Applebee's Mandarin Chicken Salad Recipe: Crunchy Won Ton Bites and Sweet-Tangy Dressing

This Applebee's Mandarin Chicken Salad recipe brings the restaurant's signature sweet-tangy flavors right to your kitchen table. 💛 The secret lies in perfectly grilled chicken, crispy won ton bites, and a dressing that balances citrus and savory notes—just like the original.

I've refined this over years of testing, ensuring every bite delivers that signature restaurant taste.

What sets this recipe apart is the technique for achieving crispy, tender chicken that holds up to the bright mandarin dressing. The won ton bites add a satisfying crunch, while the sweet-tangy sauce ties everything together.

With just 30 minutes of active prep and 15 minutes of cooking, you'll have a restaurant-quality salad that's perfect for lunch or dinner.

The result is a salad that's bright, crunchy, and packed with flavor—golden chicken pieces, juicy mandarin oranges, crisp croutons, and those addictive won ton bites. The dressing is the star, with its perfect balance of sweetness and tang that makes every bite irresistible.

This is the kind of salad that turns a simple meal into something special.

Serve it as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish for grilled meats. The recipe scales easily, so you can make a big batch for gatherings or meal prep for the week. Let's get started on recreating this restaurant classic at home!

Ingredients for applebee's mandarin chicken salad

The perfect blend of restaurant-quality flavors: tender chicken, crispy won ton bites, and a sweet-tangy dressing that delivers Applebee's signature taste.

The chicken breast is critical—boneless, skinless cuts ensure even cooking. Look for uniform thickness (around 1-inch cubes) to prevent overcooking. Trader Joe's and Costco often carry pre-cut chicken breasts, saving prep time. For won ton wrappers, King Noodle or Martini brands are reliable choices. The mandarin oranges should be drained well—squeeze out excess liquid to prevent a soggy salad. Red leaf lettuce holds its shape better than iceberg, so buy a fresh head and remove the outer leaves for crispness.

No won ton wrappers? Substitute crispy fried wontons from an Asian market or make your own with flour and water. Running short on honey? Maple syrup works at a 1:1 ratio. The dressing can be made ahead—store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. For extra crunch, toast your croutons in the oven with a sprinkle of garlic powder. The sesame seeds should be toasted in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes to enhance their aroma—don't skip this step. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey by 1 tablespoon and add an extra ½ teaspoon of rice vinegar.

The chicken stays best in the fridge for 2 days if pre-cooked, but assemble the salad within 30 minutes of serving to maintain crispness. Store dressing separately in an airtight container for up to 1 week. For meal prep, keep components separate—toss the salad together just before eating. The won ton bites can be fried ahead and stored at room temperature for 2 days. If you're making this for a crowd, double the dressing recipe—it's that good.

Step-by-step instructions for mandarin chicken salad

Here's the method for restaurant-quality chicken salad with perfect texture and balanced flavors.

Cut the 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast into 1-inch cubes and season generously with the 0.5 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt and 0.25 tsp ground black pepper. Heat 0.125 cup of the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Add the chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer. Flip the cubes and cook another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces. This resting period ensures the chicken stays juicy when assembled.

In a small bowl, whisk together the 0.25 cup rice vinegar, 0.25 cup honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp dried mandarin orange peel, and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. The dressing should be smooth but slightly thick—this consistency will cling beautifully to the salad components. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, but the balance should be perfect with the given amounts.

Here's the thing—don't skip the orange peel. It adds subtle citrus notes that complement the mandarin oranges perfectly. If you're concerned about texture, finely pulse the dried peel in a spice grinder before adding. This step elevates the dressing from basic to restaurant-quality.

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the remaining 0.125 cup extra-virgin olive oil. Working in batches, fry the 12 won ton wrappers for 20-25 seconds per side until golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully—they cook quickly! Drain on paper towels and let cool slightly before assembling.

Cut each crispy won ton wrapper diagonally into 4 triangles (you'll have 48 pieces total). This creates perfect bite-sized won ton bites. While still warm, fill each triangle with 1 tsp of the grilled chicken pieces. The residual heat from the wrappers helps the chicken stay warm during assembly.

Rinse and thoroughly dry the 1 head red leaf lettuce, then separate the leaves. Arrange 4 large lettuce leaves on each of 4 plates to form the salad base. This leafy foundation prevents the salad from becoming soggy and adds freshness to each bite.

Divide the 15 oz canned mandarin oranges (drained) evenly among the plates, spreading them in a thin layer. Then distribute the 2 cups croutons and the 48 won ton bites evenly over the mandarins. The combination of textures—crispy croutons, crunchy won tons, and tender chicken—creates the signature Applebee's experience.

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the prepared dressing over each salad, dividing it evenly. The dressing should coat the ingredients lightly without overwhelming them. Toss gently just before serving to maintain the crispness of the croutons and won ton bites.

Garnish each salad with an additional teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately. The contrast of warm chicken, sweet mandarins, tangy dressing, and crunchy textures makes this salad irresistible. For best results, serve while the won ton bites are still crisp—this salad doesn't reheat well!

Wine and beer pairings for this dish

Citrus-Inspired Whites

The bright, tangy dressing in this salad pairs beautifully with crisp white wines that complement the citrus flavors. I always reach for a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand—look for one from Cloudy Bay or Oyster Bay.

These wines have zesty lemon and grapefruit notes that mirror the mandarin oranges and rice vinegar in the dressing. Serve slightly chilled (45-50°F) to enhance the refreshing qualities. 🍷

Light-Bodied Reds

For red wine lovers, a Pinot Noir from Oregon's Willamette Valley works surprisingly well. The wine's red fruit flavors and silky texture balance the salad's sweet and savory elements without overpowering them.

Choose a Pinot Noir with bright acidity—like Domaine Serene or La Crema—to cut through the honey and soy sauce in the dressing. Let it breathe for 15-20 minutes before serving to open up its aromas.

Crisp Asian Beers

When it comes to beer pairings, I love a Japanese lager like Sapporo or Asahi Super Dry. These beers have clean, crisp profiles that won't compete with the salad's complex flavors.

The subtle sweetness of the lager complements the honey in the dressing, while its effervescence cleanses the palate between bites. For a hoppier option, try a Belgian Witbier like Hoegaarden—the coriander notes add an interesting contrast to the mandarin oranges.

Non-Alcoholic Options

For a refreshing non-alcoholic pairing, I recommend sparkling green tea like Honest Tea or AriZona Green Tea. The effervescence and subtle sweetness enhance the salad's flavors without overpowering them. Another great choice is ginger beer—the spicy kick from fresh ginger complements the sesame oil in the dressing beautifully.

Serve both chilled (38-42°F) for the best experience. 💧

Regional Wine Recommendations

If you're in the Southeast, seek out local wines that can complement this salad. A Georgia Viognier—like those from Chateau Elan—offers floral and stone fruit notes that pair wonderfully with the mandarin oranges.

For a Southern twist, try a North Carolina Chardonnay from Bald Head Island Vineyards, which has a crisp, citrus-forward profile that matches the salad's vibrant flavors. These regional options add a personal touch to your meal. 🗺️

Frequently asked questions