk for 10 to 15 minutes. This tenderizing step ensures juicy chicken inside the crispy coating. Meanwhile, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This dry mixture will give your chicken that signature crunch and flavorful crust.
Step 3: Fry Chicken
Heat your oil again to 350°F for frying the chicken. Dredge each buttermilk-soaked chicken strip in your flour mixture until fully coated, then carefully fry them in batches for 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain the chicken on paper towels to keep them crispy without any extra oilpooling. Now the star protein of your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos – Crispy Chicken in Wonton Shells with Slaw and Bang Bang Sauce Recipe is ready to shine.
Step 4: Make Slaw & Sauce
Combine shredded cabbage and carrots in a mixing bowl and toss with mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, and pepper to make a creamy, tangy slaw. Then whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice to craft the silky, spicy bang bang sauce that perfectly complements the crispy chicken and refreshing slaw. These two components balance texture and flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Assemble Tacos
Finally, assembly time! Spoon a generous helping of the vibrant slaw into each crispy wonton shell. Top it with a few pieces of that perfect fried chicken. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over everything and sprinkle optional garnishes like chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro for an inviting look and extra flavor bursts. Voilà—your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos – Crispy Chicken in Wonton Shells with Slaw and Bang Bang Sauce Recipe are ready to delight!
How to Serve Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos – Crispy Chicken in Wonton Shells with Slaw and Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes like chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro takes your tacos from delicious to spectacular. These touches lend a pop of color, texture, and freshness that enhance each crunchy, creamy bite.
Side Dishes
These wonton tacos are perfectly party-ready, but pairing them with light sides like an Asian cucumber salad or steamed edamame complements the flavors without overpowering the main star. Crunchy pickled vegetables also create a refreshing palate cleanser alongside the richness of the bang bang sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, you can serve these tacos in a sleek wooden taco holder or arrange them on a colorful platter with dipping bowls for extra bang bang sauce. If you want to get playful, try stacking them for a taco tower or creating DIY taco bars with various slaw and sauce options so everyone customizes their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to keep everything tasting fresh. Keep the wonton shells in a paper bag or loosely covered to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze fried chicken strips on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. The slaw and sauce don’t freeze well, so it’s best to fresh-make those when ready to serve your Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos – Crispy Chicken in Wonton Shells with Slaw and Bang Bang Sauce Recipe again.
Reheating
For reheating, use an oven or air fryer to warm the chicken and maintain its crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it will make the chicken soft. Refry the wonton shells for a few seconds if needed to bring back their crunch before assembling.
FAQs
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking the chicken at 425°F for 15 to 20 minutes is a fantastic way to enjoy this recipe with less oil while still achieving a nice crispy texture.
What can I use if I can’t find wonton wrappers?
You can substitute with small tortillas or make your own thin dough wrappers, but the unique crispiness of fried wontons really makes this dish special.
Is the bang bang sauce spicy?
The bang bang sauce has a moderate heat level from the sriracha but also a sweetness from the chili sauce. You can always adjust the amount of sriracha to make it milder or spicier.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
You could swap the chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower and use vegan mayo alternatives for the slaw and sauce to make a plant-based version.
How far in advance can I prep the slaw and sauce?
Prepare the slaw and bang bang sauce a few hours ahead and keep refrigerated; just toss the slaw again before serving to freshen it up.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough giving the Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos – Crispy Chicken in Wonton Shells with Slaw and Bang Bang Sauce Recipe a try. The joyful combination of crunchy wonton shells, crispy chicken, tangy slaw, and creamy, kicky sauce makes every bite an absolute delight. Whether it’s for a lively party, a fun weeknight meal, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something spectacularly tasty, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
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Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos – Crispy Chicken in Wonton Shells with Slaw and Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 tacos
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy chicken strips nestled in crunchy fried wonton shells, topped with a creamy cabbage-carrot slaw and drizzled with a tangy, spicy bang bang sauce. These Applebee’s-inspired Chicken Wonton Tacos offer a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and zesty flavors in a fun, bite-sized taco format that’s ideal for parties or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Crispy Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small strips
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut)
Slaw
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ¼ cup shredded carrots
- 1–2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp lime juice
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Bang Bang Sauce (creamy & tangy)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2–3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp lime juice
Wonton Shells
- Store-bought wonton wrappers (cut in half for taco shapes)
- Oil for frying
Optional Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Fry the Wonton Shells: Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fold wonton wrappers over the handle of a wooden spoon or shape them into taco forms. Fry each shell until golden and crispy, about 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Prep Chicken: Marinate the chicken strips in buttermilk for 10–15 minutes to tenderize and add flavor. Meanwhile, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl. Dredge the marinated chicken strips thoroughly in this dry mixture to coat evenly.
- Fry Chicken: Heat oil to 350°F and carefully fry the coated chicken strips until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, approximately 4–5 minutes. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Make Slaw & Sauce: In a bowl, toss shredded cabbage and carrots with mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, and pepper until combined to create a creamy slaw. For the bang bang sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth and tangy.
- Assemble Tacos: Spoon a generous amount of slaw into each fried wonton shell. Top with crispy chicken strips, then drizzle with the bang bang sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro as desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- To reduce greasiness, bake the chicken at 425°F for 15–20 minutes instead of frying.
- For maximum crispiness, fry wonton shells just before serving.
- Adjust spice level by varying the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce.
- The slaw can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated to save prep time.
- Optional variations include making a sheet-pan version for easier cleanup or an air-fryer-friendly lighter version.
