Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups Recipe

Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups are the perfect appetizer for any gathering, bringing the bold and spicy flavors of buffalo chicken in a bite-sized, crispy wonton shell. These little cups are filled with tender, seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and a creamy buffalo sauce that will leave your guests coming back for more.

The combination of crispy wonton wrappers and the rich, spicy buffalo chicken filling creates a delightful contrast of textures. The savory chicken and spicy buffalo sauce are balanced by the creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing that’s typically added as a topping, making for a perfect bite every time.

In this guide, you will find everything you need to know to make Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups, from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to helpful tips and ideas for customizing the recipe. So, let’s dive into this fun and easy recipe that will become a crowd favorite at your next event.

Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups

• Perfectly Bite-Sized: Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups are the perfect size for serving as an appetizer or snack. Their small, single-serving cups make them easy to eat with your hands, and their flavorful filling is irresistible.
• Bold and Flavorful: The buffalo chicken filling is spicy, savory, and creamy, delivering all the classic flavors of buffalo wings in a much more convenient form. The heat from the buffalo sauce is balanced by the creaminess of the chicken and the ranch or blue cheese topping.
• Easy to Make: These wonton cups are quick and simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and a few easy steps, you can have a batch of Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups ready to serve in about 30 minutes.
• Customizable: This recipe is highly adaptable. You can change the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of buffalo sauce, or use a different kind of cheese, protein, or dipping sauce to suit your tastes.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a Super Bowl party, a family dinner, a casual get-together, or a holiday event, Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups are always a hit. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to serve and perfect for parties and events where finger foods are preferred.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 12 wonton cups
• Calories per Serving: Around 120-150 calories per wonton cup, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 120-150 kcal
• Fat: 8-10g
• Carbohydrates: 10-12g
• Protein: 8-10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Ingredients

For the Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups:

• 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to desired spice level)
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
• 12 wonton wrappers (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter)
• 1/4 cup blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing (for serving)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish (Optional):

• Chopped green onions or scallions
• Extra buffalo sauce (for drizzling)
• Crumbled blue cheese (for added flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Wonton Cups

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your wonton wrappers. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil or cooking spray. This will prevent the wontons from sticking and help them crisp up in the oven.

Next, gently press a wonton wrapper into each muffin tin cup, folding the edges to form a small bowl shape. You may need to gently press them down to ensure they fit snugly. If you want to add extra flavor to the wonton cups, brush each wrapper with a small amount of olive oil or melted butter. This will give the wontons a golden, crispy texture when baked.

Once the wonton cups are shaped and greased, set them aside while you prepare the buffalo chicken filling.

2. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and softened cream cheese. Stir everything together until the chicken is fully coated in the buffalo sauce and the cream cheese is evenly incorporated. The cream cheese helps mellow out the heat from the buffalo sauce and gives the filling a rich, creamy texture.

Once the chicken mixture is well-mixed, add the shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend of your choice). Stir until the cheese is melted into the mixture and everything is combined. Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper to your liking. If you prefer a spicier filling, you can add more buffalo sauce to taste.

3. Fill the Wonton Cups

Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into the prepared wonton cups. Be generous with the filling, as the wontons will puff up slightly during baking. You want to make sure the cups are well-filled, but avoid overstuffing them to prevent the filling from spilling over the edges.

Once the cups are filled, use a spoon to lightly press the mixture down to ensure it stays in place during baking.

4. Bake the Wonton Cups

Place the muffin tin with the filled wonton cups into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the wonton wrappers are golden brown and crispy. The buffalo chicken filling should be bubbly and slightly browned on top, indicating that the cheese is melted and the mixture is heated through.

Keep an eye on the wonton cups as they bake, as the edges of the wonton wrappers can brown quickly. If they start to get too dark, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once the Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Drizzle each cup with a small amount of buffalo sauce for extra flavor and a bit of heat.

Top each wonton cup with a dollop of blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing for added creaminess and a cooling contrast to the spicy buffalo chicken. You can also garnish with chopped green onions or scallions for a pop of color and a fresh bite.

If you like, sprinkle some crumbled blue cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor that complements the buffalo chicken filling.

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. The chicken is already cooked, tender, and seasoned, making it the perfect base for your buffalo chicken mixture. You can shred the chicken yourself or buy pre-shredded chicken if you’re in a hurry.
• Adjust the Spice Level: The amount of buffalo sauce can be adjusted to your preferred spice level. If you like things extra spicy, feel free to add more buffalo sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of sauce or use a milder hot sauce variety.
• Brush the Wonton Wrappers: Brushing the wonton wrappers with a little olive oil or melted butter before baking ensures they turn golden brown and crispy. It also adds flavor and helps them hold the buffalo chicken filling better.
• Make Ahead: These Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven and bake as directed.
• Use Different Sauces: For a twist on the classic buffalo chicken, you can use different sauces like spicy BBQ sauce, chipotle sauce, or even teriyaki sauce. The creamy buffalo sauce is the star of the show, but experimenting with other flavors can lead to fun variations.
• Crispy Wonton Shells: If you want to ensure your wonton cups are extra crispy, bake them for a few minutes longer, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning the edges. If you prefer to crisp them up even more, you can also place them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.

Variations of Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups

• Buffalo Chicken with Blue Cheese: If you love blue cheese, add crumbled blue cheese directly into the buffalo chicken mixture for extra flavor. This will create a richer, more savory filling that pairs beautifully with the buffalo sauce.
• BBQ Chicken Wonton Cups: Switch out the buffalo sauce for your favorite barbecue sauce to create BBQ chicken wonton cups. This variation is just as tasty and offers a sweet and smoky flavor.
• Vegetarian Buffalo Wonton Cups: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try replacing the chicken with shredded cauliflower or a plant-based meat alternative. Toss the cauliflower or plant-based protein with buffalo sauce and follow the same instructions to create a meatless version of this dish.
• Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups: For an extra cheesy version of these wonton cups, add some extra shredded cheese into the filling mixture. Mozzarella or pepper jack cheese would work well for an added creamy and melty texture.

Storage and Shelf Life

Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can be stored for later if necessary. To store leftovers, let the wonton cups cool completely and place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

To reheat, place the cups on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until they are heated through and the wonton wrappers are crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, but the texture may not be as crispy.

For longer storage, you can freeze these wonton cups. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the cups to a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat frozen cups, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups

Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and drinks:

• Celery and Carrot Sticks: The cool crunch of fresh celery and carrots is the perfect complement to the spicy, rich buffalo chicken filling.
• Extra Dipping Sauces: Serve the wonton cups with extra blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. You can also serve a spicy ranch or even a tangy garlic sauce for variety.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a creamy dressing can balance out the spice from the buffalo chicken and add a refreshing contrast.
• Fries or Chips: Crispy fries or chips pair perfectly with the bold flavors of the buffalo chicken wonton cups. Serve them on the side for a complete snack or meal.

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Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups are a delicious, easy-to-make appetizer that combines the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the crispy crunch of wonton wrappers.

By following this simple recipe and using a few easy tips, you’ll create Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups that are sure to impress your guests. Feel free to customize the recipe to your taste, experiment with different sauces or fillings, and enjoy these crowd-pleasing treats any time you want to add a little spice to your meal.