Crispy & Creamy Buffalo Chicken Wontons: The Ultimate Party Appetizer
Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with these incredibly delicious and easy-to-make Buffalo Chicken Wontons! Perfect for any gathering, from casual game days to elegant dinner parties, these bite-sized delights pack all the beloved flavors of buffalo chicken into a wonderfully crispy package. Imagine succulent, spicy buffalo chicken mingling with creamy ranch dressing, all nestled inside a perfectly baked wonton wrapper. It’s a flavor explosion that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
What Are Buffalo Chicken Wontons?
Buffalo Chicken Wontons are a creative and convenient twist on classic buffalo chicken dip. Instead of serving the dip with chips, we encase a delectable filling of seasoned buffalo chicken and a creamy ranch mixture within crispy wonton wrappers. These individual portions are then baked to golden perfection in a muffin tin, creating a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the rich, savory, and slightly spicy interior. They’re designed to be an easy, handheld snack that minimizes mess and maximizes flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Appetizer Recipe
There are countless reasons why these Buffalo Chicken Wontons deserve a permanent spot in your recipe collection:
- Effortlessly Delicious: Combining the irresistible taste of buffalo chicken with the cool, tangy creaminess of ranch creates a harmonious flavor profile that everyone adores. The crispy wonton wrapper adds an incredible texture that makes each bite satisfying.
- Perfect Party Food: These wontons are the ideal bite-sized appetizer for any event. Their individual portions make them easy for guests to grab and enjoy without needing extra plates or cutlery, making cleanup a breeze.
- Quick & Simple Preparation: With just a few staple ingredients and a straightforward baking method, you can whip up a batch of these savory treats in under 30 minutes of active cooking time. They are fantastic for last-minute gatherings or when you need a reliable, tasty snack.
- Versatile & Customizable: This recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can adjust the level of spice to your preference, add extra ingredients like blue cheese crumbles or green onions, or even use different types of cooked chicken. It’s also a brilliant way to transform leftover cooked chicken into something exciting and new.
- Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: Buffalo chicken is a universally loved flavor, and when presented in a fun, crispy wonton cup, it becomes an instant hit. Expect rave reviews and requests for the recipe every time you serve them!
Essential Ingredients for Success
Crafting these delectable wontons requires only a handful of readily available ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic appetizer:
- Buffalo Chicken: The star of the show! You’ll need pre-cooked, shredded buffalo chicken. This is where versatility comes in. You can use leftover shredded chicken breast tossed in buffalo sauce, shredded rotisserie chicken, or prepare a batch specifically for this recipe. Our Crock Pot Spicy Buffalo Ranch Chicken recipe is an excellent choice for a flavorful base.
- Wonton Wrappers: These thin, delicate wrappers are the key to achieving that irresistible crispy shell. Found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, usually near the produce or dairy, they are easy to work with and bake up beautifully.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese provides the essential creamy, tangy base that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing. You can explore more cream cheese recipes for inspiration.
- Ranch Dressing: A classic pairing with buffalo chicken, ranch dressing adds another layer of creaminess and a zesty, herbaceous flavor that truly complements the spicy chicken.
- Sriracha: For those who love an extra kick, sriracha is perfect for drizzling over the finished wontons. It adds a vibrant red color and a delightful burst of heat. Adjust the amount to your desired spice level, or omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Wontons
Creating these sensational Buffalo Chicken Wontons is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to ensure a crispy exterior and a wonderfully creamy, flavorful filling:
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 12-cup standard muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray, or grease each cup thoroughly. This prevents the wontons from sticking and helps them crisp evenly.
- Form Wonton Cups: For each muffin cup, carefully lay one wonton wrapper over the top. Gently press the wrapper into the cup, shaping it to line the sides and bottom. Don’t worry if the edges overlap or crinkle; this is perfectly normal and contributes to their rustic charm and crispy texture.
- Pre-bake Wonton Wrappers: Bake the empty wonton wrappers in the preheated oven for approximately 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary. You’re looking for them to turn crispy and achieve a light golden-brown color. This crucial step ensures the wontons remain crisp even after filling.
- Cool the Wrappers: Once baked, remove the muffin pan from the oven and allow the wonton cups to cool completely within the pan. This helps them retain their shape and firm up.
- Prepare the Creamy Filling: While the wontons are cooling, combine the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing in a medium-sized bowl. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. This creamy base will be spread at the bottom of your wonton cups.
- Reheat Oven (If Necessary): If your oven has cooled significantly, reheat it to 350°F (175°C) for the final bake.
- Fill with Cream Cheese Mixture: Once the wonton cups are cool, evenly divide the ranch cream cheese mixture among the 12 cups. Spread it gently over the bottom of each crispy wonton shell, creating a luscious layer for the chicken.
- Add Buffalo Chicken: Spoon approximately ¼ cup of your prepared buffalo chicken mixture into each wonton cup, layering it over the cream cheese. Ensure an even distribution of chicken in all 12 cups.
- Final Bake: Return the muffin pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This final bake warms the filling through, melds the flavors, and ensures everything is deliciously hot and ready to serve.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove the wontons from the oven. For an extra touch of heat and visual appeal, drizzle as much sriracha over the tops as desired. Serve these irresistible Buffalo Chicken Wontons warm and watch them disappear!
