These little Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups are packed with flavor and fun! They have a crispy shell filled with tasty chicken and creamy sauce, making them perfect for parties or snacks.
If you’re like me, you’ll have a hard time stopping at just one! I love serving them with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Yum! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton Wrappers: These are essential for holding everything together! You can find them in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using rice paper wrappers instead, but the texture will be different.
Cooked Shredded Chicken: I like using rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor. If you have leftover grilled chicken or even turkey, that works great too! For a vegetarian option, you can swap in shredded jackfruit or a mix of sautéed veggies.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but feel free to use any brand you love. For a milder option, try mixing the sauce with a little ranch dressing to tone down the heat.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, consider Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly.
Cheese: I prefer mozzarella for its meltiness. You can substitute with Monterey Jack or cheddar for a different flavor. To keep it dairy-free, try vegan cheese blends!
How Can I Make Sure My Wonton Cups Stay Crispy?
The key to crispy wonton cups is making sure they are properly baked and not soggy. Here are some tips:
- Press the wonton wrappers firmly into the muffin tin to ensure they hold their shape.
- Don’t overfill them; too much filling can make the bottoms soggy.
- Be sure to preheat your oven. The hot air helps make the wrappers crispy faster.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Once they turn golden brown, they’re ready to come out!
Crispy wonton cups are the perfect vehicle for all that flavorful filling, making every bite amazing!
Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wonton Cups:
- 24 wonton wrappers
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
For the Cheese Layer:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (plus extra for garnish)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Optional: ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 12-15 minutes to bake. So in total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes to have these scrumptious Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease a mini muffin tin to prevent any sticking later on.
2. Shape the Wonton Wrappers:
Gently press a wonton wrapper into each muffin tin cup. Make sure to push it down well to form a little bowl shape that will hold all of the tasty filling.
3. Prepare the Chicken Filling:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated in that spicy, tangy goodness!
4. Mix the Cheese Layer:
In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the shredded mozzarella cheese until smooth and creamy. This will add a delicious, rich layer to your wonton cups.
5. Layer the Cream Cheese Mixture:
Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese mixture into the bottom of each wonton cup. This layer provides a nice creamy base for the chicken.
6. Add the Buffalo Chicken:
Top the cream cheese with a generous spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture. Make sure to fill each cup but avoid overfilling; you want them to bake evenly!
7. Final Touch with Cheese:
Sprinkle a bit more shredded mozzarella or some crumbled blue cheese over the top of each filled cup. This will create a wonderful melty layer on top.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the wonton wrappers are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Cool and Remove:
Once baked, take the muffin tin out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Carefully remove the cups from the tin using a spoon or fork, as they can be quite hot!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish each cup with some crumbled blue cheese and sliced green onions. Serve warm, alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping if you wish!
Enjoy the crunchy, creamy, spicy delight of these Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups at your next gathering! They’re always a hit!
Can I Use Store-Bought Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great option and saves time. Just shred it and mix with the buffalo sauce as directed!
How Can I Make These Wonton Cups Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the wonton cups and fill them up to the baking stage, then cover and refrigerate them for up to a day. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them in the oven straight from the fridge and bake as directed. You might need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Can I Freeze Leftover Wonton Cups?
Yes, you can freeze these cups! After baking, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.
What Are Some Variations I Can Make?
Feel free to customize the filling! You can add shredded veggies, use different cheeses, or swap the buffalo sauce for barbecue sauce for a sweeter twist. Experiment and find your perfect flavor!