Applebee's Won Ton Tacos

My Unexpected Culinary Adventure: Applebee's Won Ton Tacos

As a busy working mom, time in the kitchen is a precious commodity. I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and manageable, even on a hectic weeknight. So when I stumbled upon this recipe for Applebee’s-inspired wonton tacos, my initial reaction was skepticism. Wonton wrappers? Fried? It sounded like more trouble than it was worth. But the overwhelmingly positive reviews convinced me to give it a try, and let me tell you, it was a revelation!

The process is undeniably more involved than your average taco night. The chicken needs marinating, the wonton wrappers require careful handling, and the frying itself is a delicate dance of patience and precision. But the end result? Absolutely worth every minute of effort. The crispy wonton shells, filled with a vibrant mix of seasoned chicken and crunchy slaw, create a truly unique flavor profile. It’s a delightful fusion of Asian and Mexican cuisines, a happy marriage of textures and tastes that left my family utterly speechless. The recipe calls for a specific Asian dressing; I highly recommend using that exact one for the best results. Trust me on this.

My first attempt was slightly… messy. Let’s just say my kitchen looked like a miniature wonton battlefield. But after a few practice runs, I perfected the art of frying these little beauties. The key, I discovered, is to use tongs. This prevents the chicken from escaping its crispy shell mid-flip, ensuring a satisfying and even cook. The resulting tacos were incredibly flavorful; the slight spice from the jalapenos and red pepper flakes complements the richness of the chicken and the tanginess of the dressing perfectly. We ended up adding a dollop of sour cream just because, but it wasn’t strictly necessary. We devoured the tacos, making it a family favorite.

Beyond the taste, this recipe has become a symbol of something more for me. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding experiences are the ones that require a little extra effort. The time spent carefully preparing the chicken, assembling the tacos, and mastering the art of deep frying was a meditative process; I was able to slow down and focus on the task at hand, a welcomed contrast to the relentless pace of my daily life. It showed me the beauty of taking a moment, of carefully crafting something delicious that brings joy to my family. The happy smiles around the dinner table more than make up for the time spent in the kitchen. It's a delicious adventure.

I’ve served these wonton tacos at several gatherings, and they’ve always been a massive hit. They’re not just a meal; they’re a conversation starter, a testament to the power of a little culinary creativity. So, if you’re looking for a unique, flavorful, and surprisingly rewarding recipe to add to your repertoire, give these Applebee’s-inspired wonton tacos a try. You won’t regret it – and neither will your tastebuds.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 5-7 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 package cole slaw mix
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1 (4 oz) can diced jalapenos
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 bottle Asian dressing/marinade (Kraft’s Asian Toasted Sesame recommended)
• 1 package square wonton wrappers
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• Limes (for garnish)

Pro-Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings! You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding other vegetables, proteins, or spices.

Step-by-step

• 5-7 Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breasts
• 1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil
• 1 Package Cole Slaw
• 1/4 cup diced Red Onion
• 1 (4oz) can of diced Jalapenos
• 1/2 Tablespoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• Asian Dressing/Marinade ( I used Krafts Asian Toasted Sesame dressing/ marinade)
• 1 package square Wonton Wrappers
• 1 cup Vegetable Oil
• 1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro
• Limes