Pro Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Wontons
Achieving perfectly crispy and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Wontons is simple with these additional tips:
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load up each wonton, overfilling can make them soggy or cause the filling to spill over. Stick to the recommended ¼ cup of chicken per wonton for optimal results.
- Ensure Softened Cream Cheese: For a truly smooth and lump-free cream cheese mixture, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This will make it much easier to combine with the ranch dressing.
- Get Your Chicken Ready: Having your buffalo chicken pre-cooked and shredded makes this recipe incredibly fast. This is a fantastic use for leftover slow cooker buffalo chicken or even store-bought rotisserie chicken tossed with your favorite buffalo sauce.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the buffalo chicken and the cream cheese mixture a day in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving for the freshest taste and crispiest wontons.
- Storage & Reheating: Leftover wontons can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the wrappers soft.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of buffalo sauce used for the chicken. For extra mildness, you can increase the ranch dressing or reduce the sriracha drizzle. For more heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper to your buffalo chicken or use a hotter buffalo sauce.
- Air Fryer Alternative: If you prefer to use an air fryer, you can cook the empty wonton cups at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Once filled, air fry for another 3-5 minutes or until heated through.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These Buffalo Chicken Wontons are fantastic on their own, but a few thoughtful additions can elevate the experience:
- Dipping Sauces: Always offer extra ranch dressing or a homemade blue cheese dip on the side for dipping. These cool, creamy sauces perfectly complement the spicy wontons.
- Fresh Garnishes: A sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or green onions adds a pop of color and a fresh, mild oniony flavor. A few crumbles of blue cheese sprinkled on top before serving also enhance the classic buffalo flavor profile.
- Veggie Sides: Serve alongside crisp celery sticks and carrot sticks to provide a refreshing crunch and a traditional accompaniment to buffalo-flavored dishes.
- Beverage Pairings: These spicy bites pair wonderfully with cold beers, refreshing iced teas, or even a classic Moscow Mule for a sophisticated party drink.
Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need a lot of specialized equipment to make these delicious wontons. Here’s a quick list of the essentials:
- Muffin Pan: A standard 12-cup muffin pan is crucial for shaping and baking the wonton cups to perfection.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining the cream cheese and ranch dressing, and for holding your buffalo chicken mixture.
- Spatula or Spoon: For mixing ingredients and filling the wonton cups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use egg roll wrappers instead of wonton wrappers?
Yes, you can! Egg roll wrappers are larger and thicker than wonton wrappers. If using them, you might need to cut them into smaller squares or use a larger muffin tin, or fold them differently to fit. The cooking time for the wrappers might also need to be slightly adjusted.
Can I deep fry these Buffalo Chicken Wontons?
While this recipe is designed for baking, you could experiment with deep frying. If deep frying, ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (around 350-375°F or 175-190°C) and fry until golden brown and crispy. Be cautious not to overfill, and ensure the filling is heated through. Deep frying will result in a crispier, but also richer, appetizer.
How long can I store the leftovers?
Leftover Buffalo Chicken Wontons can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For best texture, reheat them in the oven or an air fryer until crispy and warmed through.
Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Wontons?
Yes, you can freeze them! After baking and cooling completely, place the wontons on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
More Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer Recipes
If you loved these Buffalo Chicken Wontons, you’ll surely enjoy exploring more of our fantastic appetizer ideas:
- 7 Layer Taco Dip: A classic, layered dip that’s always a hit at parties.
- Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Meatballs: Another easy buffalo chicken appetizer, made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
- Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings: For a different kind of spicy kick, these wings are bursting with Caribbean flavors.
- Crock Pot Onion Dip: A creamy, savory dip perfect for chips and veggies.
- Homemade Mozzarella Sticks: Gooey, crispy, and utterly satisfying.
Don’t miss our extensive collection of over 50+ finger food appetizer recipes and tons of game day appetizers that score big in flavor!
For more easy meal ideas, check out all of our crockpot chicken recipes.
Buffalo Chicken Wontons Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Wontons
This easy Buffalo Chicken Wonton Appetizer Recipe uses flavorful crockpot buffalo chicken and creamy ranch dressing to create irresistible party bites. Perfect for a football party, birthday celebration, or any gathering where you need a delicious and easy appetizer!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12 wontons
Calories: 163 kcal per serving
Author: Tammilee Tips
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Buffalo chicken (pre-cooked and shredded)
- 12 Wonton wrappers
- ½ Cup Cream Cheese, softened
- ½ Cup Ranch dressing
- Sriracha (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a 12-cup cupcake/muffin pan with non-stick spray or grease the pan.
- For each muffin cup, lay a wonton wrapper over the top and press it into the cup, lining the sides and bottom. Some of the wrapper may overlap on itself on the sides – this is ok.
- Bake in the oven for approximately 8-10 minutes or until the wrappers are crispy and slightly browned.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing until smooth.
- Reheat the oven again to 350°F (175°C) if it has cooled.
- Evenly divide the ranch cream cheese mixture between the 12 cooled wonton cups and spread it over the bottom.
- Add approximately ¼ cup of the buffalo chicken mixture to each cup.
- Bake in the oven for approximately 10 minutes to warm through.
- Drizzle as much sriracha over the top as desired and serve warm.
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 117
This recipe was originally shared in July 2018 and updated in January 2020 to bring you the best possible version of this fantastic appetizer.
If you enjoy simple and delicious recipes like this, be sure to check out our copycat recipes, tempting dessert recipes, and our beloved Crock Pot Recipes.
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