Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups are a fun, bite-sized treat! These crispy cups are filled with spicy buffalo chicken and creamy cheese, making them a perfect snack for any gathering.
These little gems are simple to make and great for sharing, or just for keeping all to yourself! I love serving them with extra ranch on the side—it’s the best part! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton wrappers: These are essential for creating the crispy cups. If you can’t find wonton wrappers, look for egg roll wrappers, cut into smaller squares, or tortillas baked in muffin tins for a similar effect.
Cooked chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for its flavor and convenience. If you’re meal prepping, leftover chicken or even canned chicken can work too. Just shred it finely to mix well with the sauce.
Buffalo wing sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice, but you can use any buffalo sauce that suits your spice level. For a milder option, consider mixing buffalo sauce with ranch dressing to tone down the heat.
Cream cheese: This adds a creamy texture. If you’re looking for dairy-free options, try a vegan cream cheese alternative or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Blue cheese: This is optional, but it adds amazing flavor. If you’re not a fan, feta cheese or simply leaving it out works too!
How Do I Shape Wonton Wrappers into Cups?
Shaping wonton wrappers can seem tricky, but it’s quite straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a mini muffin tin, greased well to prevent sticking. You can use cooking spray or brush with a little oil.
- Take a wonton wrapper and gently press it into one of the muffin cups, making sure the edges flare out. It should look like a small cup.
- Repeat for all wrappers, filling each cup with your cheese and chicken mixture. Don’t be afraid to fill them—they puff up while baking!
- Ensure the wrappers don’t tear; if they do, just use a new one. It’s best to work quickly, as they can dry out if left out too long.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 24 wonton wrappers
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
For Topping:
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
For Greasing:
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing the muffin tin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and an additional 12-15 minutes to bake in the oven, making it a quick and tasty treat to whip up for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your wonton cups bake evenly and become deliciously crispy.
2. Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Lightly grease your 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray or brush it with a little oil. This step helps prevent the wonton wrappers from sticking to the pan.
3. Mix the Chicken Filling:
In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo wing sauce. Stir until the chicken is well coated in the sauce. This is where the flavor really starts to build!
4. Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a separate bowl, soften the cream cheese and then add the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix them together until smooth. This creamy mixture will be the base inside your wonton cups.
5. Shape the Wonton Cups:
Take a wonton wrapper and place it into one of the muffin cups, gently pressing it down to create a cup shape. Make sure the corners flare out a bit for a nice presentation. Repeat this process until all wrappers are in place.
6. Fill the Cups:
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into each wonton cup. Then, layer 1 to 2 teaspoons of the buffalo chicken mixture on top of the cheese. Don’t be shy—pack them in!
7. Bake the Wonton Cups:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You want the wonton wrappers to be golden and crispy, making a delightful crunch when you bite into them.
8. Let Cool and Add Toppings:
Once they’re done baking, remove the cups from the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, add a small dollop of ranch or blue cheese dressing on top of each cup, sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles if you like, and finish off with sliced green onions for a fresh touch.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
These Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups are best served warm! Enjoy them as finger food at parties or as a fun snack while watching your favorite game!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken is very convenient, you can use any cooked chicken you have on hand. Leftover grilled or baked chicken works well, or even canned chicken if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure to shred it finely for the best texture.
What Can I Use Instead of Wonton Wrappers?
If you can’t find wonton wrappers, egg roll wrappers cut into smaller squares can be a great substitute. Alternatively, you can use puff pastry or even tortillas, baking them in the muffin tin to create a similar shape.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep them crispy, or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and cheese filling a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, quickly assemble the cups and bake them as directed. Freshly baked cups are always best, but this makes for a quicker prep on serving day!
